![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 30 to 54 of 63. Go back in thread:
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.
Posted by Sebastian on March 8, 2005, at 18:03:29
In reply to Re: How I stoped smoking WEED, posted by HoldenYosarian on February 13, 2005, at 0:02:16
Doctors say they think, but never diagnosed, my dad with ADD. None have ever said such a thing about me. For some reason I think they may have said they don't think I do. I hate weed, I smoked a little and my mind goes poop. Just does not work. I like to drink, but with my meds the doctor says I can't even have a drink for a whole month!!! I've been going crazy here, trying to substitute weed. But no luck. The funny thing is I don't think I drink that much, 1-2 drinks a day, or even none some times and now my liver has elevated levels. The MRI says, no problem with the liver, but still, I can't drink. Well I had it with the doctor, I had 1 yesterday and 2 tonight. It can't be that bad can it? I told her a realistic figure of 7 drinks in a week, and that was too much. Why? If so I need off some off these meds. Still working on the zyprexa issue, have taken it since '98. I belive you are right that it is killing my social life. I feel better on this lower dose, the only thing and I hate saying this it calms me, probably too much.
Posted by Questionmark on March 20, 2005, at 19:00:53
In reply to Re: How I stoped smoking WEED-sebastian is back » HoldenYosarian, posted by Sebastian on March 8, 2005, at 18:03:29
i don't know ( <-- key phrase here), but unless you're on something like a benzodiazepine (which can cause temporary severe amnesia & potentially death if too much is combined with alcohol, or vice versa) or a potentially-bad-for-your-liver drug (e.g. Serzone or Cylert), i personally don't think drinking on meds is typically that bad or dangerous for a person. Be aware, however, that drinking MAY be able to reduce the benefits of a medication for awhile.
Posted by bingcrosby on March 24, 2005, at 22:53:40
In reply to How to stop smoking WEED?, posted by Cottonwool on July 20, 2004, at 11:09:29
I started smoking when I was 13yr and now going on 41yr I still enjoy getting stoned from time to time and I have found it to be a great sexual enhancement between couples for both sexes. In my years of smoking I have come across many ways of stop smoking. The first is cold turkey. You will go through stages of being angered at anything and not be content. If you can do this for 3 to 4 days before the urgency for the drug starts to subside. You will start noticing you have more energy and breathing is easier. If things work out you will even get to where you dont like the smell and the high because of the way it brings you down. The only other way is to slowly break yourself by cutting down your in take untill you quit. I went 3yr without smoking before I picked up again and even now it is only for spicing up the bedroom. I had a super hard time with this when I first tried to quit because of the quanity I smoked. For 21yrs I could not do without it and things really got dry and so quit was no longer an option. I drink alot to subsitute for the high but it was not the same not to mention the amount of alcohol being consumed. Then finally burntout on the whole getting high thing I went straight for the first time in 21 yrs and after 2 days it felt like I was a different person and a cleaner person with clear mind instead of foggy. The bigest thing I have found that works is to have a dream to build or learn something. My drug kicker was drag racing cars. I have been lucky enough to live next to a driver and it has given me a better high to work with and learn. If you want it bad enough and you tell yourself enough and ask for it from above it will come. I am not a church goer butI found out there is something to it and asking him for help is only a matter of speaking the words and believing in it. I still would smoke but because of the negativity put upon it and making it illegal is only another way for the goverment to controll our freedom. It is really shamefully when you have people in jail for life for having nothing more than a little grass on them. They did not kill anyone and where everyday hard working people who chose another form of intoxication in stead of getting drunk. Quitting is not the easies thing in the world. But being releasd from its chains and being abled to get over it is a great freedom and achievement.
Posted by introuble on May 12, 2005, at 15:16:54
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
Ok, here is how it goes...I hate weed and yet I love smoking it...it is destroying my life and yet am attached to it...its wasting my PhD and keep going back to it..obviousle the feeling of guilt is overburdening me for I dont tend to do what I should be doing..This PhD is my dream and I have everything that helps making my dream true..but mr WEED is on the way...I promised myself million times...you know the outcome..I bought a TV/DVD to busy myself with it and forget weed..it didnt work..I paid a hypnotherpaist about 600 dollars..it didnt work..I am almost losing my girlfriend because of moodiness...I became anti-social and angry all time and want to take it on my housemates, friends..basically any one I see...I quit my job because of this..and for each job I apply I become to think that its the end of the world...I cant think ahead and comfort myself..I have no patience at all...am so hesitant in doing anything..I keep filing things and never sort them out...I keep giving myself excuses to smoke weed: this is the last I smoke, the last time I buy (the dealer is within easy acces in town..nio matter where i live...)..I lost 20kilos in wieght..because weed makes you slow and lazy..so I can be bothered to cook or bring food...I have gone out in long journeys to clear my mind and make new decisions for the best..but always I am dragged to this habbit...I talk myself through it by prmoises and telling myself off..I even hit myself as I gave up on myself...am losing it..am losing myself..my girlfriend and above all my dream..my PhD...PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAASSSSSSSSEEEEE....helppppppppppppppppppppppppppp......
