Quitting Pot
If you’re here, you’re already aware that you have a troublesome relationship with pot. Maybe it is sapping you of the motivation you need to get that thing done, or maybe you feel like it has made you numb.
It starts at self-awareness. knowing that you have a problem is the first step on tackling it. Good, so.. what now?
To quit pot (or any vice really), requires Understanding and Commitment and Patience. it’s okay if you think you lack these: just like how you formed a habit out of smoking dried leaves, you can also form habits that can help you reduce it.
UNDERSTANDING
Smoking pot floods your brain with THC — a chemical that is very similar to a natural neurotransmitter.
Your body has accepted this external source of biochemical as a valid/regular source, and is depending on your daily sessions to make up for its diminished production caused by your regular intake.
The biochemical that THC mimics, has a specific function. Like : regulating mood, appetite or sleep. Every time you smoke a doink — there is a considerable promotion of certain activities in the brain. and as you smoke regularly, your body reduces its own production/sensitivity of it, as the body is getting HUGE amounts of it every puff.
This is why you build a tolerance. as you consume more and more, the body produces less and less of it and becomes less and less sensitive to it.
When you go an unusual amount of time without consumption (maybe your stash ran out!) your body detects that it’s no longer getting the external supply and starts hiking up productions SLOWLY. while your body is ramping up production, You, physiologically and psychologically need to deal with the reduced sensitivity and lesser concentrations.
Think drinking tea after having a sweet — The tea will seem less sweet than usual
Or think having tea with very less milk: tastes strange right? this is the situation your brain is in right now. the cocktail of neuro-chemicals is thrown off-balance.
Getting back to your old self will take weeks or even months! until that, you will feel the withdrawal of marijuana as your body gradually tries to attain Homeostasis.
Weed withdrawal is mostly not severe unless you were a heavy user.
Symptoms include: Sleep and appetite changes, irritability, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, spouts of depression, anxiety.
CONSISTENCY:
Dealing with these symptoms can seem daunting, especially the sleeping part but, fear not! unlike other drugs, these symptoms can easily be treated with just a simple change in your lifestyle. Here’s how to do it:
Bodily functions
Bodily functions like sleep and appetite, mood regulation are tightly paired with physical activity.
Going for a run or a gym might be a bit-much for your atrophied body, Taking a brisk walk or doing simple exercises like push ups will help your body get in a flow again.
It will help stimulate your appetite to help recover your body and will make you sleepy. sleeping at this stage will help you wake up feeling replenished!
Getting exercise will also help release your body’s natural anti-depressants — endorphins making you feel better. Ever heard of The Runner’s high?
Make sure to eat healthy food and hydrate yourself frequently to aid your body’s recovery.
Mental stability
Getting back to your older self can be a bit tricky especially for people for whom smoking has become an identity.
You will feel like your attention is all over the place, jumping from thought to thought like how a monkey swings from branch to branch.
The best thing you can do to improve your attention span is to Meditate. simply close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing, acknowledging and letting go of any intrusive thought that may come in-between. in addition to improving concentration it can also help to make you more mindful of your thoughts and help with negative thoughts and keep you from spiraling into depression.
Once you have your mind at one place, it is important to keep it working on a single thing. This can be anything that floats your boat: Singing, Writing, Reading, Watching cinema, Going out etc., as long as it does not involve using apps that serve novelty with a swipe — Social media.
Social media is a great way to connect with friends. it is not however a good place to consume content.
Do keep yourself busy by doing things you enjoy. and do a lot of it!
Don’t indulge in other vices to keep you sane!
As the title suggests: Consistency is key here. you need to do these everyday so don’t fall prey to your cravings.
Patience
Good things take time. it will take at least two weeks for your body to feel normal again. until that, the above activities will help you keep afloat.
It is okay if you relapsed the first..or second.. or the fifty ninth time. don’t put yourself down for it. accept it and move on. and do not forget to treat yourself when you do abstain. Positive reinforcement works wonders.
