Marijuana may seem harmless in the beginning stages, but frequent usage can lead to difficulties with short-term memory, loss of interest in social activities and a lack of motivation that can affect one's career and life. Although marijuana does not cause the severe physical dependence that other drugs do, it does seem to bring on a psychological dependence, according to Columbia University Health Services. It also creates withdrawal symptoms when a person chooses to stop. There may be nervousness, insomnia, loss of appetite, depression or confusion. But if you are finally tired of wasting your time getting stoned, quitting may be easier than you think.
Step 1
Make up your mind that it is time to quit. Are you tired of feeling drained from the effects of smoking too much and not being able to accomplish goals? Perhaps marijuana is taking up too much of your time. Maybe it is causing difficulties at work because you can't concentrate. When you start thinking about these things, it's probably time to get your life back.
Step 2
Think about the money you will save by quitting and what you can do with those savings instead of looking for more marijuana. Picture yourself getting back the valuable time you keep losing by staying high all the time. Ponder how much pot controls your behavior. Remember the emotional and social consequences or embarrassing episodes it may have caused you.
Step 3
Talking with a counselor or medical professional may be one way to start when you feel that marijuana no longer brings you pleasure, the Columbia University Health Services notes. Counseling and recovery programs at local treatment facilities are also a good choice to confront emotional issues and learn ways to stay off marijuana, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Step 4
Get support from friends or loved ones to help you through any withdrawal symptoms. Often they are the ones who notice how marijuana is interfering with your life. They can help you get rid of any related paraphernalia that might remind of you your old activities. Stay away from the people or places that are associated with marijuana use. The more you disassociate yourself from past activities the easier it will be to stay off pot.
Step 5
Deal with the daily stresses of life through healthier means, such as exercise that makes you feel better naturally and energizes your body and mind. Simple deep-breathing exercises or yoga can also help clear your head and body. Getting involved in a group that participates in these activities is a good way to break free of the loneliness of marijuana.
Step 6
Join a support group of former marijuana smokers who can share stories and ways they use to remain free of marijuana. You can find such groups online or through local treatment facilities. The longer you are away from the drug, the more you will realize how much you don't need it.
Tips and Warnings
- Drink plenty of fluids, including fresh fruit juices and green tea, which offers your body antioxidants to recover from the physical effects of smoking, advises Mahalo, an informational website.
- If you ever think about using marijuana again, think about what it does to you. It makes it difficult for the body to fight illness, and it can harm the heart, lungs, brain and sexual performance, the Cleveland Clinic points out. Among other negative results, it may cause memory loss, irrational fears and panic attacks.
