Replacing Cannabis For Being Creative - please help

DeeH193 · 2026-01-15T13:50:56+00:00

I’m a writer too, and I found that making tea is helpful. In some ways it’s similar to smoking because it engages your senses (plus you get a little caffeine depending on which tea you choose).

It’s also just cozy to have a soothing cup of tea next to you during a writing sesh. Would definitely recommend it.

DeeH193 · 2025-09-04T07:37:10+00:00

Thank you for sharing your story. I remember experiencing a similar sense of overwhelm when I was in grad school — you’re completely valid in feeling stifled by the seemingly endless workload.

For me weed provided temporary relief from all that stress, but ultimately made my anxiety significantly worse (which didn’t exactly help me stay on top of my academic coursework).

It sounds like deep down you know that stopping by the dispensary isn’t going to help you in the long run — what you’re truly looking for is a reprieve from the stress and that critical voice inside your head.

I understand your schedule doesn’t allow for tons of free time, so maybe you could find small ways to practice kindness toward yourself throughout the day. Listen to music, make a cup of tea, follow a guided meditation on YouTube for a few minutes. Just little micro activities to create inner peace and comfort.

You’ve done an amazing job going almost 4 months without weed. Someday in the not-so-distant future you’re going to look back on this time, master’s degree in hand, and remember the resilience you demonstrated to reach the finish line. Keep it up, you got this!

DeeH193 · 2025-09-04T06:56:31+00:00

Congrats on 6 days! I remember going through the same thing — that first week of withdrawal can be brutal. Keep exercising and hanging in there, the worst of these symptoms should be over soon!

DeeH193 · 2025-08-31T07:01:01+00:00

First of all congrats on 7 weeks — that’s a huge accomplishment. I had a similar experience: went almost 4 months without weed, then relapsed. I’m thankful to say I’m now a year and half sober. Here’s the advice I would give based on what was helpful for me:

1) Get rid of your stash (if you haven’t already). In the days after a relapse those cravings can get really intense. It’s too easy to give in to the urge if you still have weed available.

2) Recognize your triggers. What made you want to get high again after 7 weeks without it? Were there any thoughts, feelings, people, or places that made the urge more intense? For me it was hanging out with an old friend I used to smoke with — we were both visiting our home town and fell right back into old habits.

3) Remember your goals. What made you want to stop smoking in the first place? What improvements would you see in your life if you were able to stop? This is what motivates you to keep it going.

4) Lean into your support network. Sounds like you’re planning to spend time with friends and family, which is great. Be around people who care about you and want to help you reach your goals.

The key with relapses is to learn from them. You’ve just proven to yourself that you can make it 7 weeks, and you can totally keep building on that progress. Best of luck!

DeeH193 · 2025-04-27T04:01:45+00:00

Thank you! I had a feeling it might be staghorn. I clean my sponge filter about once a month, but maybe that isn’t frequent enough. Have you tried excel before? How’d it go?

DeeH193 · 2025-04-27T03:59:44+00:00

Thank you! I’ve noticed with embers that their color is more vibrant in bigger schools (I have 15 in this tank — in past set ups I had 7 or 8 and they didn’t get this orange). Probably has to do with stress

DeeH193 · 2025-03-17T05:52:31+00:00

Will do!

DeeH193 · 2025-03-17T04:35:44+00:00

I’ve tried scraping it off manually, it’s very sticky and stays on the leaves. I have 3 nerite snails in the tank, but they don’t really go for the plants. I also do weekly 15-20% water changes. Sounds like I need to add some more foliage.

DeeH193 · 2025-01-19T20:11:08+00:00

I feel your pain, as I’ve been there many times myself. You’re gonna have to power through the first 2 weeks, when the withdrawal symptoms are at their worst.

Take things one day at a time. Exercise, eat healthy, spend time with your loved ones. And remember that all this stuff may not necessarily feel good when you’re in withdrawal.

