Texashound I forgot to ask you a very important question--did you treat yourself to the 6 month point? It's always important to set yourself up to succeed and that's a good way. Did you do something nice for yourself as a reward?
Hello all
I found this thread, as you do, and i read it all...
I just quit the weed, daily smoker for 15 years, with some breaks before, yes, but this time it has to stick. Cigs too. Or I will be breathing through a tube. Sorry if thats shocking but sometimes we need to face up to the truth while we still can. I love you guys and I know what you're talking about 100% and I'm thinking good thoughts for u all. It is true weed is not so innocent i am a 100% libertarian for freedom for all but i dont know the weed is dangerous i think. I would just eat it but i know i would move back to toking pretty quick as we all know the high is not the same when u eat it.
So cold turket it is. Actually i have a question - did you get massive mood swings when you first stopped? I have stopped for only 3 days so far and sometimes i just start crying, sobbing, for no reason. It didn't happen like that before...
ok - thank u all again :-)
I found this thread, as you do, and i read it all...
I just quit the weed, daily smoker for 15 years, with some breaks before, yes, but this time it has to stick. Cigs too. Or I will be breathing through a tube. Sorry if thats shocking but sometimes we need to face up to the truth while we still can. I love you guys and I know what you're talking about 100% and I'm thinking good thoughts for u all. It is true weed is not so innocent i am a 100% libertarian for freedom for all but i dont know the weed is dangerous i think. I would just eat it but i know i would move back to toking pretty quick as we all know the high is not the same when u eat it.
So cold turket it is. Actually i have a question - did you get massive mood swings when you first stopped? I have stopped for only 3 days so far and sometimes i just start crying, sobbing, for no reason. It didn't happen like that before...
ok - thank u all again :-)
Hello All, CJ back again after a break for a bit. (Between work and life, I've been busy... but incredibly productive!!)
It's true, I did smoke again after that last cottage weekend. I couldn't really get down on myself too much because I said that was when I was quitting until. Unfortunately, smoking was my reward. I didn't enjoy it a whole lot the first time back, but the next time a couple weeks later was okay. It's just not the same, and I'm scared of smoking too much in social situations.
No big deal though, I've been clean since and I don't smoke on weekdays (just far too cloudy-headed the next day!!)
My wife has been telling me that I'm a different person since I quit. I'd never be the guy to want to go out as soon as we got home from work and stay out being productive (we're looking for a new car, trying to get some renos done on the house, and we've had endless plans with friends.) When I smoked everyday, I'd be dying to get home ASAP to get a good bong hit in so that I could veg for an hour or two before bed. Lately I find myself running around doing sh*t and then realizing it's 9:30pm and I have to get ready for the next day. I often wonder how I got anything done before (to which my wife replies "Nothing got done!")
In the beginnings stages, I felt as if I had SOOOOO much time to kill every single day. Now I feel like I have no time and it's always escaping me. I've developed new hobbies to which I have been neglecting only because I run out of time every single day. It's awesome!!
So although I haven't been 100% clean all the time, I find I can occasionally reward myself without falling back into the old daily routine. Although it's important to note that I really don't want to smoke during the week anymore. It's not appealing. I've found such reward in my daily/sober life now that it kinda disgusts me to think about reverting back to an addict.
Another important note is that after smoking on a weekend, it's very easy to convince yourself to smoke on the Sunday night, or the Monday night. Probably the addict in me coming out and trying to temp me to get back on the daily-smoke-train... but I've been successful in avoiding it thus far. Those cravings are enough for me to REALLY want a couple more weeks completely sober before I indulge again. Once an addict, always an addict. You have to be careful if you're going to indulge again. It's easy to slip.
Anyway, I hope you're all doing well.
How's it shakin' FatBurger?? Is it like 8 weeks for you now?? If so, you should be incredibly proud of yourself. Reward yourself with something you'd enjoy. It's important. I'm proud of you dude.
Acemeh... don't worry bro, those emotional breakdowns and mood-swings are just part of your body's recovery and fight through the addiction (everyday use for years creates certain routines for your mind/body.) It's a chemical imbalance that your body is getting used to and it's fighting to get used to life without constant dopamine injections... your body will correct itself over a couple of weeks and you'll return to normal. Actually... you'll return to BETTER than normal because you'll feel happier, with more energy and a much more positive attitude towards life. Motivation and ambition are pretty amazing feelings after they've been gone for a while.
