If you realize that marijuana is taking over and replacing your friends, hobbies and filling up all your free time, then it's time to stop and get your life back. The fact that marijuana is not addictive is a myth, and it is very difficult to stop smoking it, whether you try it gradually or suddenly. So, if you are looking for help to put your old life behind you and break this bad habit, you have come to the right place.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Quit abruptly
Step 1. Throw away all your marijuana supplies and all the tools you use to smoke it
If you throw away the things that allow you to smoke, the temptation will be less strong. Here's what you should do:
- Get rid of lighters, matches, papers, pipes and containers. Empty your pockets and make sure you haven't forgotten anything.
- Flush any remaining weed down the toilet to avoid being able to simply pick it up from the bin.
- Destroy the equipment. If you can't make it unusable, throw it in a disgusting dumpster so you won't be tempted to go get it - maybe put it in a discreet bag first.
- Throw away anything that makes you want to smoke, whether it's your favorite video game or the posters in your room. It may seem like an extreme measure, but if you don't see anything that triggers the urge to smoke, it will be easier.
- Delete your dealer number from your cell phone.
Step 2. Make your decision clear for help
Tell your trusted friends and family members, and ask for their help. They will probably be very happy for you and will help you in every way.
- This step is very important, especially if you continue to hang out with people who smoke weed regularly. Tell them that you are not trying to "stop them", but that you would appreciate it very much if they did not push you to use it. If they don't help you and keep "offering to smoke", reevaluate the company of these people, who don't respect your decisions and requests.
- You should also avoid the company of your smoking friends for a while. If your social life is all about group high, you better get a change of scenery. It may sound drastic, but that's how it works.
Step 3. Prepare for withdrawal
The good news is that it is temporary: marijuana withdrawal starts the day after you quit completely, reaches maximum intensity after 2-3 days, and disappears after 1 or 2 weeks. The bad news is that you will suffer from certain symptoms. You may suffer from only some or all of them, but it is important to have a plan to deal with them and not to start smoking again. Here are some tips for common symptoms:
- Insomnia: Try to avoid caffeine for the first few days, and go to sleep in the evening as soon as you feel tired.
- Decreased appetite: You may feel nauseous at first. Try to eat light foods that are easy to digest, such as bananas, rice, toast, oats, and apples.
- Irritability: As you cope with the mood swings that accompany withdrawal, you may feel short-tempered or want to cry. Prepare yourself for these moods in advance, and when you feel them try to realize what is happening. You say to yourself "It's not me, and it's not the fault of the situation. It's the fault of the abstinence." Repeat these words over and over to convince yourself.
- Anxiety: Feeling restless or upset is a common symptom of drug withdrawal. When you have a free minute, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and remember that abstinence is temporary.
- Increased body temperature: you will be hotter than usual and will start sweating from time to time.
Step 4. Find a replacement business
Instead of taking drugs, use your new free time to play some sports or hobbies. Try to do something quick and easy like playing the guitar or running, and indulge in these distractions whenever you're tempted to smoke. If you feel bored or depressed, watch a movie that makes you laugh, or spend time with friends who don't use weed. Here are some activities you can try:
- Take long walks;
- Talk to an old friend on the phone;
- Swim;
- Kitchen;
- Read the newspaper.
Step 5. Change your habits
In addition to finding a hobby, you should try to change your daily routine, so as not to miss so much that joint that made you relax at a certain time of day. Here are some things you could do:
- Change your morning habits. Try to get up earlier or later than usual, eat something different for breakfast, or shower at a different time.
- Change your work or school routine. Take a different route and, at school, switch banks if you can. Eat something unusual for lunch.
- Study differently. If you used to study in your room (which favors the use of marijuana), now try to break this habit and try going to the library or a park.
- Don't start eating less just to vary. Sure, you may be a little lacking in appetite, but you should still try to eat to stay strong.
Step 6. Manage the urge
You will want to smoke sooner or later, and it is important that you know how to handle these situations if you really want to quit. Here are some things you can do to avoid falling into temptation:
- Avoid those places that make you want a joint. Don't go to the usual place where you and your friends used to smoke.
- Escape. When you get the urge to smoke, wherever you are, leave as soon as possible. Changing your environment is the best thing you can do to try and resist.
- Breath deeply. Suck out of your mouth and hold your breath for 5-7 seconds until you feel calmer. Continue to inhale through your mouth as if sucking air and repeat until the urge to smoke has passed.
- Put something in your mouth. Finding a substitute for craving (other than alcohol or another drug) can help you cope with it. Try a chewing gum or sugar-free candy, drink a diet soda, nibble on a toothpick, pencil or even a straw.
