Paranoid & trying to quit

[Cypress]

Been smoking for about 12 years now and have taken class A drugs a few times when I was younger. A cocktail of Class A drugs combined with pot caused me to become delusional. I had been smoking a lot of pot (about 5 a day) leading up to this life changing event. I suffered the loss of my best friend as well which may have contributed to the psychotic episode... I was trapped in mental hell for a few months and had to go on medication to try and ease the confusion and paranoia.

I stopped smoking religiously for a couple of years, the paranoia eased but the conspiracy theories I perceived continued (but I was coping with life)... BUT every time I smoke a pot, my paranoia intensifies and the conspiracy grows and becomes very real at times. I have quit jobs, shut family off and lost friends because of the paranoia. In fact I've lost a few years of my life, sitting on the sofa analyzing everything and fitting it into my conspiracies...

Anyway, I need to turn my life around and leave the pot behind, it's reduced me to half the man I used to be and I am worried that if I lose my wife I will never find companionship again because I am a paranoid... I need to stop smoking pot if I am to have any hope of living some kind of a fulfilling life.

I'm struggling though, it's too easy to get hold of and I can always find justification for getting some even though I know it is doing my mental state some serious damage.

Does anyone have any tips on kicking it for good?

[bud free]

wish i had a magic trick 'cause i would use it myself, LOL however as a mental health professional i have to say that if smoking makes you more paranoid i would try to find a therapist i could trust and get into a group situation, NA or AA or such. doesn't work for everyone but it really helps not to feel all alone out there. good luck

[Swastik]

If you are addicted to anything it is in your hands only to leave it or not?

Your will power must be strong to leave some addiction. Have some confidence that you can do it. And then see the result.

[jenny]

I feel very sad for you Cypress knowing your health. But you can regain your health if you really wish. It depends on you.

[Acly]

You have to be mentally strong to stop those bad habits.

[jenny]

You have to be mentally strong to stop those bad habits.
Yes, Acly. Cypress needs to be mentally strong.

[MT1985]

Im sorry you are going through such a rough time. Im new here and was just reading through a couple stories. Im a pot head too and struggling to quit. I couldn't imagine how hard it must be for you. It's hard to stay off it but I went as long as I did by replacing my pot smoking habbit with other things. Instead of lighting up id goto the gym, watch a movie, jam out on the drums, and drinking lots of sugary drinks seemed to take my mind off it for a while. I almost went insane after these 3 weeks without it and started back up so those remedies were only temperary for me. But im willing to admit this is all in my mind and its a mental addiction. I know I have a problem and I need to slow down on it at least. Im going to attempt to quit AGAIN after this bag runs out. Does weed have that much of an impact on you man? On anyone else here? I know this is all in my head and a mental addiction. Good luck on your path to sobriety dude, keep me posted on your progress.

[dawicker104]

I'm so very sorry for all of you who have posted on this forum. I highly recommend you begin to go to Narcotics Anonomymous or AA meetings DAILY until you really begin to embrace the 12 Steps. The 12 Steps will allow you to define a different path for you life and to move beyound your addiction.

I work with current and former addicts and their families every day and I haven't met anyone who has stopped using completely that isn't using the 12 Step process.

Visit: www.drug-addiction-support.org/Drug-Addiction-Recovery.html (http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Drug-Addiction-Recovery.html)

and

also: http://www.alcoholism-support.org/Alcoholism-12-Step.html

Good Luck!