Marijuana and anxiety

[i_wanna_be_normal]

thanks for the advice ,ive stopped for about three weeks now,ive had bad days and some really good ones,i still feel anxiety ever then before when i was smoking,does marijuana make you anxious????,im not really a anxious person,but i do like to think things through e.g.:- what im doing for dinner,where im going sat night,when am i gonna do the house work ,just general things really,since ive quit i feel really anxious sometimes i feel i cant even carry out my duties at work and find myself running away from situations,why is my mind doing this??? ive been smoking for about 15 yrs only just at bed time to get to sleep,just normal the drug not skunk or chronic,sometimes i feel like going back to it,but ive done well so far and i dont want to mess it up,ive gone cold turkey i know thats not advisable,but i had anxiety attacks and got scared so i just stoppped,.......please help

[Cannabis Rehab Admin]

I hope you don’t mind me moving your post to its own thread, it just keeps the rehab group tidier that way.

First of all don’t panic, anxiety can be a very common symptom of both using and withdrawing from marijuana, you have been smoking for a long time and it may take your body a month or two to get back to normal. Normally I would advise that people gradually reduce the amount they smoke rather than going cold turkey, however if your marijuana use is starting to cause you panic attacks and anxiety, then going cold turkey may well be best for some. Some people may experience more anxiety from continuing to use marijuana than going cold turkey . We can all react differently and need to listen to what our bodies are telling us.

Generally I would advise that people try to get through the perfectly natural process of experiencing anxiety, when they are withdrawing from drugs, without taking other prescription drugs to help them get through it. Although in some cases it may be necessary to use other prescription anti anxiety drugs, short term just to help you get over the worst, depending on how severe the anxiety is. Be careful though as some anti anxiety drugs can be very addictive, especially benzodiazepines like Xanax, you don’t want to swap one drug habit for another.

If I was you I would let your body go through this natural process by its self for at least a couple of months, if you can handle it, before you decide whether you need any other type of treatment for your anxiety. Just try to limit your caffeine intake, make sure you get lots of complex carbs and eat healthily. Also try to get plenty of exercise and maybe try some relaxation exercises, yoga, meditation, that type of thing.

What you are experiencing is perfectly natural and you will get through it.

Hang in there and take care.

[Cannabis Rehab Guest]

I experienced allot of anxiety when I quit pot, but it did go after a few weeks.

[Cannabis Rehab Guest]

Me too

I have been off pot for about 6 weeks. I was a chronic who went cold turkey. I too was feeling all kinds of anxiety and sadness. However although it still rises up it is slowly going away and being replaced by a calm feeling. What I have done in order to alleviate it is to try to get to the source of it rather than ignore it or try to push it off. Your brain wants more dope and it will try every trick in the brain book to get a hit. When you get anxious let yourself really feel it...don't think about it feel it...then ask yourself...should I feel anxious right now? Is everything alright? When your rational mind tells you everything is alright the feeling will go away. It is only a feeling...an emotion...don't fear it...let it be.

rob.

[i_wanna_be_normal]

thanks guys.......i dont mind you starting a new thread with my post at all administrator.......

im feeling a bit better now i have mild anxiety attacks which creep up on you for no reason,sometimes i cant stay in one place for to long i just need to get out ,i start to worry about things ,but they are only general things but i do start going deep into my thoughts,i spend most my evenings with my family which really relaxes me i am also a HINDU by religion which is a peaceful and spiritual religion,my mum takes me to the temple and we pray and it makes me feel strong and peaceful,i just focus on the things i want to do when im better which keeps me going,this rehab group also helps me a LOT!!! it is getting better,i still only manage a few hours sleep a night but im ok about it,i just hope the anxiety goes away,sometimes im having a good time then all of a sudden you can feel it creeping up on you,ive still got 1/2 ounce in my room but i know i will never touch it again,because ive been given a second chance and im not gonna blow it,and also im scared of going through what ive been through.....thanks guys this website is GREAT i wouldnt have made it this far without you guys .......im still going to be posting here to let you know how im doing

[Cannabis Rehab Admin]

I am glad to hear that your spirituality helps you, I think when dealing with addiction if you have some sort of faith it can really help. I know it’s not for everybody and that’s cool, each to their own, but it’s great to hear that it helps. I was wondering as you mention you are Hindu, do you meditate much? I must confess I am not that good at it myself, but for those that can master it, it’s another really effective tool for overcoming addiction and dealing with stress and anxiety. Thanks again for all your kind words.

[i_wanna_be_normal]

i have tried to meditate but cant seem to get the hang of it,it takes a lot of practice,i have been to medication classes,which were good ,but i had a few weird dreams that night ,maybe its my emotions comming out????look up a group called "brahma kumaris" they are a worldwide organisation which specialise in this kind of stuff they have claases every where and they are free to attend,but it is a good idea just to donate a little something


as for believing in a faith it is a good idea as i have always believed in my hindu religion,it keeps you strong and gives you hope.......but as you say its not for everyone!!!!!

