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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 18 to 42 of 63. Go back in thread:
Posted by watergirl on September 17, 2004, at 21:44:23
In reply to How to stop smoking WEED?, posted by Cottonwool on July 20, 2004, at 11:09:29
I used to somke ALOT-ALOT-ALOT of pot! Consistently for 12 years (with the exception of my pregnancy and while I nursed). I'm 28.
When I started taking effexor XR I smoked more pot than ever before. At that time, my then fiance (who is a major pothead), would coment that I should just glue the damn pipe to my lips..... Effexor was awfull for me (just my personal experience) I had soo much anxiety while on the drug, I could not have survived without smoking pot......UNTIL I was prescribed Xanex (which took "the edge" off), then taken off of the Effexor.
When Wellbutrin was prescribed to me, I MAGICALLY DID NOT WANT TO SMOKE ANY WEED! ! I just had no desire, it was amazing! I did'nt care about smoking cigerettes or drinking alcohol.
Wellbutrin was my miracle drug. Wellbutrin saved my life and restored my sanity!
Best Wishes,
Cindy
I also broke up with my fiance, he could not handle my mood swings while I was on Effexor. I think being away from the weed and my ex, also helped too.
Best Wishes,
Cindy**After not smoking any weed for almot 4 months, I smoked on Tuesday evening then went to the bar with my girlfriend. I felt good and had fun. Then I went to my boyfriends house and pretty much destroyed our relationship because he would not recriprocate with Oral Sex. DUMB, DUMB
I hope I'll learn one of these days** I dont take Wellbutrin any more :(
Posted by TexasChic on October 8, 2004, at 12:52:52
In reply to How I stoped smoking WEED » Cottonwool, posted by watergirl on September 17, 2004, at 21:44:23
Okay, I stopped smoking weed about 4 weeks ago. It was pretty much everyday before then, and little activity. I've been pretty active the last two weeks at a job that takes alot of physical exertion and sweat. So do you think I'll be good for the test? I'm tempted to go get a drug test from the drug store, but they're about $60 bucks.
I plan to drink lots of water, but am not sure when to start. The night before? 12 hours before? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Posted by partlycloudy on October 10, 2004, at 13:45:57
In reply to Re: Drug test monday, posted by TexasChic on October 8, 2004, at 12:52:52
You'll be fine. 4 weeks is plenty enough time to get it out of your system. Drink as much water as you like (I do drink a lot anyway, but especially when I know I have something traceable in my blood). I kept waiting for the axe to fall (I had smoked 72 hours before the test because I was hired so quickly) after my drug test. I did one of those alka-seltzer type purification systems, and it is mostly water...
You'll be fine. I am so glad for you.
Posted by TexasChic on October 10, 2004, at 21:08:09
In reply to Re: Drug test monday, posted by partlycloudy on October 10, 2004, at 13:45:57
Thanks PC. I did a home test and the line for THC was lighter than all the other lines. The insert said lighter or darker lines didn't mean anything and not to read anything into it. But it was so very, very faint, I don't know what to think. I got some detox tea, and plan to drink alot of water tomorrow, I'm just worried about being tagged as someone trying to beat the test. I'm going to take vitamins so it won't be too clear, and I've also heard asprin works as a screen. I guess I'm over reacting, but that's what I do best! I'll be very relieved once I am actually sitting behind that desk!
Posted by TexasChic on October 12, 2004, at 21:51:42
In reply to Re: Drug test monday » partlycloudy, posted by TexasChic on October 10, 2004, at 21:08:09
Posted by partlycloudy on October 13, 2004, at 4:43:29
In reply to Re: I passed! Yea! (nm), posted by TexasChic on October 12, 2004, at 21:51:42
Posted by lulugarcia on October 16, 2004, at 9:39:29
In reply to Re: I've got to figure out how to stop too!, posted by lulu garcia on August 11, 2004, at 22:16:28
so... it's been a little more than a month that I stopped smoking. i had smoked, regularly (almost everyday), for ten years. i have to say, it feels good. i'm not saying that smoking weed is bad. of course we live in an intolerant society, and this doesn't help. but i do think that one of the things about smoking weed, or doing any other drug, for that matter (because, let's not lie to ourselves, marijuana is a drug), is to know when to stop, to know when is enough. and also to accept that a regular pot smoker is, to a certian extent, less productive than someone who is clean (i hate that word, as if pot was dirty). and the fact that we live in a extremely competitive and over-productive society puts us, oh dear weed worshipers, in a disvantageous and awkward position. i'm not saying i'm quiting for ever, or telling anyone to do so. i don't want to be a moralist. but know (yes you) that one of the best things in life is two know oneself (to get to know oneself is both a delighful and intriguing process), and marijuana sometimes gets in the way, thus bluring our selfimage, our selfknowledge, and therefore our disires and goals in life. marijuana is not always a carrier of knowlegde.
peace.