I wish you all the best,
CJ
It's true, I did smoke again after that last cottage weekend. I couldn't really get down on myself too much because I said that was when I was quitting until. Unfortunately, smoking was my reward. I didn't enjoy it a whole lot the first time back, but the next time a couple weeks later was okay. It's just not the same, and I'm scared of smoking too much in social situations.
No big deal though, I've been clean since and I don't smoke on weekdays (just far too cloudy-headed the next day!!)
My wife has been telling me that I'm a different person since I quit. I'd never be the guy to want to go out as soon as we got home from work and stay out being productive (we're looking for a new car, trying to get some renos done on the house, and we've had endless plans with friends.) When I smoked everyday, I'd be dying to get home ASAP to get a good bong hit in so that I could veg for an hour or two before bed. Lately I find myself running around doing sh*t and then realizing it's 9:30pm and I have to get ready for the next day. I often wonder how I got anything done before (to which my wife replies "Nothing got done!")
In the beginnings stages, I felt as if I had SOOOOO much time to kill every single day. Now I feel like I have no time and it's always escaping me. I've developed new hobbies to which I have been neglecting only because I run out of time every single day. It's awesome!!
So although I haven't been 100% clean all the time, I find I can occasionally reward myself without falling back into the old daily routine. Although it's important to note that I really don't want to smoke during the week anymore. It's not appealing. I've found such reward in my daily/sober life now that it kinda disgusts me to think about reverting back to an addict.
Another important note is that after smoking on a weekend, it's very easy to convince yourself to smoke on the Sunday night, or the Monday night. Probably the addict in me coming out and trying to temp me to get back on the daily-smoke-train... but I've been successful in avoiding it thus far. Those cravings are enough for me to REALLY want a couple more weeks completely sober before I indulge again. Once an addict, always an addict. You have to be careful if you're going to indulge again. It's easy to slip.
Anyway, I hope you're all doing well.
How's it shakin' FatBurger?? Is it like 8 weeks for you now?? If so, you should be incredibly proud of yourself. Reward yourself with something you'd enjoy. It's important. I'm proud of you dude.
Acemeh... don't worry bro, those emotional breakdowns and mood-swings are just part of your body's recovery and fight through the addiction (everyday use for years creates certain routines for your mind/body.) It's a chemical imbalance that your body is getting used to and it's fighting to get used to life without constant dopamine injections... your body will correct itself over a couple of weeks and you'll return to normal. Actually... you'll return to BETTER than normal because you'll feel happier, with more energy and a much more positive attitude towards life. Motivation and ambition are pretty amazing feelings after they've been gone for a while.
I wish you all the best,
CJ
Just stumbled upon this thread because im just about to start my quitting weed journey,found it a bit of a comfort to see im not alone.I have been smoking weed daily for the past 15 years,bad yes but it needs to stop now..only on my 3rd day without,no pot in my house so the temptations not there.I am struggling a little bit mainly with things like boredom at night times because thats when i gasp the most,the empty light headed feeling is annoying me aswell..worst of all i have this strange metallic like taste in my mouth,dont know if anyone else gets this,ive had it before when i tried to quit a couple of years ago.but it disappeared as soon as i smoked a joint..and no matter how many times you use mouthwash or brush your teeth it doesnt go away..Apart from that so far so good..not too happy about seeing it takes a couple of months to get out of your system i want rid of it quicker.I start my driving lessons very soon and want to have a clear head 32 years old and only just starting my lessons i blame it all on weed.And the fact i havent kept a job for more than 12 months..Dont get me wrong i loved being a pothead but enough is enough..if anyones got any advice on how to get it out of your system quickly i would appreciate it...:-)
Hey again
Couple of things:
Getting it (physically) out of your system - that just takes time 7 days I think for the pee test - lol
Second - "rewarding" yourself with a j - As one who has given up for 3 months before then go right back into it again I think this is a dangerous mindset that will not lead to success. Soo nenough you're "rewarding" yourself for getting out of bed in the morning if you see what I mean, but whatever works 4 u i guess.
Last a question - Anyone get vertigo when they quit? I mean proper serious vertigo attack? I just did today (day5), and it is worrying me a bit. If u dont know what I mean the whole World tips up 30 degrees like being on a boat on rough seas but you dont move and it didnt really happen...........
