Once an addict always an addict?

[Detoxer]

So, I'm sure you've heard the phrase 'once and addict always an addcit' in terms of alcoholics.

Do you think that this also applies to the drug addiction?

I like to think that I can get to the point where 2-3 times per year I can toke and not end up decending into everyday use again.

is it possible to do this or is it just too risky?

[Cannabis Rehab Admin]

That’s a good question, I know with the 12 step way of thinking the answer is yes whatever the addiction, even with things that are not even drugs including addictions like gambling for example. Personally I am not really %100 sure in regards to marijuana, maybe like with a lot of things when it comes to marijuana it depends on the individual, maybe there are some people who once they have not done it in a habit like way for a long enough period of time, can at a later date have a smoke on the odd occasion and not relapse into their old ways, as I always say everyone can be different, but if these people do exist I would say they are probably not the majority, I would say that for most people whatever the addiction it tends to be an all or nothing type scenario, that certainly seems to be the case for a lot of us here and that thinking you can go back to it on just the odd “occasion” probably runs far too high a chance of relapsing, that’s probably the case with most addictions and is why the recovering addict has to opt for complete abstinence, if they want to give themselves the best possible chance of not relapsing, let’s face it, it can be hard enough as it is and you really want to give yourself the best possible chance. So like I say although I can’t say in total certainty that it is totally impossible and never happens ever, if I had to come down on one side or the other, which in a situation like this I think you do, I would go with the 12 step type view and think why run the extra risk if you do not have to. That first joint since you quit is the first step to relapsing, so like I say why take the risk, what you would get from the enjoyment of doing it on the odd occasion, is probably far outweighed by what you would have to lose if you were to relapse. Anyway that’s just my take on it, what say you?

[Detoxer]

I think that you make good points, the risk of relapse would always be there

I suppose I like to think I'll be able to cope with every couple of months having a joint, but perhaps that is just my addiction trying to drag me back in?

As you say, the benefits of smoking occasionally are most likely not worth risking a full on relapse.

although i've gone 7 weeks clean, and feel really good and understand the benefits i'm receiving - i still find it 'strange' to think i'll never toke ever again, does that make sense?

[Finding my Center]

I know what you mean Hummer, I find it very strange to think that I am never going to toke a joint ever again. But I know that if I ever do then i will be back to square one. And then you have to go through the process of quitting all over again, You have to ask yourself is it really worth it?

You are doing really well being sober for 7 weeks, I'm still on day one, I have a long way to go, you should be proud of what you have achieved so far. Smoking occasionally I personally don't think is a good idea. We enjoy it too much, it would be too easy to slip back into our old ways.

[Detoxer]

I know what you mean Hummer, I find it very strange to think that I am never going to toke a joint ever again. But I know that if I ever do then i will be back to square one. And then you have to go through the process of quitting all over again, You have to ask yourself is it really worth it?

You are doing really well being sober for 7 weeks, I'm still on day one, I have a long way to go, you should be proud of what you have achieved so far. Smoking occasionally I personally don't think is a good idea. We enjoy it too much, it would be too easy to slip back into our old ways.

yeah, i think it's all or nothing with weed.

I seriously feel soooo great these last few days, like really happy and that my personality is starting to return! so i suppose jeopardising all these imporvements isn't worth it