Posted by stankdtree on December 8, 2004, at 21:08:43
In reply to Re: I've got to figure out how to stop too!, posted by anthology on August 1, 2004, at 16:33:19
hey texas chic i have the same wrong wid me if u find out how plz let me know ive been smoking for 10 yrs an feel i cant cope without it everything i do includes weed and when i dont have it there is nothing that can replace it
Posted by wilson711 on December 26, 2004, at 23:36:58
In reply to How I stoped smoking WEED » Cottonwool, posted by watergirl on September 17, 2004, at 21:44:23
I was doing a random google search for any information or suggestions on how to temporaraliy quit smoking weed for a drug test that is coming up. I read almost every one of these posts because I feel like everyone here knows how difficult this really is. I have been smoking weed everyday, 1-10 times a day, for the past 3 years. My boyfriend of 2 years and I have gone to Amsterdam for the cannabis cup, smoked some of the best weed in the world, and now I have to give up my favorite hobby!
Smoking weed is truely my passion. I am in college and doing very well. I have gotten two scholarships and passed every class. There really isn't any reason for me to think that weed is negatively affecting my life. The ONE AND ONLY reason I am quitting is for a drug test. After I graduate, I am going into a profession where random drug tests will most definitly occur. I have about 5 days left of smoking, and rather than smoking some good stuff right now, I am here writing because I am so worried about how this hiatus will affect me and my realtionship with my boyfriend. (His profession does not drug test)
When weed is hard to find, or I don't have any when I want to smoke, I get very mean. I know you all know what I am talking about. Sometimes (though I hate to admit it) I will even cry if I can't get it. Now when I take a step back this sort of seems like how a cocaine addict would act although I don't have any physical withdrawls. I already see myself getting angry at my friends who will still be sitting around ripping bongs and listening to music. I know the best thing would be to stop hanging out with them, but I have known them for years!
I then start to think, "why the hell would I choose this profession with all these drug tests?" I could be much more happy if I just moved to Amsterdam and started my own coffeeshop, but I guess that is not in my cards. I am giving up one of the biggest parts of me and honestly I'm scared. Will I be the same when I quit? Will I still like my friends? Will my entire life SUCK after this?? I can't imagine doing my daily activities without being stoned. It just seems like it wouldn't be as fun! I don't know, I guess I have no choice. I started to think about other careers I could have chosen. After a couple years of college on a track towards one major, it might be pointless to change now. Then again, I might be a lot happier. Smoking weed is a part of me, and I don't know if stopping for a career that is against that is worth it. If anyone has some advice, I could use it. Thanks
Posted by starlight on December 30, 2004, at 0:37:15
In reply to know thy self, posted by lulugarcia on October 16, 2004, at 9:39:29
This is such an excellent post. I'd like to quit. But I haven't yet. This has been a very hard year to cope with, and I've found myself smoking more now than never. I'd like to have the epiphany that would release me from this in an instant, but then, I enjoy the feeling as well. It's a tough place. I've been having lower back pain as well and am taking flexeril for that, and worry about my tendency to like to be drugged up.
My past has been very painful, but my present is lovely. I try to focus on the present - to be present minded yet the habit is constant, and it seems that I have convinced myself that it's better. But in the end, I worry about my lungs and health, and also think I'd be more productive as an artist and in my day job. My dad always said that I had no willpower and I'd like to see myself prove that wrong, but no luck so far....
I was bullimic/anorexic when I was in my late teens, early twenties, so the addiction thing is in my genes. I'm aware of it, but so far, have yet to control it through willpower and not feel like I'm missing something.
I also take Effexor XR - 75 mgs, lamictal and trileptal too - so when you add all those factors in - I worry that I might have a problem.
Thanks for reading and happy new year to all of you.
starlight
Posted by Sebastian on January 6, 2005, at 21:23:32
In reply to Re: How I stoped smoking WEED, posted by wilson711 on December 26, 2004, at 23:36:58
What profeshion are you going into? Is there a different company you could work for? Could you start your own bussiness? Can someone else pee for you? I've known people in the army who smoke, and pass tests. I think the vigorous exercise, lots of water, and not being excesive in your smoking; can work.
