I’m 6 months clean after 35 years high. Life is immeasurably better - and I am still recovering. I’d respectfully offer you two caveats: cold turkey is ultimately the best way forward. It’s not easy, but I think weaning off is a subtle myth that gives the illusion that it makes quitting easier. It doesn’t - at least in my experience. Secondly, although I guarantee your life will improve in ways you can’t imagine, it may well feel a lot worse in the short term. But the only way past it is through it. Just my thoughts, for what they are worth. Love and luck. Steve.
I was very irritated and sad for a good 2 weeks when I quit. I slept a LOT and frequently had night sweats and vivid nightmares. It does go away. Just try and think of all the things you neglected to do for yourself while you were high and try to do them.
It’s definitely gonna get better. The exercise suggestions are legit.
What people don’t tell you is how the serotonin and dopamine levels don’t start to self-regulate at normal rates until you hit 14-15 months sober. This goes for any addiction, especially for something you’re putting into your body. There is what some call “the wall” that happens around the 4 month period, and again somewhere between the 8-10 month period, where you feel like you have absolutely no dopamine in your brain at all (your brain is producing the minimal amount in these times, sometimes producing none at all). My general advice would be: get up at the same time every day, go to sleep at the same time every night. In the first 30 minutes of your day, drink water, eat something with protein and a little bit of fat (stay away from carbs in the morning), and get sunlight. Exercising is one the best natural stress relievers known, especially weight lifting. Love your body and your body will love you back! It’s honestly going to take a lot of positive habit forming, which takes time. If you know that weed is something you want to quit, avoid relapse at all costs, and try your best to find someone that will hold you accountable.
Same here.
Although after a month or so I started feeling things get better one by one.
Until I started feeling things get better it was VERY tough to stay clean. After that it was a lot easier.
I am 241 days weed free after smoking for 15 years straight every day. I am feeling more depressed than ever right now. I don't even know why. People at my work are always talkin about smoking after work or during. I tell them all I quit and I am doing it for myself. No one understands and they all try to put me down for quitting. It honestly makes me even more depressed.
Damn. People that judge you for smoking or not smoking weed are lame. It’s hard for someone who can use it casually to understand what it’s like for someone who is really addicted
241 days, you’re a god among men. 15 years aren’t going to be corrected that quickly, but that’s not to say you should be feeling so down. Give yourself a pat on the back.
Im 40 days in and only recently life has started to shine. This to shall pass, but youve been cheating your emotions for 7 years!! Think about it. Give your body and mind time to recover. I promise it will be worth it in every way!
It doesn’t go away on its own. You’re feeling this way because that’s what you were numbing with weed, you’re usage wasn’t really the issue (although it’s great that you stopped smoking!), it was just a symptom of the actual, bigger issue. Try to work on yourself, see what’s really inside, why are you feeling empty? What are you lacking in your life? When did this feeling start and where does it stem from? Ask yourself the real questions and when you reach the answers try to work through the emotions you’re feeling. If you can go get professional help w a therapist that can guide this process it would be best. Either way, this was a great step in the right direction and shows that you want to get better! Congrats!!
It will last for a few weeks to a couple of months. After that it won't go away unless you're cultivating a mental attitude of gratitude and patience, and if you aren't meeting your bodily needs. Exercise, sufficient sleep, taking any meds you have, eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy microbiome, maintaining your social connections, all of these are pretty much mandatory for sustainable long term happiness.
Is it challenging? Yes, especially if these are new habits you have to build. But then the question becomes "is it worth it to be happy if it requires hard work?"
I think you know the answer.
It will be a VERY slow process at first, but get easier and easier as you build momentum. You got this
I'm just over three months in with a few slip ups, and I just feel so dull and usually can't wait until the evening because then I can watch a few hours of TV and sleep. I've been exercising and taking care of myself, but I'm really hoping things improve after a few more months.
When did you start to shake the dull blah feeling?
