Warning: I'm going to get a bit serious and come out of hiding in an issue.
It is my intent to share experience and offer a perspective that doesn't get a lot of attention. While I am moved to share because of posts I've seen sharing a different perspective on this issue than my own it isn't my intent to target anyone's enjoyment or point any fingers of blame. If you follow the link below you'll see this is a less common problem, but a real one.
I am marijuana addict in recovery.
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https://www.healthline.com/health-news/marijuana-addiction-rare-but-real-072014
Unemployment lead to more smoking lead to taking jobs that didn't require sobriety. One boss got upset at how much the crew smoked and made us go to an NA meeting his meth addict son frequented. We had a good laugh about the meeting later and smoked more.
I worried life was going nowhere and moved states. Stopped for a while and got a decent job. A stolen car and a heartbreak later and I found my way back to weed. Rinse and repeat for the next 20 years.
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Mind you I had a good life along the way and don't carry a ton of regret. But all along I had issues with depression I should have been treating and that's what puts me in the 30 percent the article discusses who can't get away with recreational pot use. Not after decades of pot misuse.
I found recovery after finding myself in a great relationship - my life now - and still sneaking the smoke despite every indication I shouldn't. I found NA for real. And I found Marijuana Anonymous. 4 of 5
NA takes their shit more seriously. And it's a good place to see how far down you can go if you haven't already. Find the right group and they'll support you no matter what you're drug of choice is.
MA can be seen as NA-lite. But for the marijuana addict it is also a place to hear the most relevant stories and affirm you're in the right place. My sponsor was MA.
I haven't stayed in those programs but I have stayed sober.
Just one person's story. Just know that it happens and there's help.
Thank you for sharing your story π
I hope other folks who may see themselves in your journey find encouragement and inspiration.
@Minholkin Thank you. I hope so. I see so much talk about pot being the safer choice and in most contexts the speaker isn't wrong. But for some people that really reinforces that there can't be anything wrong with their use and if they're having a bad experience it's a thing to feel shame about.
@Fellixe
Thank you for adding a voice to the conversation that is often not there. FWIW the person I know who is the most staunchly opposed to the idea that pot is harmless, is a psychotherapist who has had clients struggle with wanting to stop.
@publickovacs Weird that there's pushback even in mental health about this. Makes it harder for people who need it to get support. A huge part of marijuana addiction is people smoking to get over the feelings of inadequacy knowing something is wrong while so much of the world says their problem isn't real. All addiction, for that matter.
@Fellixe
That rings true to me - even though I can't claim experience or expertise
It all boils down to a daily choice. No matter which program, treatment or philosophy.
Choosing is the soul of recovery.
@LnzyHou Indeed. Also important to consider that a choice can be well or poorly informed. Knowing that you can be addicted and knowing when you are can depend on getting food information.
@Fellixe Congrats on your sobriety!
They call it "the chronic" for a reason.
Keep at it, I am proud of you!
@Fellixe thank you so much for sharing your story - this is such an important issue - glad you found greater peace through sobrietyπ
@UmbaSaffire Thank you. I miss my fun times but as I take on new challenges at work it's obvious how unable to do them I'd be if I had to question myself and reality as much as I did while I was using.
A brief discussion of my experience and how ok find myself where I am now:
Dad, stepmom, and even our dog were all narcotics officers at one point or another. I was a good kid. Joined the army after high school, discharged early over depression issues I should have sought treatment for, and returned home. First found marijuana hanging around the coffee shop scene in O.C., CA in the 90's. Moved out with a couple roommates and became a frequent smoker. 2 of 5