- You drink water. Hydration is essential for your health and helps you fight the urge to smoke.
Step 7. Hold on
The worst phase of withdrawal should pass in 1-2 weeks, and as you know, it takes three weeks to break a habit. After a month, you should be free of your addiction. It may seem like an eternity to you as you go through withdrawal, but try to remember that, after all, it's not that long.
Prepare a small celebration to celebrate a month of abstinence. Having set a goal can help you stay on the right track, and you can use this opportunity to treat yourself to a restaurant dinner or something you wanted
Method 2 of 3: Seek Professional Help
Step 1. Visit a psychiatrist for drug help
A doctor can prescribe medications to help you quit smoking. Whether you've tried to stop suddenly or gradually, or maybe you know you can't do it on your own, your best bet is to see a doctor.
Make sure you really want to quit before making an appointment. Not only will the visit be expensive, but the doctor will often refuse to treat you if you have a history of relapse
Step 2. Make an appointment with a psychologist
If there are any triggers that drive you to use marijuana, such as depression or anxiety, talking to a professional can help you quit. If possible, try to find someone who specializes in addiction treatment.
Know how the therapy takes place. There are several types and all of them could be effective in freeing you from marijuana addiction. It can be a therapeutic interview (the most common) or you can also experiment with cognitive-behavioral therapy sessions
Step 3. Join a support group
If you are unable to quit on your own, due to pressure from your friends or a lack of self-confidence, a support group could help you.
Narcotics Anonymous exists in many countries and the sessions are free. Check online if there is a program of this organization in your area
Step 4. Go to a detox center
If no remedy has worked and your marijuana addiction is seriously endangering your health and happiness, you may need to detox in a rehab center.
- Make sure you've tried all other options first. Rehabilitation is difficult and expensive, it is not something you should do lightly. If you have no other choice, though, it might be the best thing to do.
- If you have private health insurance, make sure your policy offers reimbursement for days spent in these facilities.
Method 3 of 3: Quit Gradually
Step 1. Set yourself a deadline by which you will have to quit smoking
Choose a date two weeks or a month apart, so you don't lose sight of it, but not too close to seem impossible. If you think this is an unrealistic goal, give yourself two months. If marijuana has become your obsession, it can be very difficult to quit after two weeks.
Step 2. Decide on a consumption reduction plan
Decide how much marijuana you will use between now and the date you quit. Choose a linear decrease, for example when you are halfway down the road to your fateful date, you will need to smoke half the marijuana you smoke now.
Write your plan on a calendar, noting the amount allowed for each day, and stick to it. Put the calendar in a place where you will always have to look at it, near the bathroom mirror or on the refrigerator
Step 3. Try to prepare quantities in advance
Instead of trusting your ability to control, prepare your doses before consuming them. This way you won't have to think about it, you will only assume what you promised. Just like it was a medicine.
Step 4. Find distractions
As you reduce your marijuana use and take drugs less frequently, find activities to do right after smoking. Switch from smoking to another activity or sport you enjoy, so you don't have time to notice the difference. While you should find times to relax and be alone, still try to keep a busy daily schedule: hobbies, social activities, homework, or whatever distracts you and keeps you off drugs.
Take a look at your schedule and try to fill it with as many activities as possible, but don't feel overwhelmed
Step 5. Keep motivation high
If you really want to quit, you need to keep your eyes on the prize. Remember why you want to quit, whether it's to improve your health, mind, social life, or your overall life expectancy, stay focused on the goal. Write it down on a note and stick it on your desk, keep a list of reasons in your pocket or just somewhere where you can easily reread it when you feel like you are losing sight of your goal.
When you have a moment of weakness, think back to what you can do once you quit smoking altogether. You will feel more active, more energetic and more motivated
Advice
- You have to want to quit before you can succeed. Make a list of the benefits you will get from quitting drugs and one to point out the negative things marijuana brings. Aim for sobriety.
- Write down the things you can afford when you save the money you spend on drugs.
- When you are experiencing withdrawal, twenty minutes of exercise can relieve symptoms.
- Sleep most of the time early in the process.
- Quitting abruptly is the most effective technique.
- Look for websites that contain information on cannabis use and addiction. Reading other people's experiences can help you cope with your addiction.
- Chat about your intention to quit with people who still smoke, their answers will help you and you can show them that quitting is possible.
- If your friends smoke weed, don't go out with them. You will prevent them from convincing you to start over.
- Try autosuggestion. Think "I'll stop smoking marijuana" all the time.