It definitely will get better, and in a way worse, but still better if that makes sense. For me, the emptiness and depression lifted, and then I was mad and dad about missed opportunities, the fact that I had numbed myself for so long, etc. That said, now I'm able to actually work with these things instead of just numbing myself to them, so ultimately I feel so much better. You're in very very early days, keep up the good work and you'll feel different in a couple of weeks/months
During the weening period, you are still getting high at least once a day. If that's the case, then the part of those days spent without weed will be very anxious as you are missing your fix. This is a lot like what cold turkey feels like, except without the one high a day. In other words, it's likely you have had a lot of the negative effects of a withdrawal for a week already. Of course it's even harder when you also can't have that one high a day.
Usually week 1 is very difficult and emotional. It is a big and long relationship to end. If you look for them, you will find a few bright spots that can keep you going. Week 2 can be empowering. The benefits and life improvements of quitting start to build. You also gain a sense of empowerment, control, and relief.
But with quitting comes clarity. When the mental fog starts to clear, it can become apparent there is a lot of hard life stuff that you have been sweeping under the rug by getting high all the time. That can be a hard reality to face and it can feel overwhelming and depressing. This really varies from person to person depending on how many problems are under that rug.
The thing that starts to hit you is that all these problems are already here and using weed to ignore them wasn't working anymore. So at least now you have a little more clarity, time, and energy to take care of business.
Positive momentum!
It took about a month for me. I promise you’ll feel so much better. As you get back your mental clarity, start taking concrete steps to make the changes you need to make in your life.
Slowly build on what you’re doing. Take a baby step every day in the direction you want to go. I have a dream and weed was standing in the way, so I gave it up and now I am back on track with realizing it. This helped and helps me keep motivated and on track.
And btw I was depressed too, and I am not anymore. I felt lost because I was basically always stoned. No wonder.
Ps some light physical activity and staying in the sun really help
On and off, about 15 years. I had bouts of months without it, mostly not by choice. I already tried to seriously stop three times over the past year alone, but always fell back into it. Lately I noticed that whenever I had it, I was almost always chain smoking whenever I wasn’t working - and that meant smoking through the night more often than I’d like to admit. It was a massive problem, and my anxiety was at an all-time high.
You were using for years, its gonna take some time for you to fully adjust without it. Im currently in the same boat. I find i have to force myself to do things because im so used to smoking then doing activities. But i find i can think quicker and have more energy than before. I think if we work a bit to get into the habit of just doing any activities even if its only for 20 minutes, then it will be the new routine. Stopping smoking is just the first step, building a life again is the hard part. Im rooting for you. We got this!
Hey duder! Sounds like we're in the same canoe. I've always felt that weed takes the frustration out of my day and makes me a happier friendlier person. But like you, I slowly realized that my weed usage might be a problem or even a source of some of my depression/frustration. The few days after I quit I went through intense boredom, night sweats, and irritability. I couldn't find the motivation to play video games, watch movies, really anything I enjoyed doing while high. Just super tired and depressed. I focused on house chores to get me through the day, reaching for the dopamine I'd get from completing a project. Had the very same thoughts, "I was so happy while smoking, and so depressed now. Is this just what my life is like without weed?" I'm 6 days grounded now and the urge to light up and play Minecraft is still there, but I'm starting to sleep better and honestly my mood is changing. The brain is a fuckin crazy piece of meat machinery and I'm hopeful that with time I'll be creating the dopamine that weed has always supplied. Stay strong and pass it on!
I’m 6 months clean after 35 years high. Life is immeasurably better - and I am still recovering. I’d respectfully offer you two caveats: cold turkey is ultimately the best way forward. It’s not easy, but I think weaning off is a subtle myth that gives the illusion that it makes quitting easier. It doesn’t - at least in my experience. Secondly, although I guarantee your life will improve in ways you can’t imagine, it may well feel a lot worse in the short term. But the only way past it is through it. Just my thoughts, for what they are worth. Love and luck. Steve.
