Recommendations on how to stop smoking marijuana and what symptoms to watch for

Just wanted to say a heartfelt thankyou to all who have taken the time to write on here.Though we are all from different parts of the world,I can relate to a vast majority of the posts.I could honestly cut and paste many stories as my own,so similar to my experiences.
 I came across this site when I was feeling low,after running out of weed.I had been planning to give up for a number of years,there never seemed a right time though.I would always find an excuse to continue smoking,using different justifications.I made no plans to give up,this thread gave me the kick up the a*** I needed.
 I am 37 year old male in the Uk,I have been a habitual everyday user for probably 18 years of my life.I have pushed all my friends away as preferred to smoke by myself.I have lost girlfriends due to my selfish habit.I am now by myself without a partner,no job at the moment and recently had to move back home as I had no money.My life has revolved around green,from selling it,growing it,importing it and trying to sort deals for myself.The only times Ive stopped are when I couldn't get any.I have missed many opportunities in my life as I chose to be alone smoking.The one saving grace was I didn't push all of my family away.Though my relationships with them were stifled by my habit.In the end I was just a shell of the person that I could or was meant to be.
 I am now on day 20 of giving up,limiting myself to a certain amount would not work for me personally,so I decided to go cold turkey.The first few days are not easy at all,tense,angry,feeling run down,scared of reality I guess.Also sense of time was apparent to me,where it could easily fill with a joint or two.I didn't have that crutch anymore.As days pass it becomes easier for sure,I guess it's just learning to live with yourself.I have not had urges to smoke,as I do not want to feel anxious again.I still have a kind of tense feeling sometimes like something is missing,but I just put that down to my mind missing the smoke.At the start when you are tempted,it is really important to remember the negatives smoking has on yourself.Also it's very important to let family and those close to you know that you are giving up.Short temper was a definate issue for me.Also it's important that you try and fill your time,as said before be positive and productive.Also for me a couple of glasses of wine in the evening only,has helped take the edge off.I'm just conscious of not substituting one addiction for another.
 In such a small space of time a lot can change.I have now organized a job and actually enjoy being interviewed and meeting new people.I have got in touch with old friends and family I chose to push away and am in process of making amends with them.Also have joined a gym to keep me busy.I am going for lunch tomorrow with one of my closest friends,who I chose not to see for the last three years.I look back on my past and think WTF sometimes..But there is no point mulling over the past,live in the present and try and enjoy everyday.
  

I have been smoking for 6 years and have decided enough is enough. It became clear that I had a problem when I  was visiting my parents house. I became so angry over something small (cant even remember what it was) i freaked out. It had been a long day and I didn't smoke all day. I went home smoked up and all was good For the time being. I felt terrible about the way I acted towards my mom ( and I'm a mommas boy lol). I hated the way it controlled my life, my feelings, my attitude, everything. I felt I was trapped and the worst part was it was because of ME! I knew what I was doing every time I lit up, just a temporary fix for the night or trip or whatever I happened to be doing. I made one sacrifice after another for bud. I couldn't remember a single play from high school football, I quit playing college football I lied through my teeth to employers, parents, coaches, and my girlfriend. I soon found myself smoking everyday for years making sh*t money. There was a time I was sharp as a tack with pretty much anything now I'm struggling through community college. I've made my decision to stop cold turkey 4 days ago and it's been hard as hell, but I'm not giving in this time. I've done the "I swear I'll quit" routine and end up smoking the next day. After reading some posts I feel much better, I appreciate them. The days are getting rougher for me tho and I'm prepared to fight it. I'm willing to go through anything to get the old me back again.im hoping my brain nd body can recover fully so I can finally make some real money. I'm not sure why I posted what I did but If your going through what m going through stay strong and see it til the end. The crazy thing about my situation is that my girlfind doesn't know who I really Am, I've smoked everyday since I've known her and I can't wait to show her how great I can be. I'm excited to be free again. And who knows Mary j and I may link back up during retirement.

-TA

Well done my friend, first period is rough and gets easier for sure.read that on green you are 60 percent of person you should be.short term sh*t for long term best. ;)

Um, i quit all drugs i was taking, but smoked weed till my pain pill withdrawls were over (THEY SUCKED THE BODY ACHES WERE AWEFUL) but been clean from weed for 3 and a half months till I relapsed 9 days ago. I didnt go through any physical withdrawls just mental...... but I was just on mid. Thing is even though ive been clean for so long ( or was damn relaps ) my main problem is I dont see anything wrong with it other than how long it takes to pass a drug test. Tried drinking but my late pops was an alchoholic and i saw him drink himself to death and it just aint me. I never had a problem with anxiety till I stopped smoking and its hard to stop my anger but im hanging in there.... by the way i took 4 small hits of a bowl, compared to 4 to 5 blunts a day for 18 years.... saving that money now though lol

bro, ive been trying antihistamine drugs and it kinda helps the anxiety but im iffy about using pills, also regular medical docs are weird about trying you on xanex ect, but a shrink might help. good luck to ya, you and I both need it!