I was quit for 3 years, yess your life will suck, you will have no freinds that you enjoy hanging with. You must change everything, or go out and not smoke which sucks. One thing that helped me was a night cap of zyprexa, the sedative in it gave me sleep. When I stoped the zyprexa I could not sleep. Thats an option. I think it makes you not want the pot as much. I would find myself wanting to not smoke for periods at a time out of knowhere. I went 3 years and now I am going NUTS. My parents which I still live with will through me out if I smoke pot. I'm 28, I should move out, but now I have no freinds???, since I stoped the pot. I didn't want to hang out anymore. I feel awfull, all I can think about is making new freinds, which is not happening, because I don't know how to have fun with out the pot. so I take meds all day and night, since I quit the pot I went from needing one med dose pill, to taking 5 meds all at med or high doses. And it still is not enough. I want to drink all the time and its making me sick, not to mention the anger consumes me..... If you have a joint could you send it to me?????
Posted by wilson711 on January 7, 2005, at 10:55:50
In reply to Re: How I stoped smoking WEED, posted by wilson711 on December 26, 2004, at 23:36:58
I wish I had a joint right now, trust me. My profession is going to be in the medical field so I find it hard to even think that I will be able to smoke once I start my job. It has been 6 days since I quit. Everyday has been getting easier and that might be because I have been keeping VERY busy! The first couple of nights I was taking vicadin to help me feel better. I then started chugging beers and taking valium when I realized that it was unnecessary. I felt really out of control and it made me think poorly of myself which I don't like. I know 6 days doesn't seem like a lot, but my entire life has changed. I haven't seen any of my friends. My best friend has called me less than my grandma and it hurts. It really hurts to know that my "friends" would rather smoke than chill. Then I realize that if I was in there position and I was still smoking, I would probably do the same. Everything is fine between my boyfriend and I. Both of us quitting has caused some stress but we're doing okay. It seems like there is nothing fun to do when I don't have weed though. Even my normal everyday activities seem pointless. The good side to all of this, my mind is clear and I'm saving money. Both of those I don't really care about, but still. If anyone needs help quitting, I am here and willing to talk. It's tough, but everyday I feel it's getting easier.
Posted by Crazy_Charlie on January 9, 2005, at 14:38:43
In reply to Re: How I stoped smoking WEED, posted by wilson711 on December 26, 2004, at 23:36:58
Cottonwool, I have heard so many talk about the sam ething... stopping because of drug tests. I don't always understand the good of drug tests. I have heard so so so many people say that cannabis is improving their life without getting in the way of daily functioning at all. I have heard of people who has used it as the only workable solution for many diseases, including epilepsy, migraine and bipolarity! It is HORRYFYING that weed is treated the same way as for example amphetamine, when it is such a help for so many.
I also find it hard to believe how professionals can be so negative to using cannabis as medication, when they DO use benzodiazepines, morphine and amphetamine. All of those have a lot higher chance of abuse than weed has, and a lot more devastating result if abused.
Though, who am I to complain, living in the Netherlands, less than an hour away from Amsterdam :-)
I would like to say though, you don't have to go to the Netherlands just to open a coffeeshop, they have many other professions here too :D I went here from Norway to work as a psychologist (and no, I don't realaly speak good Dutch), and it's plenty of americans working ere in different professions that don't speak Dutch. I was actually tipped by someone in Den Haag that i should work as a psychologist for all the americans working in Den Haag, since they are more confident going to psychologists than europeans (she knew what she was talking about, having been married to one of those americans for 8 years, hehe). I couldn't count on my fingers, nor if I also include my toes, how many foreigners I have met that has moved here because here they can smoke here without being paranoid about police. And for me, none of them seemed to have any problems in their life because of their smoking.
To finish off, I moved here because of a man, and not because of the weed :-)
CC
Posted by Crazy_Charlie on January 10, 2005, at 7:04:25
In reply to Re: How I stoped smoking WEED, posted by Crazy_Charlie on January 9, 2005, at 14:38:43
> WILSON, I have heard so many talk about the sam ething... stopping because of drug tests. I don't always understand the good of drug tests. I have heard so so so many people say that cannabis is improving their life without getting in the way of daily functioning at all. I have heard of people who has used it as the only workable solution for many diseases, including epilepsy, migraine and bipolarity! It is HORRYFYING that weed is treated the same way as for example amphetamine, when it is such a help for so many.
>
> I also find it hard to believe how professionals can be so negative to using cannabis as medication, when they DO use benzodiazepines, morphine and amphetamine. All of those have a lot higher chance of abuse than weed has, and a lot more devastating result if abused.
>
> Though, who am I to complain, living in the Netherlands, less than an hour away from Amsterdam :-)
>
> I would like to say though, you don't have to go to the Netherlands just to open a coffeeshop, they have many other professions here too :D I went here from Norway to work as a psychologist (and no, I don't realaly speak good Dutch), and it's plenty of americans working ere in different professions that don't speak Dutch. I was actually tipped by someone in Den Haag that i should work as a psychologist for all the americans working in Den Haag, since they are more confident going to psychologists than europeans (she knew what she was talking about, having been married to one of those americans for 8 years, hehe). I couldn't count on my fingers, nor if I also include my toes, how many foreigners I have met that has moved here because here they can smoke here without being paranoid about police. And for me, none of them seemed to have any problems in their life because of their smoking.