Posted by antigua on May 18, 2005, at 11:08:53
In reply to Re: I've got to figure out how to stop too!, posted by introuble on May 12, 2005, at 15:16:54
You don't have to do this alone. Reach out for some help. There's safety in numbers. We're here too, to help.
antigua
Posted by Levi on June 15, 2005, at 17:58:48
In reply to Re: ...-sebastian is back (Alcohol and Meds) » Sebastian, posted by Questionmark on March 20, 2005, at 19:00:53
Try some poppy tea sebastian it will inspire you
Posted by graniteboy on December 10, 2007, at 18:37:16
In reply to How to stop smoking WEED?, posted by Cottonwool on July 20, 2004, at 11:09:29
Looks like all the heads have either quit smokein or quit writing.Well I got to bring this back cause weed is a problem for me. I have been smoking for 11 years now and its been one of the only ways i make my self happy.I say this in knowing how i feel cause i have not smoked in 14 days now and i am just not my self any more. Mood swings depression and just flat old mean to people.I dont understand it most people say good things about quiting and how they feel after just days of not smoking.I not sure if its in my head or do i feel like this foreal.Well i know this is how i feel what i really want to know is how long is this going to go on or do i just need to hit a blunt a few times for depression.(my anit-depression)!!!!!!
Posted by graniteboy on December 12, 2007, at 20:14:21
In reply to Re: How to stop smoking WEED?, posted by graniteboy on December 10, 2007, at 18:37:16
This is like my own little diary but its all good cause i need it,but today is day 17 no pot hell no drugs or beer,ciggs any thing damn last time i was sober 100% i was like 15 its been real hard i dont care what anybody says but i hope day i will look back and be thankfull!
Posted by oldschool305 on December 14, 2007, at 8:05:23
In reply to Re: How to stop smoking WEED?, posted by graniteboy on December 12, 2007, at 20:14:21
Damn granite boy, that's awesome! Congrats on not smoking for 17 days!!! I wish I could quit the alcohol. I quit for like a month, but like you said, didn't feel like myself. I was constantly bored and never wanted to do anything... so I fell off the wagon and have been drinking again =\
I used to smoke weed here and there, but I get all weirded out when I smoke. I am one of those paranoid smokers, then it causes depression a few days after I quit. Un-controllable crying and anger!! I just pop off on people and curse everyone out. Weed, for reasons, helps a lot of people with their anxiety, etc.. Not me, it does the exact opposite.
Good luck on your journey of giving everything up. I hope to do the same someday, for ever!!
Posted by graniteboy on December 14, 2007, at 21:57:32
In reply to Re: How to stop smoking WEED?, posted by oldschool305 on December 14, 2007, at 8:05:23
Thanks alot oldschool for the encouragement i need it right now.One of my biggest fears is fallen off track,Well to tell the truth i have back step alittle,I went out of town this week to work and i was really feeling the presure so i got me some Black and milds and drank some wine,i dont even like wine thats why i got it so i wouldnt keep drinking it you know.But still no weed thank god.Today is day #19 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by graniteboy on December 16, 2007, at 21:18:06
In reply to Re: How to stop smoking WEED?, posted by graniteboy on December 14, 2007, at 21:57:32
Today has been a tough day.Man ive have been close to just going out of my mine.Seems like evryone is just trying to piss me off and evrything.Day 20 and im just about ready 2 get high.But im not going to give up just yet i have beat 3 or 4 addiction,and now I am not sure why Am quiting smoking ,i mean i know why i quit the hard stuff it was making life and me messed up and every decision i made was not about anybody or even me it was about getting messed up and hiding who i was really.Now i am trying to find my self and who i am,i want to know how life feels.I have been hiding from myself for a long time.I know life is going to be hard at times but i want to know i am living for me now,I want to raise my kids better than i was my self its only fair to them.I want to be free!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Armourking on May 5, 2008, at 12:32:30
In reply to How to stop smoking WEED?, posted by Cottonwool on July 20, 2004, at 11:09:29
ok all i know this post is a bit old but it's all i could find,
I too am in the same boat i live in nz so amsterdamm is out of the question.
I've been smoking it everyday for around 7 years with the longest break of about two weeks and it was that long ago i don't remember it,
It has now come to a point where i have to make a descion, i am using smoking to hide my problems, i keep thinking of changing careers as i am not happy (but its the smoking casuing this), my job is fun and challenging and pays very well, it is also hurting my relationship (i'm surprised she's still with me as she doesn't smoke) i smoke myself to sleep so we don't get much bed time together, My motivation and zest for life has gone all i worry about is getting stoned, its now 4am i'm up because i can't sleep because of back pain from eating too much while i have the munchies.
But i love it too much, coming home after a long hard day and having a cone is what i live for
But now it has gone too far. All my friends smoke it too but when we get together all we do is just get smashed and sit watching tv or ps3, what ever happened to going out and doing stuff as a group and not getting smashed? i'll tell you habit now all we know of is to go out and get smashed,
what i'm looking for is some advice on taking the urge away something to kill the time take my mind of what was once as common as taking a pee
cutting back is not an option as i have found with myself if i have it i wont stop until it's gone
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