In reply the guest that has been smoking for 6 years and have decided enough is enough. Are you still clean?

recovvering addict how is it going?

Its been helpful reading everyones honest replies. I have smoked, but mainly eaten dope, on and off since I lived in Amsterdam when I was 20 to 21 years. This period of around 4/5 years has been the longest heavy usage since my days in Amsterdam. I began eating dope after my Waking night shifts, so I could sleep. This developed into a daily use ,and now we smoke on long walks, and the only nights I don't smoke is when I am on Waking nights . I use to do a lot of nights, I work with "challenging behaviour" Autistic kids, who are intimidating and violent, so I used to use the dope to calm my anxiety. Plus since we moved 7 years ago, we live in a Housing Coop, we have experienced extreme anti-social neighbour issues. Seven years of abuse, noise, oppression ect. So I use cannabis to cope living here. Well it has dawned on me over the last few months how cannabis has done me a disservice. I have experienced paranoia, delusions, sensitivity to noise. All of which has not helped me cope with the ass-holes we are unfortunate to live next to. In stead of constructively dealing with the monsters head on, we used indirect ways , like Feng Shui ( I know, sounds silly!) avoidance, getting out more, getting the Police involved, but they need hard evidence, going to the Coop who told us we had to move, and it wasn't that bad! At this point I lost the plot. Now we have learnt to stand up for ourselves and have finally bought a camera, and have a lovely guy who is now our spokesperson in the Coop. The point is I tried to avoid the problem, escape through cannabis! I only went "mad", I developed psychotic episodes, delusions, turmoil. I have become increasingly more and more isolated till the only people I come in contact with are the odd person at work, I work part-time , but use to do lots of over-time, but now after the last mistake I have to stop.I simply can not cope anymore, my mind is foggy, reactions too slow, common sense doesn't always exist, plus I have struggled with anxiety, and panic attacks! I am still in the job I hate and more in debt than I have ever been. Again not dealing with the problem. I am a blocked artist too. I have tried to create here, but playing my guitar and singing has been difficult with people who want to destroy you next door! We renovated the basement . But the increased use of the drugs has not made me more creative , I thought it made me spiritually more aware and better at poetry, but that's a delusion, cos when I read what I have written when I'm not high its plain and too basic! Plus I can't sing so well when I smoke neat cannabis, I don't smoke tabacco. I have experienced lowered immunity to chest infections, coughs and phegm, just like I did on tabbacco . I'm dyslexic, yet the longer and heavier I use cannabs the more my ability to form words, spell remember has deteriated. I feel stupid! When I was attempting to learn music theory, for composing my own songs, I realise I have not retained what I have learnt, I have wasted all that time learning theory only to forget everything. I know another person who is experiencing behaviours I have. Things like delusions, paranoia, psychosis, irritability, inability to cope, anger, isolation. Shes on sick after only over a year as a Social worker. She smokes Skunk! I realise I have lost my passion, my motivation and learning capacity. Now I have a reason to quit, I have bought a Silent guitar, so I can play it anywhere any time and practise and learn again. I am part time so have no spare cash for cannabis and I want a social life again. I want to use my brain! On the short days I have recently not been high, I experience joy, an even temperament, deep spiritual connections to higher life forms, to God ( yes I have gone back to God, but don't attend Church services, as I believe Spirit speaks through the text and no human should tell you what the Bible says, its a personal connection), but also more energy, hipper activity, followed by exhaustion. I want to cut down, and I may have to stop completely, as I have had many driving lessons ,but when I practised with my partner, I was dangerous. My reactions are too slow, my drift off, lose concentration. Not good when you're driving! I also need a driving licence. I use to drive a Motorbike, but in those 3 years I never took cannabis. I want to feel sober again, manage stress through meditation and creating and learning. I want my drive back, my courage, motivation, a life, to drive a car. I have reasons to give up. Maybe I am the sort of person who can not take cannabis now again as the usage creeps up, its addictive, so it could be farewell to my delusional friend for good! The drugs don't work anymore!