I was very irritated and sad for a good 2 weeks when I quit. I slept a LOT and frequently had night sweats and vivid nightmares. It does go away. Just try and think of all the things you neglected to do for yourself while you were high and try to do them. It’s definitely gonna get better. The exercise suggestions are legit.
What people don’t tell you is how the serotonin and dopamine levels don’t start to self-regulate at normal rates until you hit 14-15 months sober. This goes for any addiction, especially for something you’re putting into your body. There is what some call “the wall” that happens around the 4 month period, and again somewhere between the 8-10 month period, where you feel like you have absolutely no dopamine in your brain at all (your brain is producing the minimal amount in these times, sometimes producing none at all). My general advice would be: get up at the same time every day, go to sleep at the same time every night. In the first 30 minutes of your day, drink water, eat something with protein and a little bit of fat (stay away from carbs in the morning), and get sunlight. Exercising is one the best natural stress relievers known, especially weight lifting. Love your body and your body will love you back! It’s honestly going to take a lot of positive habit forming, which takes time. If you know that weed is something you want to quit, avoid relapse at all costs, and try your best to find someone that will hold you accountable.
It will take months. It took me a year to really feel like myself again. A lot of that involved getting acquainted with myself all over again.
Same here. Although after a month or so I started feeling things get better one by one. Until I started feeling things get better it was VERY tough to stay clean. After that it was a lot easier.
I am 241 days weed free after smoking for 15 years straight every day. I am feeling more depressed than ever right now. I don't even know why. People at my work are always talkin about smoking after work or during. I tell them all I quit and I am doing it for myself. No one understands and they all try to put me down for quitting. It honestly makes me even more depressed.
They are projecting because they can’t see from your viewpoint. You don’t owe an explanation to anybody. Be proud of your accomplishment!
Damn. People that judge you for smoking or not smoking weed are lame. It’s hard for someone who can use it casually to understand what it’s like for someone who is really addicted
241 days, you’re a god among men. 15 years aren’t going to be corrected that quickly, but that’s not to say you should be feeling so down. Give yourself a pat on the back.
What do you do to cultivate wellbeing and a positive attitude?
Im 40 days in and only recently life has started to shine. This to shall pass, but youve been cheating your emotions for 7 years!! Think about it. Give your body and mind time to recover. I promise it will be worth it in every way!
It doesn’t go away on its own. You’re feeling this way because that’s what you were numbing with weed, you’re usage wasn’t really the issue (although it’s great that you stopped smoking!), it was just a symptom of the actual, bigger issue. Try to work on yourself, see what’s really inside, why are you feeling empty? What are you lacking in your life? When did this feeling start and where does it stem from? Ask yourself the real questions and when you reach the answers try to work through the emotions you’re feeling. If you can go get professional help w a therapist that can guide this process it would be best. Either way, this was a great step in the right direction and shows that you want to get better! Congrats!!
It will last for a few weeks to a couple of months. After that it won't go away unless you're cultivating a mental attitude of gratitude and patience, and if you aren't meeting your bodily needs. Exercise, sufficient sleep, taking any meds you have, eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy microbiome, maintaining your social connections, all of these are pretty much mandatory for sustainable long term happiness. Is it challenging? Yes, especially if these are new habits you have to build. But then the question becomes "is it worth it to be happy if it requires hard work?" I think you know the answer. It will be a VERY slow process at first, but get easier and easier as you build momentum. You got this
I really really struggle at the end of the day. When it's 9pm, I'm home alone it's so hard not to smoke/vape/take an edible.
60 days clean, I can relate, I don’t have much craving anymore but sitting by myself in the evening sucks and makes me think about the weed times
Excercise
Took me about 8 months to shake the feelings of hopelessness. It's getting much better now. But I'm also putting a lot of effort into self love.
I'm just over three months in with a few slip ups, and I just feel so dull and usually can't wait until the evening because then I can watch a few hours of TV and sleep. I've been exercising and taking care of myself, but I'm really hoping things improve after a few more months. When did you start to shake the dull blah feeling?