>
> To finish off, I moved here because of a man, and not because of the weed :-)
>
> CC
Posted by wilson711 on January 10, 2005, at 17:35:40
In reply to Re: How I stoped smoking WEED, posted by Crazy_Charlie on January 9, 2005, at 14:38:43
Crazy_Charlie,
Thanks for replying! It's hard to explain to my friends what Amsterdam is like because compared to America, it was like heaven. I know every country has their positives and negatives, but it's hard to live in a country where it seems like my daily life is monitored. Not to mention I dislike our government and their decisions. I am going to receive my Nursing degree in two years. I am not sure what the hospitals are like in the Netherlands, but if they are in need of nurses, I would very much consider moving there. Is the health care paid for by your government? Do you need insurance before a treatment is done? I'm sure if I was in that profession I would need to learn Dutch. (My mother's friend teaches it so that is not a problem.) The whole coffeeshop idea is like my dream. Not only because I have so many ideas, but because I love to talk and meet new people! I read up on the coffeshop college that they offer there, but with how expensive college is here, I don't think I could afford to do it, let alone start my own. It will always be my dream tho :) Thanks for writing me back. It's been about 10 days since I've had to stop smoking, not too much fun, but you gotta do what you gotta do to pass these drug tests! Bye!
Posted by Crazy_Charlie on January 11, 2005, at 5:10:34
In reply to Re: How I stoped smoking WEED, posted by wilson711 on January 10, 2005, at 17:35:40
Hoi
I haven't been admitted to any hospital here, but an american friend of mine was, and he seemed to enjoy it, hehe. I can't really compare it to the US, because I have never been there. But all the times I have been at the hospital with my child, I have been met in an amazingly good way, of very good doctors. I don't know whether you have to speak Dutch, because most Dutch are splendid in English. I know that I as a psychologist don't have to learn Dutch (but I'm doing it anyway, since I have made up my mind about living here). I don't think it will differ much from any other country as such, at least not from what you can see from th eoutside...The insurance here is a bit similar to US, but in my point of view maybe better? I can't say muc<h there either, because I only know what people have told me about the US health insurance, I don't know by my own experience.
I am still insured by my own country, so I'm not all that good in the Dutch insurance yet. If you have a job, the insurance will be managed through your company (as far as I have understood it).If you don't have a job or any income, you will get a different kind of insurance through the governement (as a Dutch citicen), I think. There is some kind of limit on how low your income is befor ethe governement steps in and help you. But I know it's not supposed to be any problems if you are too poor to buy an insurance, you will get help anyway.
If you really start thinking about this, you can e-mail me on this adress: psych0b1tch@yahoo.com (mark subject with: to Charlie), and I can give you my adress to an american friend of mine that lived in Amsterdam for 1 year. She probably knows a lot more, because it's completely different being here as an european than an american.
I found the Netherlands to be heaven too, not because of the weed (which IS the best in the world), but because of the relaxed atmosphere. Norway is more similar to US in that way, you simply feel monitored. You are not allowed to do this and that, and they check you out on a regular basis. Laws are not based on logic, but what is easiest for the governement to decide. here you get more the sense of being allowed to take responsibility for your own life. For some people that is not good, but for me that is the only right thing.
What I do find stunning though, is the facts. If you compare Norway an dthe Netherlands, you will see a lot things that is hilariously funny (ironic):
Norway is ten times as big as the Netherlands when it comes to size, but we have only one fourth of the inhabitants (4,5 millions compared 16,4). Norway is very strict on drug rules, marijuana is just as illegal as heroin, and if you are caught with more than 5grams you risk prison. Norway has the highest rate of violent crimes in western Europe, and it's just getting worse. Norway has a big problem with heavy drug abise, and as far as I remembee more than 50 people die of an drug overdose every year (and thats without all the grey and black numbers). In the Netherlands about 3 people die every year because of drug overdose, and problems with heavy drugs use is by percentage half of Norways! Of course you have violence here to, but not at all in the same way as in Norway. In Oslo (capital of Norway), there are areas where even the cops don't go out of their cars in the evening because their scared. I lived in Amsterdam for 8 months in 2001, and most Dutch people stared at me when I told that. Even the Red Light District is perfectly safe for most people in the evening. Violence here is connected to the big guys, those who rule the drug game. This is starting to change a bit, and I see areas here too that looks scary, but I have yet to find something as scary as Oslo in the evening.
