[BridgetDarling]

Hello new here, my first post. Just wanting a lil input or thoughts. I am a recovering addict to benzos (xanex, kolonpin, valium etc) but suffer from severe day to day anxiety. I have recently found that smoking here and there makes my anxiety decrease tremendously. I am able to handle day to day tasks without my brain overthinking things, me getting worked up, thinking the worst of every situation....I know this is frowned upon a lot because yes it is illegal but I can't believe how much better I feel. When I was first prescribed xanex years ago I felt as if they did nothing for my anxiety but I really like how I felt on them which led to me taking more and more to pretty soon I was taking anywhere to 4-6 xanex bars a day. Needless to say I was hardly functioning and don't remember much. But the stories I'm still told by family memebers of how I was makes my stomach turn. Getting sober from those was one of the hardest things I ever did. After multiple relapses and putting my family through hell, I'm able to say I have been clean since February of 2013 of benzos. I will never look back at them. Or any anxiety pill because I am an addict and don't want to be put in a position to fail at controlling my urge so id rather just not have them at all. But the anxiety problem continues. My question is has or does anyone use marijuana for their anxiety and does it help? I feel like it has helped me but maybe its in my head or I'm just over thinking things. I know its illegal but I'm thinking about getting my card for it, but want to know if it will be worth it. Like success stories. Thanks in advance

[Evaluna]

Well done for getting sober off the medications you were taking. That must really take a lot of strength.

Personally I don't think that what you're doing is that bad. I've tried it before and I often think about trying it again for the reasons you said. But I'm in charge of a child 24 hours a day so its a no no for me.

The thing is, sometimes it can make people paranoid, and this may in fact make your feelings worse. I think getting to the root if the problem is the best way to go but I know how difficult that may be.

I really hope that whatever you choose to do you feel better xx

[lucami]

I only know ppl who got permanent dd or anxiety after marijuana, never heard that it helped for it.. but who knows, everyone is different...

[Treyfrancis21]

I have been treating my anxiety successfully for several years by self medicating with marijuana. Due to potential court issues that are upcoming I stopped a couple weeks ago. Since I stopped I have noticed a severe increase in anxiety and paranoia to the point that its hard for me to get out of the house some days. For me personally, smoking seems to be the safest and most effective way to manage my anxiety. The legal issues surrounding it are a struggle, I've even contemplated moving to a state where it is legal for recreational or medical use. As a former heavy drug user I am scared of benzos. I feel that marijuana can be psychologically addictive, but I've wondered if maybe I'm just addicted to feeling better and having less anxiety. Just my two cents...

[BridgetDarling]

Its good to hear Im not the only one. As for it causing more anxiety, I guess I'm lucky and don't have that side effect? I've been told there is so many strains and types that help with certain things. I never knew that there was a whole world out there for this, I've always thought weed is weed. I just need to go about it legallly now. Would prefer to help my anxiety with something more natural than chemical for sure.

Trey... (sorry I don't know how to tag a member yet or however it works) I really hope the best for you in your situation. Hang in there.

[CosmicRose]

Just be careful with that. Up until a year ago, I was smoking pot every day (medical marijuana, I had my medi-card from a pot doctor). It helped my anxiety and made me feel really happy. Until one night, I had the biggest panic attack of my life I thought I was dying. It was horrible...after that, every time I smoked, I would feel very paranoid. Marijuana can turn on you, it might have relaxing properties now, but after awhile you might start feeling differently. I developed a habit from it, but I ended up quitting cold turkey because the feelings I got from it weren't good anymore, no matter what strain I smoked.
In the end I just was left with a bad cough, and less money in my bank account.
The feelings were great while they lasted though. Made me not care so much.

It is not legal where I am, but if it was, I imagine that I would not smoke regularly, just when it was necessary. I imagine that it would only take one or two puffs and my anxiety would be gone. And I would definitely not get any kind of buzz from it.....that would not be my goal. I imagine, also, that I would sleep like a baby.

Of course I have no idea, it's just pure speculation on my part.......

Also, Xanax did NOTHING for me. I got no relief, no enjoyment. I was just me.
I was disappointed.

[Ozisl]

People will react to differently. I've seen it cause panic attacks and paranoia in people who were already displaying those. Dose carefully.

[cryingontheinside]

I think it can have the opposit effect. It can cause panic attacks and extreme paranoia. Long term use can cause mental illness. I wouldnt recommend it

[mountain human]

Any chemical can be addicting if overused...I used weed for years as a crutch, now am clean and sober for many years...long term pot use made me get way too deep into myself, struggled mightily to find my way out of it. However it is still tempting to find some relief as I don't do psych meds either (except for insomnia)

[gracebuttercup]

Just like with pharm medications. What works well for some does not work for others. Or has adverse effects. I personally became psychologically addicted to it. I stopped for a while when I no longer could get it. I did go back to smoking it again and then stopped when I moved away from the person who got it for me. The last time I smoked it my anxiety level became very high. So I never again touched it. I do think its a very individual thing.

I hope you get relief from the anxiety in whatever way that can happen

[cryingontheinside]

I know this is going slightly off subject but i used alcahol as a crutch for my anxiety, agraphobia and social phobia. Although it seemed to work in the short term at least, it created a whole load of other problems for me which lead me into a deep dark hole with a feeling of no way out.

[amandalouise]

Originally Posted by lucami

I only know ppl who got permanent dd or anxiety after marijuana, never heard that it helped for it.. but who knows, everyone is different...

many USA states now have legalized marijuana for medical use (ie cancer, depression, anxiety, Bipolar disorder and more ) because it does have medicinal qualities that do help with these things. like with any other medication it must be monitored and dosage adjusted to fit each persons problems.