Thanks everyone ;-)
Couple of things:
Getting it (physically) out of your system - that just takes time 7 days I think for the pee test - lol
Second - "rewarding" yourself with a j - As one who has given up for 3 months before then go right back into it again I think this is a dangerous mindset that will not lead to success. Soo nenough you're "rewarding" yourself for getting out of bed in the morning if you see what I mean, but whatever works 4 u i guess.
Last a question - Anyone get vertigo when they quit? I mean proper serious vertigo attack? I just did today (day5), and it is worrying me a bit. If u dont know what I mean the whole World tips up 30 degrees like being on a boat on rough seas but you dont move and it didnt really happen...........
Thanks everyone ;-)
Vertigo definitely happened in a couple cases with friends of mine who quit, and I don't know why it happened but it's pretty normal. IF you need help, try a teensy bit of caffeine. It definitely helped me out. What do you think?
Hi CJ! Awesome update, thanks so much for all that. I'm really excited to read your post because it sounds like you went from abusing it to enjoying it, and that's the point, isn't it? I hope that you're doing well and keep us all updated on how you're doing. I really like reading your posts. Thanks again!
As of today, I'm on the wagon with the rest of you all. This has been a very calculated decision as I've come to the point where I hate weed and need to stop. Forever. Sure, it's fun to smoke sometimes, but I see that it negatively affects me on so many levels I tend to despise it. Intensely. It affects my communication skills (reading, writing, listening and definitely speaking), focus, happiness, confidence, appearance, etc. etc. I'm glad I have this pissed perception of pot though as it'll make it easier for me to quit...to a certain degree of course.
I've been smoking on and off since I was in 7th grade, definitely more on than off, and now I'm about to turn 40 (in two weeks). Turning 40 helps with the decision, however, I've been wanting to stop for a LONG time as well. I quit when I was 18 for about 5 years, then started smoking once every other month for a couple years thereafter. I had my cake and could eat it too. It was great. But then I moved to Fort Collins, Colorado where herb smoking is pretty much a sport...everybody blazes here. I mean everybody. Damn good weed though, and the beer is some of the best, too. Buuuut, despite how good it is, it's bad...at least for me. It really affects my joy. Plus, I tend to get totally wack thoughts permeating my thoughts when I'm baked; often very negative, judgmental, depressing, and so on. Screw that.
Recently, I quit for a month and I have to say, it was awesome. I got my character/personality back, and that more than anything is great. I was way funnier and was constantly laughing at things, which wasn't the case when I was loaded. People said I sounded great during this time, lots of people. For most of the month I didn't have any relapse thoughts because I had such strong negative emotions towards weed. But oddly at day 30, wow, I really wanted to get blazed. I didn't that night, but the next day I sure did. And I had a great time. But soon after doing it consistently, the fun faded. And faded big time. I've come to the conclusion that I'm way happier in life being myself, not stoned and/or buzzed from alcohol. It sucks being a zombie. I see it my friends as well.
Something I really noticed in myself and others when I was clean and when I relapsed...Myself and others become very self-centered. I was criticizing my girlfriend at the time for this, then sure enough, when I went back to blazing, I too became very self-absorbed. That's not cool. I find myself wanting to do things for people when I'm clean and sober, where as before, it was all what they could do for me. Again, not cool. I'm glad I witnessed this though, it's another huge incentive to stay off this ish. Period.
Back to personality and character...My mom told me recently that when I was in Jr. High, back when I first started smoking da herb, I was so bubbly and talkative when I got home. I would totally chat it up with my mom and sister. But then I started coming home and going directly up stairs, no communication with others, and just going to bed. She didn't know what was going on with me for a long time. She kinda lost her son. That f'ing sucks!!! I generally get tears in my eyes when I tell people this in person, in fact I'm starting to get them now. Pot doesn't just affect us, it affects the people who are around and love us. We should really consider these people too when we're trying to quit, as well as when we're on the wagon.
