marijuana and anxiety attacks

tina20 · Post by **tina20** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 4:24 am

Yeah but its just too much work for me right now ya know?

Maeggie · Post by **Maeggie** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 4:39 am

OH YES! little steps to big miles, keep up to date on your journal so when you go to write it you have the experience logged!

thats my thought on it anyways! but my problem is I dont open up enough to my journal, its like I am afraid of my own words, feelings and whatifing if someone reads it?!?

tina20 · Post by **tina20** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 4:49 am

Yeah Im the same way, Ive already had my diary read once. My boyfriend and I got in a fight and he was going through it, cuz he knew it would piss me off. And it did! So what do you write about?

tina20 · Post by **tina20** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 4:49 am

I have the urge to smoke

Maeggie · Post by **Maeggie** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 5:02 am

Oh yess.. thats wicked, not cool.. I got made for my bf noticing it out on the table! lol..

ME TOO! your description before was a temptation! perhaps you should take pride in the fact you havent yet today and treat your self- use positive self talk and remember slow steps to big miles, life isnt supposed to suck and be hard.. be proud you made it this far and dont torture yourself! just a thought!

tina20 · Post by **tina20** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 5:18 am

Im just afraid that if I smoke one now then Im never going to end, ya know? I feel like I just need to quit cold turkey and never go back. But Im so tempted

stephyannette · Post by **stephyannette** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 7:07 am

Originally posted by tina20:
Originally posted by stephyannette:
I used to smoke a lot of pot when I was a younger teenager (13 to about 17). It was the fun thing to do. When I quit school, and all my friends graduated and we grew apart, I didn't smoke much pot after that.

Last year I really missed being young again and made the decision to try smoking again with a friend. I had the worst experience ever. I was in a constant state of panic, couldn't breathe, felt like I didn't exist, heart was pounding, etc. It was aweful. I will never ever do that again, lol. It's better left in the past.

Anyway, aside from my pointless story...

I think if you truely want to stop smoking pot you can do it. There is a huge difference between wanting to smoke, and needing to smoke. You need to figure out whether or not you want to or need to. If you want to, it should be easier to break the habit. If you feel you need to smoke, then Dodger is right, you should try seeking some sort of help because that is a sign of addiction. I know a lot of people think pot isn't addictive, but the lifestyle and habit definitely is.

You already know that smoking is a huge cause of anxiety, so perhaps if you quit, you wouldn't feel as anxious as you do. And just because your friends smoke, doesn't mean you have to. If they are your friends, they will understand and accept your need for change and not pressure you into doing it when they do. You just need to have strength and willpower and you can do it!

Good luck on your first day of not smoking.
Hey thank you for the reply. Right now I would normally be smoking, because I ususally smoke in the morning to start my day off..but instead im going to use that time and talk with you guys. I just need to replace pot for osmthing good. Thank you for wishing me luck. Sometimes when i smoke a cigerette i want weed too..so im afraid i might give in,.

Instead of giving in, just close your eyes and take some breaths. Tell yourself that you don't need to smoke pot. That you are fine without it. Sometimes just taking in some fresh air can clear your mind. Maybe go for a short walk, or finding stuff that would occupy your mind like a book.

Hope you haven't given in to temptation.

tina20 · Post by **tina20** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 7:12 am

Thanks for the reply, Ive tried not smoking for 2 days once, and I just missed the high. I mean its not that im wayyy addicted or anything. Its just that when Im not high I get these anxiety attacks ya know? I dont know if its from the pot or if its just the way I am. I get anxiety attacks even when Im not high, thats what worries me. But when Im high its way more intense

Today is my first day without a smoke yet so Im doing okay. But Ive made it a day without smoking before so its no big deal. We will see what tomorrow brings!

peaceseeker72 · Post by **peaceseeker72** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 2:09 am

Tina,

I used to get panic attacks out of the blue pretty often when sober. Ironically enough, I never had a high induced panic attack. I never suffered from the usual paranoia or the depression that all the so called experts tell you comes with it either. Just the opposite with me.
Journal until you think you can't stand it anymore, and then keep writing. My journals have been a HUGE help with finding thought patterns and triggers. Carry it with you if you have to. I keep several going at once, and have made sure that everyone knows they are NOT to be touched. Those are my private, personal thoughts and feelings, and I'm allowed to have them without fear of being judged for it. You'll have to make it clear that they are not for light reading by anyone and that they're basically none of their damn business.
Just be patient and forgiving with yourself as you go along. Journal and do your breathing and relaxation exercises. And do NOT forget the postive self talk! You can never be to kind to yourself.

Missy~

peaceseeker72 · Post by **peaceseeker72** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 2:42 am

PEACESEEKER: Excellent post, I am a smoker now, to much and trying to slow down. You are right, it must be on your own terms. I have a problem reading non-smokers posts that say its horrible. This is a tough subject for some and those posts make people feel much worse. this is a very controversial subject with many different views, like medication, everyone reacts differently, it is impossible to make a general comment on feelings..Your post was perfect! thanks for sharing!

Maeggie
I've never understood why people who've never smoked feel the need to voice their opinion on something they have no first hand knowledge of. They just assume that every single thing spewed at them by the gov or doctors is true. lol I'll stop before I go off on a rant.
I also don't think there is such a thing as a one size fits all approach/cure to drug use either. Rehab and counselors aren't always the answer. Or the best choice for that matter.
The best thing one can get to help overcome an addiction, is encouragement and support. Not guilt and shame dumped in their laps for past actions or present thoughts. We're all human afterall, and it IS in our nature to seek out pleasure and novelty. Which is initially what the addicition gives the person.
I try to be nothing but understanding and supportive to someone who's trying to better themselves. Being snarky will only discourage one from getting better.
Missy~