How is it that in a country where people are almost stacked on top of each other in lack of space, they are actually LESS violent and MORE tolerant than the Norwegians that need a car to be able to go back and forth to the neighbour in one day? How is it that Norway, that has such a strict drug policy, we seem to have more problems with drugs than the Netherlands? Now, get this right: the Dutch are VERY strict when it comes to hard drugs, even more strict than Norway, so it's not because the Dutch are overlooking hard drugs. They have simply used their brains: instead of messing away a lot of money on a drug that does not seem to be a problem neither for the country as a whole NOR the user himself, they spend the money on fighting hard drugs.
Blablabla
But I guess you get my point, this really IS heaven... it's not only what it SEEMS to be, it really IS! With all the flaws and annoying features that somehow is inside the Netherlands too, they have passed the Norwegians in mostly everything positive possible.
CC
Posted by wilson711 on January 11, 2005, at 11:14:56
In reply to Re: How I stoped smoking WEED » wilson711, posted by Crazy_Charlie on January 11, 2005, at 5:10:34
Crazy_Charlie
It is so nice to know that it truely is special over there! I was telling my boyfriend (who also fell in love with Amsterdam) that it's not just about the weed. It's the fact that, like you said, the atmosphere is so relaxed and stress-free. I will definitly take you up on the offer to contact your friend, because I understand that it might be better to get information from someone that has lived in America and knows what I must go through on a daily basis.
I imagine that one day I will be there. When the time comes that I decide to have children, I would love for them to be raised there, because surprisinly, America also has more of a drug abuse rate than the Netherlands. (Even though most "drug-abusers" are just plain pot heads.) I have heard that it is less likely for children that were raised in Amsterdam to smoke weed and do hard drugs than it is for American children who are raised knowing marijuana is illegal. I know I had to go talk to a psychiatrist many many times because they labeled me as a drug-abuser. At that time, I was only smoking weed, and I got so upset because even my parents were convinced of that fact that weed is not horrible like our government makes it out to be.
Let me tell you about some of the commercials that are shown here on American television. There is this one for an anti-drug campaign, that shows a car load of teenagers smoking a joint in a car and going through the drive-thru of a fast food place. (I'm not sure if you know or not, drive throughs are like Burger King but you don't have to get out of your car to get the food.) The commercial goes on to show them doing that a couple more times, laughing and just being stupid stoned. The final time they go through the drive-thru, the driver doesn't look and hits a girl on a bike. Now at the end, they say something like "marijuana effects your reaction time." They spend so much time trying to inform the American people on how "bad" marijuana is, when there are people shooting up heroin and smoking crack! They need to focus on the hard drugs that can kill like the Netherlands.
Thank you for talking with me. It has made me even more convinced of the fact that it is such a wonderful and chill place to live your life. I will write you soon about talking with your American friend that lived in Amsterdam. Thanks again.
Posted by Crazy_Charlie on January 11, 2005, at 12:15:58
In reply to Re: How I stoped smoking WEED, posted by wilson711 on January 11, 2005, at 11:14:56
I have been discussing the issues over and over with my boyfriend, and we have sorta finalized with this conclusion (comparison Norway vs Holland):
In the Netherlands they tell children at school (and at home) the truth about drugs instead of making propaganda. In the Netherlands they explain to their kids that heroin and weed is not the same, and that they are dangerous in different ways and affect your life in different way.
In Norway they tell you (at school!) that hash is even more dangerous than heroin because it makes you abuse stronger stuff (which is a bad bad myth). My mother actually believes that you can loose your short term memory PERMANENT from smoking once! And she is a teacher for 12-13 year old kids. How scary can that be?In Norway the police give a kid 1000 Nkr (about 160 USD I think) for carrying one gram of hash, and he will have that in his police record for the rest of his life, and it will be viewable for future bosses to check it up for up to five years after it happened. That means that for one single gram of hash you have your future spoiled. It means that you wont get a visa to a lot of countries (including US), and that you cant work a LOT of places. And the police will forever know about it, so if you are ever caught in anything again you will be viewed as a crminial 8repeating criminal acts).
In the Netherlands it is semi legal. The police CAN take away your weed if the want to. It is legal to sell up to five grams in coffeeshops, and you can carry up to 5 grams on you. If you are found with more, you WILL get a fine. In that sense, it is legal, but not completely. the kids here learn that marijuana affects your brain and can be bad for some people, BUT they can also CHOOSE if they want to check it out or not. If they choose to check it out, they are doing something that is semi legal, and thereby they are opposing the parent generation without risking having their future spoiled.In Norway you can only buy hash from dealers that usually also sell a lot of other strong stuff. Each time you buy hash or marijuana (weed is quite rare in Norway) you will also be offered a whole range of hard drugs. Since you believe that hash is the most dangerous of all drugs, and since it hasn't done you any bad even though you have smoked regularly the last month, it is not so dangerous trying amphetamine, is it? Besides, maybe you have a friend with ADHD, and he brags of that he is using "speed".