I have been smoking weed for 17 years now.  I has deteriorated my health and I find myself feeling nauseous and throwing up at least once a week.   weed during the 70s contains about 5% THC ... the weed I have been purchasing contains around 13% (Afghan Kush)  I smoke about 1 joint a day split up into 4 sessions ... with two tokes per session.   It has stained my two front teeth so I would constantly have to go to the dentist to have them scratch it off.  I was originally from Vancouver and decided to move to SF just to get away from my group of friends.  Little did I knew that SF has medicinal marijuana and weed is much easier to access than back in Canada.  The media also makes it okay to smoke down here where it's still a bit of a taboo back in Canada.  My wife has a couple of tokes with me ... but that's mainly because she wants to support me any way possible.   When I'm on weed, I'm actually quite productive.  I use weed to numb and mundane tasks such as vacumming, washing the dishes, cleaning up the house.  I use this productivity as an excuse to use weed, so that I don't feel like a bum.  Before I eat, I would take a take beforehand just so I can get a larger appetite.  Afterwards, when I'm full, the stone is gone so I would require another toke ... My family wants to visit me in SF, and I keep rejecting them because that would mean I have to stay off weed during their stay ... it's these types of behaviour that really sickens me.  I remember when I went back to visit my Mom in SF, and we were out for lunch at a mall.  I lied to her that I forgot something in my car.  This is just so I could take a toke right before lunch without her knowing it.  When I spoke to her, she could smell it on my breath but didn't say anything.  I felt horrible.  I feel I get high now just because it's a routing and habit rather than wanting to get high.  After the first session of the day, I don't get high anymore.  My eyes get really dry and now I constantly see squiggly lines.   I constantly have to force myself to yawn just so my eyes don't get dried.  My diet is horrible and I'm usually too tired to exercise or cook any proper dinners.  When we go out to dinner with friends, I would get high before we meet them because I believe it makes me social.  But in reality, I'm talkative the first 20 minutes and then just sit there and stone out.  During that time, I would just count down and figure out ways to end the night so I can go home and have my toke.  Whenever, I travel, I don't have the cravings though.  Two years ago I travelled through Europe for two months without any cravings.  This made me feel as though it's not addictive.  This is not true. As soon as I got back, I couldn't last a day.  Why is that?    It's really hard to stay away from it when you know it's present in the house.  I recently cracked and renewed my medical card for another year ... and picked up an ounce.  Immediately after I got really nauseous.  I kept throwing up throughout the weekend.  On July 1, 2013, I decided to quit.  I couldn't throw away the ounce I just bought ... but just made myself the promise.  Day 1, I was just nauseous.  Day 2 my emotions were amplified by 10.  Anything that made me feel sad, such as the lack of friends currently had, made me started crying.  I haven't cried for years ... and the tears just kept rolling down for 1/2 an hour.  I would leave the house to go for a job and find myself crying under my sunglasses while I'm job.  I just feel so sorry for myself.  When I got home I immediately shredded the medical card... but still kept the weed.  Wednesday, I was still nauseous but wasn't emotionaly anymore.  Day 4 was independence day.  I knew that I would have 100 excuses to smoke.  So I dumped everything in the toilet.  $300 worth of weed.  I was right ... I started craving it that evening and Friday night as well.  It's now one week since I quit, and I'm still nauseous.  I don't crave it anymore ... but my health is still in horrible condition.  I'm 36 and plan on having a kid next year.  My wife is an OBGYN, and told me about a pregnant patient that she once had.  Her husband was high on weed and crashed the car.  The accident killed his wife and the unborn child.  They tested him for drugs and tested positive for weed.  He got second degree murder charges and went to jail.  This happened in Fresno, CA.  This is the story that keeps me strong.  I would never forgive myself if that happened to me.  Weed is addictive.   Most of my friends that tried weed has now moved onto cocaine.  They hardly smoke anymore, but when I do see them, they do about 5 lines per day.  It's a much expensive habit.  Weed is a gateway drug because the friends that you do hang around will have access to more drugs that just weed.  I think setting up milestones is a great idea.  I am going to celebrate on August 1 when I'm one month sober.  And next year on July 1 when I'm one year sober.  Maybe I would have a child then to celebrate with me.    I have read many forums ... and this is the one that I read every morning.  Everything I read, I relate to.  Stay strong and I hope my message can help others as this forum has helped me greatly.  Thank you so much for contributing your experiences and being completely honest .... and I want to especially thank you the original poster for creating this forum.  It has helped me get pass this past week.  I owe a great debt to you.