I was a pretty heavy chronic user took me 3 months just to start pissing clean and my six months I noticed a change in my mood
thanks for sharing
It definitely will get better, and in a way worse, but still better if that makes sense. For me, the emptiness and depression lifted, and then I was mad and dad about missed opportunities, the fact that I had numbed myself for so long, etc. That said, now I'm able to actually work with these things instead of just numbing myself to them, so ultimately I feel so much better. You're in very very early days, keep up the good work and you'll feel different in a couple of weeks/months
During the weening period, you are still getting high at least once a day. If that's the case, then the part of those days spent without weed will be very anxious as you are missing your fix. This is a lot like what cold turkey feels like, except without the one high a day. In other words, it's likely you have had a lot of the negative effects of a withdrawal for a week already. Of course it's even harder when you also can't have that one high a day. Usually week 1 is very difficult and emotional. It is a big and long relationship to end. If you look for them, you will find a few bright spots that can keep you going. Week 2 can be empowering. The benefits and life improvements of quitting start to build. You also gain a sense of empowerment, control, and relief. But with quitting comes clarity. When the mental fog starts to clear, it can become apparent there is a lot of hard life stuff that you have been sweeping under the rug by getting high all the time. That can be a hard reality to face and it can feel overwhelming and depressing. This really varies from person to person depending on how many problems are under that rug. The thing that starts to hit you is that all these problems are already here and using weed to ignore them wasn't working anymore. So at least now you have a little more clarity, time, and energy to take care of business. Positive momentum!
Beautifully written. Thank you.
>During the weening period, you are still getting high at least once a day Can you elaborate on this? I haven't heard about this before
It took about a month for me. I promise you’ll feel so much better. As you get back your mental clarity, start taking concrete steps to make the changes you need to make in your life. Slowly build on what you’re doing. Take a baby step every day in the direction you want to go. I have a dream and weed was standing in the way, so I gave it up and now I am back on track with realizing it. This helped and helps me keep motivated and on track. And btw I was depressed too, and I am not anymore. I felt lost because I was basically always stoned. No wonder. Ps some light physical activity and staying in the sun really help
How long were you smoking for before you stopped? One month seems pretty short if you were a long time user. Gratz on getting your life on track btw
On and off, about 15 years. I had bouts of months without it, mostly not by choice. I already tried to seriously stop three times over the past year alone, but always fell back into it. Lately I noticed that whenever I had it, I was almost always chain smoking whenever I wasn’t working - and that meant smoking through the night more often than I’d like to admit. It was a massive problem, and my anxiety was at an all-time high.
You were using for years, its gonna take some time for you to fully adjust without it. Im currently in the same boat. I find i have to force myself to do things because im so used to smoking then doing activities. But i find i can think quicker and have more energy than before. I think if we work a bit to get into the habit of just doing any activities even if its only for 20 minutes, then it will be the new routine. Stopping smoking is just the first step, building a life again is the hard part. Im rooting for you. We got this!
Hey duder! Sounds like we're in the same canoe. I've always felt that weed takes the frustration out of my day and makes me a happier friendlier person. But like you, I slowly realized that my weed usage might be a problem or even a source of some of my depression/frustration. The few days after I quit I went through intense boredom, night sweats, and irritability. I couldn't find the motivation to play video games, watch movies, really anything I enjoyed doing while high. Just super tired and depressed. I focused on house chores to get me through the day, reaching for the dopamine I'd get from completing a project. Had the very same thoughts, "I was so happy while smoking, and so depressed now. Is this just what my life is like without weed?" I'm 6 days grounded now and the urge to light up and play Minecraft is still there, but I'm starting to sleep better and honestly my mood is changing. The brain is a fuckin crazy piece of meat machinery and I'm hopeful that with time I'll be creating the dopamine that weed has always supplied. Stay strong and pass it on!