I'm really glad we have this support forum, I know I can make it now (plus I have a hefty bet with my roommate that if I cave, I owe him $300. One hit would cost me 3 hundy. F' that!). I'm thankful for Texas, FatBurger, CJ421, etc. for all their support of others, as well as their strength to stay clean. That's AWESOME!!! I read just about every word from you guys, as well as others. I actually pray for you guys, no joke. CJ, that's tight you made your goal and that you can just enjoy herb when you want. Godspeed. For many of us, it sounds like we need to stay clear of the weed. Infinitely. Myself included.
I'll definitely be back here on the regular with my progress, as well as to support all of you.
Peace.
I've been smoking on and off since I was in 7th grade, definitely more on than off, and now I'm about to turn 40 (in two weeks). Turning 40 helps with the decision, however, I've been wanting to stop for a LONG time as well. I quit when I was 18 for about 5 years, then started smoking once every other month for a couple years thereafter. I had my cake and could eat it too. It was great. But then I moved to Fort Collins, Colorado where herb smoking is pretty much a sport...everybody blazes here. I mean everybody. Damn good weed though, and the beer is some of the best, too. Buuuut, despite how good it is, it's bad...at least for me. It really affects my joy. Plus, I tend to get totally wack thoughts permeating my thoughts when I'm baked; often very negative, judgmental, depressing, and so on. Screw that.
Recently, I quit for a month and I have to say, it was awesome. I got my character/personality back, and that more than anything is great. I was way funnier and was constantly laughing at things, which wasn't the case when I was loaded. People said I sounded great during this time, lots of people. For most of the month I didn't have any relapse thoughts because I had such strong negative emotions towards weed. But oddly at day 30, wow, I really wanted to get blazed. I didn't that night, but the next day I sure did. And I had a great time. But soon after doing it consistently, the fun faded. And faded big time. I've come to the conclusion that I'm way happier in life being myself, not stoned and/or buzzed from alcohol. It sucks being a zombie. I see it my friends as well.
Something I really noticed in myself and others when I was clean and when I relapsed...Myself and others become very self-centered. I was criticizing my girlfriend at the time for this, then sure enough, when I went back to blazing, I too became very self-absorbed. That's not cool. I find myself wanting to do things for people when I'm clean and sober, where as before, it was all what they could do for me. Again, not cool. I'm glad I witnessed this though, it's another huge incentive to stay off this ish. Period.
Back to personality and character...My mom told me recently that when I was in Jr. High, back when I first started smoking da herb, I was so bubbly and talkative when I got home. I would totally chat it up with my mom and sister. But then I started coming home and going directly up stairs, no communication with others, and just going to bed. She didn't know what was going on with me for a long time. She kinda lost her son. That f'ing sucks!!! I generally get tears in my eyes when I tell people this in person, in fact I'm starting to get them now. Pot doesn't just affect us, it affects the people who are around and love us. We should really consider these people too when we're trying to quit, as well as when we're on the wagon.
I'm really glad we have this support forum, I know I can make it now (plus I have a hefty bet with my roommate that if I cave, I owe him $300. One hit would cost me 3 hundy. F' that!). I'm thankful for Texas, FatBurger, CJ421, etc. for all their support of others, as well as their strength to stay clean. That's AWESOME!!! I read just about every word from you guys, as well as others. I actually pray for you guys, no joke. CJ, that's tight you made your goal and that you can just enjoy herb when you want. Godspeed. For many of us, it sounds like we need to stay clear of the weed. Infinitely. Myself included.
I'll definitely be back here on the regular with my progress, as well as to support all of you.
Peace.
JHouse...I hear ya...I felt about the same as you with many things and family.
It's now been over 7 months for me. As big as a stoner as I was, I know y'all can do it too. Stick with it...it's really tough at first but know how much better you'll feel. You'll think more clearly and be much more sociable with friends and family. You'll be more healthy and no hack or other bs.
That first week is probably the hardest. Hell, even at 7+ months, I still get the urge. It passes fast though. I saved a stash because a stoner really never wants to give it up but over the months I gave most of it away to some close friends who were in need. Hell, they smoked in my house right in front of me but willpower wins out every time and I just watched them and enjoyed the moment just being with them while they were getting high.
For a person who couldn't fathom going into a weekend without smoking and thinking everything is better when high, I am pretty surprised still at how long it's been. At this point, I do feel I'm done with it. It's weird b/c it's still hard to write that b/c a small part inside wants to say: well maybe i'll do it again but deeper inside I know I should move on for good. If I cheat, I'd be right back in the hole.