I've been smoking a couple times a day (an eighth or more a week) for over a year now. At first I didn't think it was really affecting me. I used it to self medicate, it calmed me down after work and it gave me something to do when I was sitting at home bored, it made my tv shows seem funnier and made me forget about my everyday stresses. But then I had an amazing job offer, and after being interviewed and getting the job I realized there was going to be a drug test. I had 5 days to detox! So I quit as soon as I found out. Those five days were like five days in hell. I had all of the symptoms of a heavy weed smoker quitting, I couldn't sleep, I was constantly nauseous (especially in the mornings), mood swings, hot flashes, shaking. I even went to the ER on day three because I completely lost my appetite and anything I did try to eat I would throw up! I didn't tell them I was quitting smoking weed though so they ran some tests and prescribed me pills for depression. I took them and they actually did help a little bit but they really mellowed me out. And not in a good way, they made me feel like a mindless zombie wondering around in a dream. So after all this trouble for the drug test, I'm happy to say I passed it! If you're wondering how I passed after smoking everyday (just in case you ever need to know) I used jello. It sounds crazy but I swear by it. An hour before my drug test I took a packet of jello and mixed it all into two bottles of water and drank them. I stopped taking the anti-depressants once I ran out of my first prescription. I was supposed to go for a follow up visit but never did. You would think that after all that trouble to pass the drug test and seeing how sick I was for those 5 days that I would've stopped, but I didn't. I started right back up. More time passed and I started to feel more anxious, moody, and every now and then depressed when I wasn't high. I've always been a positive person full of energy and life and I realized that wasn't who I was anymore. I had become dis-connected and unhappy. I stopped hanging out with friends as often and spent my nights and weekends smoking. But even this wasn't enough to stop me from smoking, the calm feeling it gave me was too good to give up. A month ago I went on a flight to take a vacation (flight means no weed could come) and the whole week of my vacation was spent in agony. I couldn't eat, the thought of food was repulsive and when I did eat I would throw it up. I experienced the same symptoms I had experienced when I quit smoking for my drug test but it was even worse. I hated feeling so sick, all I wanted was to find weed to feel better, I was desperate for it. I was even asking locals where I could get some so I could ease my withdrawal symptoms! I wasted my whole vacation and missed out on a lot of fun all because of my own habits. I had never needed weed before to do things, why did I feel I needed it to be calm, or to eat, or to just feel better in general? I went from weighing 112 to 103 during that trip. I came home and lit up a nice fat bowl in hopes of gaining an appetite. My original plan was to smoke just enough to make me hungry for a week or so in order to put my weight back on. But as you can imagine my addictive personality led me down another path. I started smoking just as much as I was before, if not more. This week I drank too much on Sunday (I don't usually drink) and went to work on Monday with a terrible hangover. Couldn't eat, couldn't keep food down, it was bad. And for whatever reason that completely messed up my eating routine and has made me feel nauseous and sick all week. I've barely eaten anything all week, and what I have eaten I've thrown up. I've still managed to make it to work (sitting in my office everyday looking like sh*t with a garbage can next to me). I realized this isn't just going to stop. People don't just get sick like that for no reason. It's my own fault I don't feel good. I'm the reason I need weed to eat, need weed to do anything. I got myself to the point where I felt like I needed it, so I did it and now my body has become accustomed to functioning off of toxins. But all the toxicity in my body finally got to me and I'm feeling the negative affects. I want to quit this time, and I'm determined to. I want my social life, my carefree fun loving attitude, my appetite, and just my over all well being! I miss feeling healthy. I want to change. But I'm scared to quit again because every time I've quit in the past I have gotten incredibly sick. My plan is to gradually smoke less and less (yesterday I only smoked three times) and today I haven't even smoked at all yet! (Which I am really proud of) so I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I'm thinking about going to see a doctor this weekend and telling them that I'm trying to quit because they may have some advice for quitting or some medicine for the withdrawal symptoms. I get very anxious when I don't smoke (which could be the cause of my no appetite when I'm not high) so an anxiety pill might do me some good until I can stop smoking completely. I know this isn't much help as far as quitting advice goes, but I wanted to share my story. The struggle is real! But forums like this help to show us that we are not alone and that even though the struggle is real, there is a rainbow after the thunder storm! Thank you for all the positive stories and helpful posts! I wish you all the best of luck in your quitting endeavors, may the force be with you ~K

Well i quit cold turkey less than a month ago. I was a every user, high every day of the week most of the day. Its been hard. Ive gotten real short tempterd with everyone and everything. Nothing tastes good. I rarly sleep anymore. Ive read about 6-7 books, downloaded about 1 gig of music to drowned out the constant thoughts of smoking. My concept of time is shot. Ive started walking but my im to tired to walk. Most my friends are smokers so i haven't been hanging out with them, and i hate sitting home alone because then it feels like want to smoke a j to ease the bordom. Ive been going though this alone. I read the first post and i found some hope.One thing i would like to ask is if anyone knows when this will pass? and how do i tell my family ive quit because im tired of being called a pot head stoner loser.  Feel free to email with these answers

You're describing opioid withdrawal. This is all a farce. I quit last year and didn't experience any of this. I was a 1/8 a day smoker.

not farce, some of us chronic smokers do experience that. so how long u been smoking? 1 year, 2, 5 20,???

Best way to quit is too have a bag in your stash, I have decided to stop today. I quit for 3 months before, having it in your stash wilo help not to think about it then before u realise its been a week and you wont want to smoke cuz you'll be at square one again. Will power, there are no effects. Its all in the mind

It honestly sounds like all you guys are trying to quit cigarettes/nicotine. Maybe all those nicotine filled cigar wraps have taken a toll. One cigarillo a day, is like a cigarette a day.