In the Netherlands you can buy it at coffeeshops, where hard drugs are absolutely not accepted. If you use or try to sell hard drugs in a coffeeshop they will call the police. In adition, if someone on a regular sells hard drugs in (or even close to) a coffeeshop, the police will close down the coffeeshop... FOREVER. Different propaganda huh.I could say more, but I think this kind of does it. I do NOT think that it would be good to legalize it in Norway though. At least not yet. The Norwegians are used to having everything strict, including the use of alcohol. Alcohol is also three times as expensive in Norway than in most other Nordic countries. So of course, Norwegians haven't learned how to tackle alcohol (or drugs) and thereby we have the worst abuse numbers of all the Nordic countries, and most other Eropean countries. And Norwegians are famous for their binge drinking when they are in countries that has very cheap alcohol. In fact, in Norway traveling agents usually have very cheap travels for young people to places where they sell cheap alcohol because they KNOW a lot will go. I usually find it embarrasing to meet fellow countrymen in Amsterdam because they are usually completely drunk. Most Norwegians wouldn't be able to handle legalizing of cannabis, and many will misunderstand it and still compare it to hard drugs.
In the Netherlands it is simply no deal... and if no one finds it anything special that you have tried it, it's not exciting anymore.
Blabla again.
But yeah, I feel more safe about letting my daughter grow up here than in Norway. It seems to me that even though there are quite a few stupid politicians also in this country, at least most of them are able to learn of their stategies and admit that they did something wrong. It seems to me that everyone is very relaxed about most things, and the Dutch are more tolerant to foreigners than any other place I have ever been.
No where else have I seen so many different cultures mixed happily together, even though also in Holland there are cultural groupings some places.
In Norway it's been "hip" for quite a while to be acceptable towards homophilia... but never once have I seen to men hold hands. here I've seen two 40-50 year old male punkers(!) kiss in the midst of the day in the capital of the country (you could get killed for that in some of the bad places in Oslo). And their former prime minister was gay, without anyone making anything out of that. He wasn't only gay, he was kind of "hollywood" gay, more feminine than most females (and a complete nutcase, but that didn't have anything to do with his sexual orientation).
You can spend a whole day in Amsterdam just looking at the people aroun dyou, and have a good time... it's like being in a real life circus! And the beautiful stone buildings, the canals, all the flowers in the spring... in Amsterdam people that live in the city center put out buckets with flower bulbs outside their windows (on the pedestrian field) in march (its still snow in Norwya then, and it would anyway be illegal to put buckets with dirt and flowerbulbs on our precious pavements. Not that the police would notice, since it would be demolished by some kids within no time).
Oh, an dthe animals! In Norway the only place you can have a pet is in your own home, mor eor less. Here a lot of small shops and cafees, and even restaurants have their own cat or dog. That has their own little sleeping place amongst all the guests. And in my daughters kindegarden they have several hens, a goat, rabbits and a cat. Splendid, in my point of view. Horrible in Norwegian politicians view (there might be allergy you know... but kids have actually LESS chance of becoming alergic when they have animals around them, and there's always kindergadrens that doesn't have animals. Can't I choose for myself?). Since 2001 I have been here regularly, and I have lived here for mor ethan 20 months in total. It's not perfect, but what country is perfect? It is good enough for me!
CC
Posted by wilson711 on January 11, 2005, at 13:00:09
In reply to Re: How I stoped smoking WEED, posted by Crazy_Charlie on January 11, 2005, at 12:15:58
It is so interesting!!! I realized when I was there how different America and the Nederlands actually were. I went to eat in an Italian restaurant, and there was a cat coming out of the kitchen. If that happened in America, the place would be shut down. Smoking cigarettes also was a lot more laid back there. I was able to smoke my cigarette in the airport! In America, you cannot smoke in almost any restaurant, and not within 50 feet of any public entrance.
Norway sounds a lot like America, but here the police kind of rule the streets. They would not let anything happen without them being involved. George Bush is a horrible president, and luckily he can only be in office for four more years. Everything is regulated here, gay marraige has become legal within the last year but only in about 5 out of 50 states and is still sort of a "joke" in the media's eyes. WHen I was in Amsterdam I also saw two men kissing at a tram stop in Leidesplein. I was actually glad to see it, because I feel that your sexual preference should not have to be hid.
I am going to be writing you soon from my e-mail address. You have been so helpful. Thank you again!
