marijuana and anxiety attacks

These 6 simple steps are designed to dramatically change the life of anyone who suffers from the debilitating effects of anxiety and panic attacks.
stephyannette
Posts: 29
Joined: Fri Mar 14, 2008 7:43 pm

Post by stephyannette » Thu Apr 10, 2008 2:59 am

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.

peaceseeker72
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri Dec 28, 2007 4:04 pm

Post by peaceseeker72 » Thu Apr 10, 2008 2:59 am

Tina,
I too smoke to relieve my anxiety and to keep my ulcers in check. My bowl has been my companion for at least ten years now. I am however trying to quit as well. I do have some mild withdrawl symptoms. Mainly a sporatic headache. Not a fall over in the floor in agony type, just more annoying than anything. Advil takes care of it for me.
I used to smoke up to 6 times a day, but have managed to cut back to only twice a day. Once in the morning, and once at night so I can sleep. I learned that I personally have to wean myself off. Going cold turkey didn't work for me. Tried that and made everyone I knew miserable. Doctors and rehab are out of the question for me, money is a HUGE issue. I have it, I just refuse to spend any of it. lol Don't see the point in going broke to kick a habit. But, that's just me.
Remember to quit on your terms and time line, NOT someone else's. Otherwise you will probably end up right back where you started, bowl in hand and ticked off at yourself for blazing up again.
You will get the upper hand on it and be able to quit. We both will. We just gotta be patient with ourselves. You are not alone in this. I am on the same boat with ya.
Hang in there and love yourself.
Missy~

Maeggie
Posts: 119
Joined: Tue Nov 20, 2007 9:27 am

Post by Maeggie » Thu Apr 10, 2008 3:09 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!

tina20
Posts: 31
Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2008 8:33 pm

Post by tina20 » Thu Apr 10, 2008 3:19 am

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.
<span class="ev_code_RED">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,.</span>

tina20
Posts: 31
Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2008 8:33 pm

Post by tina20 » Thu Apr 10, 2008 3:21 am

Originally posted by peaceseeker72:
Tina,
I too smoke to relieve my anxiety and to keep my ulcers in check. My bowl has been my companion for at least ten years now. I am however trying to quit as well. I do have some mild withdrawl symptoms. Mainly a sporatic headache. Not a fall over in the floor in agony type, just more annoying than anything. Advil takes care of it for me.
I used to smoke up to 6 times a day, but have managed to cut back to only twice a day. Once in the morning, and once at night so I can sleep. I learned that I personally have to wean myself off. Going cold turkey didn't work for me. Tried that and made everyone I knew miserable. Doctors and rehab are out of the question for me, money is a HUGE issue. I have it, I just refuse to spend any of it. lol Don't see the point in going broke to kick a habit. But, that's just me.
Remember to quit on your terms and time line, NOT someone else's. Otherwise you will probably end up right back where you started, bowl in hand and ticked off at yourself for blazing up again.
You will get the upper hand on it and be able to quit. We both will. We just gotta be patient with ourselves. You are not alone in this. I am on the same boat with ya.
Hang in there and love yourself.
Missy~
Hi thanks for the reply Missy.. I was wondering if you get unexplained panic attacks . Because i usually get those when im high, and i dont know if im just having a panic attack or what. But recently ive been getting those unexplained panic attacks even when im not high..so im not sure whats going on ,

Maeggie
Posts: 119
Joined: Tue Nov 20, 2007 9:27 am

Post by Maeggie » Thu Apr 10, 2008 3:27 am

Hi Tina,

Try journalling and writing everything down, while smoking too, this will definitely show any patterns! Its all in your mind, you probably freak yourself out when high b.c. you have mentally given yourself a reason to feel scared! and by putting SO much pressure on yourself you'll make that urge worse, roll with it and MAJORLY practise self talk!

tina20
Posts: 31
Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2008 8:33 pm

Post by tina20 » Thu Apr 10, 2008 3:31 am

<span class="ev_code_RED">maeggie, you are so right. I used to write in my journal every day. But one day i just never wrote in it again, then the next day, i didnt write, and i just stopped writting in it for some reason. It did help at the time, but I just get so damn lazy ya know?</span>

Maeggie
Posts: 119
Joined: Tue Nov 20, 2007 9:27 am

Post by Maeggie » Thu Apr 10, 2008 3:46 am

Oh Yes, I know about laziness, but I can tell ya, journalling feels SO GOOD its like a habit, once you start you want to do it again, make that your goal today! write in your journal! I also do a gratitude journal which really helps! please keep in touch!

tina20
Posts: 31
Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2008 8:33 pm

Post by tina20 » Thu Apr 10, 2008 3:51 am

<span class="ev_code_RED">I will definitly make it my goal to write today, and hopefully that will ease some of the anxiety Im having. Ive also thought about writing a story about my life, but that would be wayyyy tooo longg </span>

Maeggie
Posts: 119
Joined: Tue Nov 20, 2007 9:27 am

Post by Maeggie » Thu Apr 10, 2008 4:01 am

lol.. I have always wanted to write a book, I even have the name picked out! but I think once I am through this I will.. I need the experience of my journey still! lol..

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