I didn't necessarily treat myself at the 6 month mark but I did in July with a scuba diving trip and all new sweeeet scuba gear. That is a new hobby since I quit smoking...something I've always wanted to do but never pursued.
To this day, one thing I like the most is not having that feeling of a little bit of desperation when getting low on weed....that cycle of contacting my source and getting more. All you guys know that feeling and also know the PIA dealing with that some times. It'll be tomorrow, then tomorrow comes and it's next week. That feeling of saying: sh*t, I have 2 days worth and need to make it last 8 days, then scraping, etc. Damn....I am glad as hell to be done with that. I was driving a few hours to hook up and it was probably only a matter of time before I got pulled over and busted. That woulda been a nightmare. Now, I smile when thinking of it and don't have to jack with that any more and it feels darn good.
The next thing I like the most is that I feel like the chains have been lifted and I don't sit at home smoking dope all day all weekend all the time. That's all I used to want to do. No more...I am more into things now and that feels good.
You guys keep it up. I know it's tough. Especially at first. Make the commitment to yourself and know that soon that the fog will begin to lift, that it'll be easier and that you're friends and family will notice a change you in. You'll feel better, sleep easy, the vivid dreams will go away and you'll get out and enjoy life.
Stay strong!
TH
It's now been over 7 months for me. As big as a stoner as I was, I know y'all can do it too. Stick with it...it's really tough at first but know how much better you'll feel. You'll think more clearly and be much more sociable with friends and family. You'll be more healthy and no hack or other bs.
That first week is probably the hardest. Hell, even at 7+ months, I still get the urge. It passes fast though. I saved a stash because a stoner really never wants to give it up but over the months I gave most of it away to some close friends who were in need. Hell, they smoked in my house right in front of me but willpower wins out every time and I just watched them and enjoyed the moment just being with them while they were getting high.
For a person who couldn't fathom going into a weekend without smoking and thinking everything is better when high, I am pretty surprised still at how long it's been. At this point, I do feel I'm done with it. It's weird b/c it's still hard to write that b/c a small part inside wants to say: well maybe i'll do it again but deeper inside I know I should move on for good. If I cheat, I'd be right back in the hole.
I didn't necessarily treat myself at the 6 month mark but I did in July with a scuba diving trip and all new sweeeet scuba gear. That is a new hobby since I quit smoking...something I've always wanted to do but never pursued.
To this day, one thing I like the most is not having that feeling of a little bit of desperation when getting low on weed....that cycle of contacting my source and getting more. All you guys know that feeling and also know the PIA dealing with that some times. It'll be tomorrow, then tomorrow comes and it's next week. That feeling of saying: sh*t, I have 2 days worth and need to make it last 8 days, then scraping, etc. Damn....I am glad as hell to be done with that. I was driving a few hours to hook up and it was probably only a matter of time before I got pulled over and busted. That woulda been a nightmare. Now, I smile when thinking of it and don't have to jack with that any more and it feels darn good.
The next thing I like the most is that I feel like the chains have been lifted and I don't sit at home smoking dope all day all weekend all the time. That's all I used to want to do. No more...I am more into things now and that feels good.
You guys keep it up. I know it's tough. Especially at first. Make the commitment to yourself and know that soon that the fog will begin to lift, that it'll be easier and that you're friends and family will notice a change you in. You'll feel better, sleep easy, the vivid dreams will go away and you'll get out and enjoy life.
Stay strong!
TH
Oh and the other thing I like alot is the money that I've saved. I paid off my credit cards a few months ago with one big check and my savings account has grown pretty nicely since last February 23rd (day I quit...I'll never forget that date).
I am already planning a big time scuba trip for 2010 summertime. That money woulda been for weed in the past. Hell in the past I didn't even want to consider trips, especially out of the country b/c how would I be able to smoke weed and the thought of being without would trump the desire to even go on a trip of a lifetime.
TH
I am already planning a big time scuba trip for 2010 summertime. That money woulda been for weed in the past. Hell in the past I didn't even want to consider trips, especially out of the country b/c how would I be able to smoke weed and the thought of being without would trump the desire to even go on a trip of a lifetime.