Posted by Crazy_Charlie on January 11, 2005, at 14:02:32
In reply to Re: How I stoped smoking WEED, posted by wilson711 on January 11, 2005, at 13:00:09
Actually, smoking (tobacco) is getting more and more strict here too. In Norway it's illegal to smoke in any public place, including on restaurants and pubs. If a club or a cafe or something is violating the law, they risk getting shut down. Strictly speaking it is approximately the same law here, but less strict. There are still quite a few places where it is allowed to smoke, but not on the airport though. The Police in the Netherlands are known amongst foreigners for being slack. Although I wouldn't call it slack anymore, after seeing how it really works. They might ask you to put out your cigarette, and they might choose to consentrate on more important things. But, they can be quite tough if you start making trouble, espescially if you are a foreigner. And you are not safe anywhere, because they tend to make examples of what can happen if you don't follow the law (in form of a nasty fine for example, and it's no point complaining on anything in the Netherlands. If anything ever happens, it will be after so much nagging that you don't care anymore, BUT they WILL bug you with incasso in no time).
I guess it is the same thing as with the weed, they don't bother spending money on something they can't get completely rid of anyway. It's more important to get the cocaine king than checking if all the thousand cafes and restaurants are following the law. And besides, what aboutt the coffeeshops? They are made for smoking in, so it would be a bit ridiculous to forbid smoking in there? Some coffeeshops are making it a weed zone, making it illegal to smoke tobacco there. As far as I know the law is "no tobacco smoking", hehe.It is said (I don't remember by whom)that Norway is the most americanized country in the whole of Europe. I have been traveling a bit around, and I agree. You find Burger King (and drive throughs) and McDonalds everywhere, with huge yellow an dred sign and blinking lights. Even small cities have one or more huge shopping mall. American products are popular, and in many ways we do a lot of the same. American soaps are a part of many peoples life :) And the drug hysteria.
We are different in one thing though. The power of the police. The police is not allowed to walk with any weapons in Norway, unless there are a special situation. If they hav eto use guns, they are instructed to shoot on peoples legs and not lethal shots (though, one guy almost died anyway because they hit the main vein in his leg). It is discussions around it now though, since people (criminals? I don't like that word) have swapped from knives to guns in the last 20 years, and the street fights have become heavier. But the police are anyway underpaid and have a dangerous job, it's never enough money to do all they should do. People have to let thieves go because the police can't get out and fetch them then. You can allways bring him in yourself, but if you hurt him in the try, you risk a huge fine, and they would probably just let him go anyway. Besides, no one are allowed to carry weapons, and espescially not if loaded, in public areas. And it's also difficult to have get a weapon unless you hang around criminal environment. You either have to do a "wild life and shooting test" and be an active hunter, or be an active member of a gun club.
Oh well, there are good and bad sides to everything, luckily :)
CC
Posted by Puff Daddy on January 12, 2005, at 17:37:47
In reply to Re: How I stoped smoking WEED, posted by wilson711 on January 7, 2005, at 10:55:50
Yo, keep up the good work. Things will get better. Your memory will improve, mood should improve, and you will become even more social than you already seem to be. I'm on day 7 of abstinence, I'm quitting so that I can get a better paying job. There are definitely times when I doubt whether it's worth it or not.
I smoked everyday for about 3.5 years and I'm very much like you. When I would get low on weed, I'd start freaking out. So, I'd spend lots of time and energy making sure I never ran out. My friends always knew that I'd have weed. But I need to stop completely, at the very least slow down. I'm really anxious right now though, and I've had some flu-like withdrawal symptoms. And I feel really lazy.
Consider yourself lucky, you have a boyfriend and I'm sure he will be there to support you.
Puff Daddy
> I wish I had a joint right now, trust me. My profession is going to be in the medical field so I find it hard to even think that I will be able to smoke once I start my job. It has been 6 days since I quit. Everyday has been getting easier and that might be because I have been keeping VERY busy! The first couple of nights I was taking vicadin to help me feel better. I then started chugging beers and taking valium when I realized that it was unnecessary. I felt really out of control and it made me think poorly of myself which I don't like. I know 6 days doesn't seem like a lot, but my entire life has changed. I haven't seen any of my friends. My best friend has called me less than my grandma and it hurts. It really hurts to know that my "friends" would rather smoke than chill. Then I realize that if I was in there position and I was still smoking, I would probably do the same. Everything is fine between my boyfriend and I. Both of us quitting has caused some stress but we're doing okay. It seems like there is nothing fun to do when I don't have weed though. Even my normal everyday activities seem pointless. The good side to all of this, my mind is clear and I'm saving money. Both of those I don't really care about, but still. If anyone needs help quitting, I am here and willing to talk. It's tough, but everyday I feel it's getting easier.
