Anybody here that has battled marijuana/cannabis addiction, and if so, how did you do it? i’m for tips for when i go cold turkey again and start to crack from OCD.
Kicking a strong habit is rough for a time. Cannabis can produce strong psychological addiction in some people. While cannabis may not directly produce physical addiction on top of that, the psychological addiction can manifest physical symptoms related to stopping the habit.
As I mentioned in another thread, I hope you’re able to connect with a therapist about your life struggles. Finding one that is also versed in Chemical Dependency would be ideal for your situation.
One thing that’s interesting is that views on Chemical Dependency are changing within that field. Total abstinence used to be the only option offered to people, regardless of the addiction (ie 12 step AA). I don’t recall the numbers offhand, but the reversion rate for total abstinence in 12 step is quite high. I’ve also read that an increasing number of people are uncomfortable with what they feel are cultish aspects of AA and its view that people have no power over or are slaves to their addiction. That is true for some people and some drugs. But it’s not the case for others. It’s possible that it’s not even the case for most people.
The views of addiction are changing in that with some people/drugs, management rather than total abstinence is becoming more prevalent and with some people/drugs, more effective in regard to an overall quality of life. What was jokingly referred to in the past as, “California Sober” is gaining validity as an option for some people. The musician David Crosby was an example. He battled serious drug addictions for most of his life. When he was older, he found that using cannabis in a very controlled way actually helped him remain off “harder” drugs and helped him have an overall better quality of life.
Cannabis has a “miraculous” effect on people with Parkinson’s and can calm their tremors. Also, the Endocannabinoid System in the human body was only fairly recently discovered and it’s interesting that its role is to help regulate the entire body.
I’m not advocating that you continue to use cannabis as you are, or at all for that matter. Each person is different, but if you’re in a situation where it’s decreasing your overall quality of life rather than increasing, again, therapy is something you should seek out.
Either you are doing the gañjā or you ain’t. I have never done the gañjā, so I ain’t : )
One time I had a co-worker tell me that she was giving up smoking weed for Lent. I thought to myself, What are you doing smoking weed?
I grew up in a time when we “Just said no to drugs.” And if you wanted to be polite, you could say, “No thank you” : )
Sorry for my lack of seriousness. I am German and we combat serous topics with humor. It how we cope.
I Pray often for those with caught up in addiction, that Jesus will free them from the bonds they have with these things that have them held captive. Christ can set you free if you ask Him too.
My cousin was addicted to alcohol and He asked Jesus to heal him. And He did. Keep the faith.
Do you exercise by any chance? That too can become an addiction, but in moderation, it can be good for you.
My main motivation is God and the catechism which states the illicit use of drugs is grave matter, and yes i’m working with my psychiatrist on it. the ssris aren’t helping yet. i’m also getting a recovery coach to help with the addiction.
Also, cade, my ocd is so bad i can’t use humor unless the scrupulosity die down.
I do think the RCC is hypocritical when it comes to certain aspects of the use of drugs. Moderate alcohol use has been accepted. Moderate cannabis use? No.
It’s a fact that cannabis has a toxicological profile that is much lower than alcohol’s profile. It’s a fact that nicotine, like cannabis, is considered to be a psychoactive drug, and in fact it’s one of the most potent psychoactive substances commonly used by humans. The same goes for caffeine (potent psychoactive drug).
Catholics are completely allowed to use the psychoactive drugs nicotine and caffeine daily. Not so, cannabis, even if only on rare occasion. It’s common knowledge that both nicotine and caffeine are both psychologically and physically addictive. Nicotine, to an extreme degree. Hypocritical.
I’m all for the RCC deeming ALL psychoactive drug use to be sinful. Picking and choosing reduces credibility. Also, it’s not a valid argument to say that cannabis is still illegal in fairly small number of states, so breaking the law is a key factor in its sinfulness, because The Baltimore Catechism during the entire length of alcohol Prohibition did not condemn its use and instead taught that alcohol can be used in moderation without being sinful.
I don’t have a dog in this fight. I have never been drunk nor have I ever “tried weed.”
My Dad was an alcoholic and I have seen firsthand how it destroys relationships. It destroyed his Marriage, wounded his relationship with his Children, and his friendships. And ultimately it destroyed his life.
My Grandma (on my Mom’s side), was a saint. And towards the end of her life on earth, she lost her apatite and she made the point that if the cannabis could help with this, then it could be medicinal. And I agree.
One of the nicknames for this plant is “the devil’s lettuce” so that makes it a hard sell for the Church to say, yeah, it is fine for Catholic Christians to partake : )
But, I could see monasteries growing weed to sustain their order, like monks who make and sell coffee or beer.
There’s this New Age-type group, but that’s not what you had in mind:
1 Like
Marijuana isn’t an addictive substance, and therefore you are ‘drawn’ to it as opposed to your brain feeling as if it is deficient without it.
Because you are drawn to it, not addicted at least in the scientific sense, this means that you like the ‘flavour’ and aroma and possibly its effects.
This equates to a secondary rather than primary issue, i.e. you are not a heroin and neither cocaine addict. This also means that it is, technically, easier to beat.
Replace that sense of being relaxed with a disposition used to being in the quiet.
Take up a sport (or past-time), e.g. go for a jog first thing in the morning before everyone wakes up, as it comes with a fresh feeling when doing so at that time of day.
If in a social-circle of pot-smoking, distance yourself. This also goes for replacing pot-smoking associated media you intake (music, films…external stimuli).
If your mind needs physical help, then ask a doctor for a prescription drug which can help to bring about calming effects, maybe just while you get used to being without cannabis.
Save the money you would have spent on it and see how much you saved from not funnelling the money down into your lungs.
When having managed to go without for at least a month, test yourself by asking other people whether there have been any changes recently in how they perceive you, without telling them why you are asking, and remember their comments as a motivation to keep staying healthy.
1 Like
I’m addicted to mozzarella sticks from Arby’s, which is why I don’t turn into Arby’s. Either you are eating mozzarella sticks or you’re not. And until after my yearly check-up next month, I am not : )
2 Likes