TH
two months and counting! everyday is diff. i can have good ones and i can have bad ones! but im glad i dont have something to hold me back anymore. me nad my hubby were talking and he was like im so glad you dont smoke you would use to say stuff like" i have to smoke a bowl before we go" or i just dont feel like myself i need to smoke" or just would not ber happy till i was super stoned and i mean stoned sh*t 2 grams a day yeah i was gone!!!!!! I still say i dotn feel like myself but im getting there. gotta get use to the sober feeling all the time. just wish the anxiety would go away
Nice work Vangie...I assure you it'll go away soon. I'm guessing probably very soon too if you're at 2 months.
Just keep at it...sounds like you have a good support network with your family! Do it for both them and yourself. I know it's tough at times but you're starting to feel good on certain days huh???? Before you know it, you'll be feeling like that every day and realize you are over it and out of the woods.
Stay strong! Willpower!
TH
Just keep at it...sounds like you have a good support network with your family! Do it for both them and yourself. I know it's tough at times but you're starting to feel good on certain days huh???? Before you know it, you'll be feeling like that every day and realize you are over it and out of the woods.
Stay strong! Willpower!
TH
Thanks to both of you guys, I really needed to read those responses.
My roommate caved just the next day on our bet, then I followed a couple days after that. So, I just waited till I turned 40, just this last Tuesday, to quit again. This time, no bet, just on myself. I blazed and drank the night before my bday, but not ON my bday 'cause I wanted to start my new year new.
For the most part, it hasn't been that tough, but I tell ya, I've been feeling it today, that's for sure. I just want to chillax, you know. The good thing is I'm getting back out amongst people and conversing, it's great. Before, when I was stoned, while I could still listen, I just wasn't all there...kinda fading off. It sucked! Now I'm totally present when I speak with people and I'm starting to really make people laugh again.
Thanks so much to all of you whom keep coming back to this thread. We all need it. We need to read about your triumphs and tribulations as we can all relate. It's good to hear about the carrot at the end of the stick. Again, we need to hear this. Please keep coming back.
I was seriously thinking about giving in today, but after reading your guys' responses, I won't partake. I need to kick this once and for all. I know I'll be much happier, I know it.
Wow, very vivid dreams to say the least. Kinda entertaining though, fortunately not gnarly.
Peace.
My roommate caved just the next day on our bet, then I followed a couple days after that. So, I just waited till I turned 40, just this last Tuesday, to quit again. This time, no bet, just on myself. I blazed and drank the night before my bday, but not ON my bday 'cause I wanted to start my new year new.
For the most part, it hasn't been that tough, but I tell ya, I've been feeling it today, that's for sure. I just want to chillax, you know. The good thing is I'm getting back out amongst people and conversing, it's great. Before, when I was stoned, while I could still listen, I just wasn't all there...kinda fading off. It sucked! Now I'm totally present when I speak with people and I'm starting to really make people laugh again.
Thanks so much to all of you whom keep coming back to this thread. We all need it. We need to read about your triumphs and tribulations as we can all relate. It's good to hear about the carrot at the end of the stick. Again, we need to hear this. Please keep coming back.
I was seriously thinking about giving in today, but after reading your guys' responses, I won't partake. I need to kick this once and for all. I know I'll be much happier, I know it.
Wow, very vivid dreams to say the least. Kinda entertaining though, fortunately not gnarly.
Peace.
I think that two months out really does help, and you totally do have more better days than bad ones. Just to be curious though--how long did you kick the habit? I seem to remember it was six months ago now? Or was it longer?
It's been over a week now and for the most part, I feel great. I'm way more social now; talkative, more inclined to listen and be in the now when hanging out with others, etc. Plus, I'm just happier now and don't really have that fog in my head. Clarity to a certain degree. Plus, my cash is sticking around longer now that I'm not buying bags. It's weird always having money in my account.
I'm gonna keep coming back here and letting you guys/girls know what's up. I truly hope everybody is hanging in there. If not, keep trying. When I learn a new skateboard trick, it generally takes SEVERAL tries before I get it. Same with any endeavor, including giving up the ish.
Keep on, keep on.
I'm gonna keep coming back here and letting you guys/girls know what's up. I truly hope everybody is hanging in there. If not, keep trying. When I learn a new skateboard trick, it generally takes SEVERAL tries before I get it. Same with any endeavor, including giving up the ish.
Keep on, keep on.