Posted by gazalondon on January 28, 2005, at 11:06:45
In reply to Re: How I stoped smoking WEED, posted by wilson711 on January 11, 2005, at 13:00:09
I have been smoking for the last 5 years, and have just realised that apart from travelling abroad on holiday i have probably had a joint near enough every day of my adult life. I am going to roll one last joint and give up, for a while at least. I think it has made me too lethargic and i want to pass my BA Hons. Most of my mates smoke loads or some have moved onto stronger stuff
I'm not sure why i started, and to be honest i am not sure what I will be like when I stop, (I hope i'm not boring!!!)
I live in the UK and smoking weed is really common these days and you smell it very often in the streets
Feel its a real piss take (boom, boom) that random drug testing can occur, if you do the job properly and not getting stoned in work time it shouldn't be anyones business.Good luck to you all!!!
Gaz
Posted by HoldenYosarian on February 13, 2005, at 0:02:16
In reply to Re: How I stoped smoking WEED, posted by Sebastian on January 6, 2005, at 21:23:32
Sebastion: You most likely have ADD-ADHD issues. Most adults have only the ADD, and many children had only ADD, without the hyperactivity, and were never diagnosed, and not even a problem, since they were mostly spaced out alot of the time, and therefore causing more trouble. Thing is, the people who like weed most, NEED weed most, to the point they eventually build their lives around it...have undiagnosed ADD that THC , in effect, treats. So go get tested for ADD, that would be my advice. ADD has all sorts of accompanying difficulties which the average person wouldn't relate to ADD, difficulty in relating to others and making friends being among the most prevalent.
I don't know what meds you're on--or who's giving you the zyprexa, but that crap isn't anything to fool around with. You might have noticed the advertisements for class action suits against the makers of zyprexa, lately. And the more serious physiological effects are only part of the story. Chances are that, even at a small dose, it's having the effect of putting you in the sort of stupor during the day, or at least dulling your faculties to the point that you don't even feel like doing anything, much less something as active and challenging as making new friends. Anyway, please let me know more about your situation, and if you get the ADD test.
Posted by Eve1979 on February 13, 2005, at 1:50:26
In reply to Re: I've got to figure out how to stop too! » TexasChic, posted by partlycloudy on July 28, 2004, at 8:57:24
I am so glad I found these posts. I am new to this website but it's great! Anyways I am a daily weed smoker and i live in Cali. which is known for having the best weed and i smoke the best hydro chronic there is. I have been smoking every day for about 3 years and I need to quit. I've known this for a while now, the reason i continue to smoke is because I have depression, anxiety and add symptoms and it seem to help with that, it also helps me focus, but now i realize that I need to deal with my illness, so I went to a p doc., this is a new one , I had been seeing a p. doc a few years ago and he put me on prozac and celexa..those meds didnt work for me so i just kept smoking. This new p doc seems alot better then my last but she put me on cymbalta and restoral. Cymbalta made me so sick so now I am on wellbutrin, today was my first day on wellbutin but i still smoked. I am quiting tho, I just smoked my last bowl and I am not buying anymore.
So any support I can get would be much appreciated. I'm gonna need it.
Posted by Paskeewookee on February 15, 2005, at 8:31:30
In reply to Re: I've got to figure out how to stop too!, posted by Eve1979 on February 13, 2005, at 1:50:26
Hi, first sorry for my poor english. I used to smoke weed and mainly hasch for about 20 years now. I evaluate my average amount of joints a day around 4 for this period, which means I probably smoked about 30000 joints in my life (I'm 37). In january I decided it has to come to an end and I think I'm about to succeed. To be concrete, here is my "method":
1) stop immediately, do not think there is a progressive way of stopping.
2) avoid to meet your usual pothead friends for a while (could be long). This is hard but mandatory.
3) take something before you go to bed: there are many infusions on the market for instance, it won't help you that much in the beginning but keep on doing and convince yourself it will finally help
4) practice some endurance sport: walking, running, cycling...and make it as hard as possible ;-)
5) always know EXACTLY how many time you have been quitting. When you want to smoke, think this time will be ZERO afterwards and that you have been suffering for NOTHING (some software could help to monitor it)
6) proudly tell people you stopped
7) enjoy your dreams, I personally remember my dreams for the first time in 10 years !!!
8) don't lose to many time figuring out why you began. With time you will figure out anybody has (and need) an addiction, just find some that is not as heavy to live with (sport, books, sex,music, sleep...could be addictive too)
10) Don't think non-smoking people are not anxious, Anybody is anxious nowadays.That's it ;-) What surprised me is that it really been really hard for a few weeks, today I'm still thinking about it but I feel ggod to have that will, this is now a more rewarding experience than smoking a joint.
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