[Cannabis Rehab Guest]

in the same boat

Hey dude I just read your postings, and I can relate. I have been a chronic user for the last 5 years, smoking about 3-8 joints of powerful B.C. bud per day. I have tried many times to quit, but it wasn't until my newborn son came along that I felt really ready. I am sick of spending lots of money on it, and I am sick of hiding my habit, and also sick of the effects it has on me. I too am experiencing lots of anxiety, and really weird dreams, but I went cold turkey and today is day 15 without it. I couldn't stand the 12 step meetings (to each their own), but I have been seeing an addictions cousellor once a week, which seems to really help. The reason that I am writing to you is to offer my support, but also to say that I think you should get rid of the half ounce that you have stashed. I know you feel strong now, but I think that you are setting yourself up for a relapse by having it around. Just my personal thoughts, you can take it or leave it. Good luck my friend!

[Cannabis Rehab Guest]

I agree

I agree you should get rid of your stash.

rob

[Cannabis Rehab Guest]

Bleh

Hey, you guys sound like you've done so well!
I just gave up today, after smoking every day for 3 years. I did smoke it heavily before, then gave up for 2 years, then obviously 3 years ago...familiar story, lol. It's 3:30 and I don't feel sleepy. I know this sounds stupid, but my mouth is sort of watering; i want to have a long, long toke. I've smoked way more cigs than I usually do today, but my mood is like I haven't had any fags for a week!
This is not nice, but I'm serious about giving up- I huess I just needed somewhere to vent a bit of steam, lol. I might be back in a while to give a progress report. This seems well sad to just comeon here and complain, but its late and I feel like I've acheived something! Wish me further luck, peace!

[i_wanna_be_normal]

hi its been four weeks now and the severe anxiety has gone but i still feeling nervy in everything i do,i dont know why because im good at my job (electronic engineer) i hate feeling like this,i dont feel like going out either,and i feel really sad at times almost tearful,keep thinking about how good i felt when i was smoking (dont worry im not going back)i keep thinking ive lost something,like somethings missing,like my best friend or lover has gone,i still only sleep for 4 hours a night even though it is a nice sleep with nice dreams,my mind start racing in the middle of the night when im trying to sleep,when i close my eyes it feels as if my eyeballs are moving around rapidly which keeps me awake,im still smoking cigarettes 4-6 a day,its a bit of a shitty time for me but i while get through,i try to keep my self busy,doing plenty of overtime and knackering myself out,so the anxiety dont feel that bad,but its still there for no reason at all,its more of a nervy feeling rather then anxiety..........the crap english weather aint helping either......

[Cannabis Rehab Guest]

It will pass

I am in week 7 of quitting. I thought the anxiety would never pass but it has. It was as if it happened all of a sudden. I still get broken sleep but that is okay. I feel lethargic sometimes but at least I am not paying to feel that way. Believe me...the anxiety, the urges, the craving will stop. When you feel anxious or nervy..try to focus in on it and really feel it. Once you can face the feeling it is not so bad. Keep it up you will get better.

rob.

[i_wanna_be_normal]

still feeling it

ROB thanks for that bit of advise,today i didnt feel to good today,it was ok when i was busy because of xmas,but didnt feel good when i wasnt busy,just wanted to go home as soon as home time came,even sitting at my families house i feel JUST ok,didnt have a good sleep last night even though i was tired from work,i hope this anxiety goes,i really dont like this feeling,ive got so much dreams and things i want to do now that im off the weed,but this anxiety is stopping me,i keep thinking about how good my life was before all this,ill never go back to the drug but just need this feeling to go,i seem to be anxious about everything,even when my dad phones me.i think xmas is going to be crap this year,i know i have to be strong,but at times i feel there is no hope i cant even go home and roll one up now........ill just have to cope with this,im not a depressive type of person,but feeling like this makes me feel down about myself and life,i also find im eating so much more and no matter how much i eat im still hungry and need something to put in my mouth/stomach,i think it might be to do with the time of year as well XMAS!!!....hope i get better,i cant go on like this for ever.....i want to find the love of my life and get married and build a lovely family.....i cant if im feeling like this........sorry to be sounding so down ...

[Cannabis Rehab Guest]

No worries

hey man,

One day at a time. It will all pass. Focus on right now...exactly right now...not the past and not tomorrow. tune into your feelings then let it go. right now you are okay...right now you have no worries. Christmas is 2 weeks away....by then you will feeling so much better. It will not be crap...it will be fun. You will spend real time with people you love...no dulled senses...no hiding out for a joint..no feeling guilty. focus on now...it's the best thing you've got.

rob.

[i_wanna_be_normal]

good day today

had a great day today,was working in the new shopping centre in london (westfields) got chatted up by a customer,no anxious feelings just slightly,had a good sleep last night did wake up but went back to sleep ok,even though i was feeling no anxiety today a part of my brain was waiting for it to come on which i didnt like,still feel a bit nervy though but a lot better then before i feel its getting better,but i just keep thinking its gonna come back,thanks ROB for the support,i hope xmas is good,i want a slight quite one,everyone (friends/family) are proud of me on quitting and want to take me out ,i feel good today,my stomach feels nervy,but on the whole i had agood day.....ill keep you posted....thanks