Cold Turkey or ?????

I don't know if this is appropriate but here goes...I need to quit smoking MJ. I have leaned on it for years to help with anxiety and chronic pain but I feel that it is time to stop. I have bipolar 1 and PTSD. I would like to be more clear headed and though I don't see the MJ as a problem I think I need to make sure it isn't by taking a break. I have only "taken a break" when pregnant years ago. Almost all my friends smoke so I always have access to it so even though I have no money I usually have smoke.
I just don't know how to go about quitting. I really could use some suggestions on this! WHen I get real manic I hallucinate and I don't need anything like pot making things worse, I often smoke to calm down but have heard it can make things worse. Please, any suggestions are welcome.
PS I do not want to take Valium as it makes me want to die/cry, etc. Plus, I already take about 12 pills a day as it is.

I'm attempting to quit again on May 1st. They've passed a law here effective May 1st, no smoking in public places, so I won't have to worry when I go play in my pool leagues.

I've tried just about everything out there except the gum, and thats what I'm gonna try this time. Its soooo hard!!!! It takes the average smoker 7 attempts before they successfully quit, or so I've heard. Anyway, we can be each other's support!

Yeah, I agree that it makes things worse. I think daily smoking MJ triggered my last psychotic episode. I have not had it sense because it scared me so much. I had to quit it cold turkey because I am an "all or nothing" type of person. I will either use it everyday or not at all. Also, I am an addict. I hope you decide to quit--I bet your meds would work better. Let me know if I can help.

Oh....wait.....I didn't see the MJ. I was talkin bout cigarettes, hahaaha, guess there's no gum for the MJ tee heeee!

I was a 22 year smoker when I finally quit cold turkey about 11 years ago. I had quit many times before, went to smokenders, got hypnotized but nothing ever worked for long until i finally decided i really wanted to quit. It was the hardest thing i have ever done. You feel like you have lost your best friend. I got depressed & gained about 25 pounds. But i was determined and am still smoke free. I recommend getting lots of hard candy. I used jolly ranchers ( i can still feel those little hard squares in my mouth) and lollipops.

Good luck. No matter how hard , its worth it.

PS The first 3 days are the worst, then the first 2 weeks, and so on. It gets a little better each day forward, just keep busy

THanks Depressme
I never thought about having my meds working better, that would be great! I am having a hard time with the cold turkey method. Im feeling a lot of anxiety, of course. Actually I feel like Im gonna just die......! soooo.....I slipped up last night and then I was really mad at myself. It wasn't that great, in fact it just made me paranoid and sleepy. And hungry. I just wish I didn't "jones" so bad. And then I think it's not so bad for me, other people get hooked on really bad stuff so I shouldnt complain...I guess it just takes time. Thanks for listening. Im a little manic.
I am going to hang in there and keep on trying.
Anyone have any other reasons to quit smoking pot? Like the upsides? I already know I don't like the munchies. I'll eat anything, even cheetos when Im high.
Thanks all
Dulcinea

well you mentioned pregnancy...i dont know about now..but your kids is a great way to want to quit smoking....if they see you...even if they are older....they might say hey moms doing it so let me do it....i dont know the situation and everything but its still nice to think your setting a good role model for everyone in general.....

Dulcinea,
Don't worry about the slip--I wish I had a dollar for everytime I slipped. Towardrs the end of my drinking and using, it seemed like the pot and alcohol did not "work" as well--the high just was not as good--I wonder if it s a mental thing or what? I'd quit for a few days, get myself all worked up and then finally give in and drink only to be let down--the buzz just was not as magical as I remembered it. When I quit, I dropped 30 lbs (over several months), my paranoia got better, my meds worked better, my memory improved, my lungs felt better, I saved money, my concentration was better, easier to get out of bed in the morning because my sleep was better, my moods became more predictable, my anxiety decreased....I became more motivated to do other things--like clean the house, read, paint, cook, talk with friends, write, garden and yard work...--all the things I had quit doing because I was busy getting high or drinking. Maybe you could make a list of things you could do instead of getting high. When I quit, I bought a few books and some silly craft projects--that helped keep me busy and a little distracted. And, now, I have plenty of hot pads, friendship bracelets and I'm sober. Just a thought...I hope you have a good day.

That really sounds great. I feel just like that, the high isn't so great. And I have lots of hobbies right now and never finish anything, I'm such a mess. Thanks so much for the encouragement! That's quite a list. I also want to be an example for my 6 children!

Thanks

Six kids? wow, that would make it tough to get a lot of projects done! You must have an incredible amount of energy. I really apreciate you posting here and giving me a chance to share--it reminds me of the things I need to be grateful for...it also reminds me how good it is to be sober.

Hi,
Well, only two kids still live at home. I am 43 so I have only the twelve yr old and the 18 yr old at home. (the others are 25, 19 20 and 21, 2 are step kids) So really only two and they are old enough to be helpers to me. I do appreciate the sharing with me. Its a successful day for me! Now it's bedtime so thank buddha!

Just wanted to thank you again. Your list kept me going today!
Dulcinea
I'll have to try my hand at friendship bracelets!

You must have brought your kids up right because I have seen many 12 year olds that would run circles around me...I am only 36.

Good luck!!!

I have been smoking MJ for years as well....basically from my 16th till a few weeks ago, had some periods I didn't smoke but basically have been smoking every day.
I loved it and have also been using it to self medicate, as I am bipolar and also have BPD, but the last few months I noticed it only made my depressions worse and the medication I am taking working less.
I am an all or nothing person too and decided to just stop 'cold turkey' which was the only thing that would work for me, I had done this some times before. Just getting to the point of actually stopping has always been the hardest thing for me, every time I decided to stop something happened that made me feel different so I went on smoking. I managed to do it though!
Two days ago though I wanted to smoke again...but when I was actually smoking it felt like my first cigarette, made me cough and my lungs felt really bad, together with that I didn't even get high so that was a sign I did succeed in quitting and don't want to smoke again any time soon. Hopefully this won't change.

If you can do it, I think it's best to just stop 'cold turkey' but try to find something to do/distract you. The first 3 days are the worst and after that it will only get better. I wish you luck!