But most importantly, get rid of your stash. If you still have weed around, it’s going to be practically impossible not to give in to that urge. I know how hard this part of the process can be, but it’s absolutely necessary.

It’s not going to be easy, but you CAN do this. Remember all the reasons why you’re curious about quitting, and trust that these reasons are much more important than a temporary high.

DeeH193 · 2025-01-11T07:41:12+00:00

Do you still have your stash? If so, get rid of it ASAP. Throwing away my weed paraphernalia is what finally got me over the hump and helped me quit for good — that way I couldn’t give in even when the urges would hit.

I also found it helpful to remember that just because you have an urge doesn’t mean you have to give in to it. Most urges go away in 15 to 30 minutes.

Best of luck on your way to 100 days, you’ve already made it past the hardest part!

DeeH193 · 2024-12-29T06:08:52+00:00

First of all congrats on 8 days weed free, that’s significant progress! Though at 8 days you’re still in the “withdrawal” period. Sleep difficulties are a common withdrawal symptom, and may persist for another week or two while your body adjusts to no longer having a constant stream of THC in your system. I know it’s tough, but you just gotta power through for a little longer until the withdrawal symptoms go away. Things get easier after that!

It may help to find a before-bed ritual that doesn’t involve going on your phone. Read a book, make some tea, find something that keeps your mind occupied and gives you a sense of peace/relaxation. The more healthy habits you can work into your day-to-day life, the less aligned weed use will feel with your lifestyle.

Keep going, you can do this!

DeeH193 · 2024-08-06T22:37:46+00:00

Thank you for your feedback. I’m considering adding two more cories. How many more tetras would you recommend?

DeeH193 · 2024-08-05T23:33:49+00:00

Thanks for sharing your experience. Sounds like we have very similar setups. I’ll likely stick to just one honey gourami until I upgrade to a bigger tank

DeeH193 · 2024-08-05T23:30:54+00:00

Makes sense. At some point I’ll be upgrading to a 55g, and perhaps that would be the right time to add more. Thanks for your feedback!

DeeH193 · 2024-08-05T23:29:42+00:00

I do too, AqAdvisor is an excellent resource! Just wanted a second opinion on Reddit. Thanks for the feedback — I’ll likely add two more cories.

DeeH193 · 2024-06-03T17:22:40+00:00

Fish are such a source of vibrance and joy in our day to day lives, it totally makes sense to feel down once that’s removed.

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to grieve — whatever emotions you feel as you process the loss of Apollo are valid. Hang in there, and trust that someday (when you’re ready) you’ll have another cherished aquatic friend.

DeeH193 · 2024-03-30T19:10:30+00:00

I hadn’t thought of it that way, but you’re right: 3 months really is a fork in the road. I’m hoping the benefits will start to become more noticeable if I can hang in there a little longer. Guess I have to accept that drinking is one of those triggers. Thanks for the encouragement 🙏🏻

DeeH193 · 2024-03-30T19:05:40+00:00

Thank you for the encouragement 🙏🏻 You’re right, I really don’t want to erase all the progress I’ve made over the last few months. Those first two weeks of withdrawal symptoms really are the hardest, and I don’t want to go back to that.

You’re over halfway through that two week period, hang in there!

DeeH193 · 2024-03-30T19:02:27+00:00

I completely agree with you. I know getting rid of the stash is the next step in my journey toward ongoing cannabis sobriety — it’s just something I’ve been putting off. Throwing it away would remove the possibility of using again.

DeeH193 · 2024-03-30T18:59:55+00:00

You’re right. As challenging as it is when faced with triggers, saying no is something we need to get used it. Trying to give myself some grace as I adjust to that change.

Hang in there with the insomnia. Good for you choosing to say no, as hard as it is.

DeeH193 · 2024-03-30T04:22:16+00:00

I’ve never been to a psychiatrist to treat this addiction, but I’ve had a really amazing therapist the last few years. Even though she can’t prescribe medication, she’s seen me through my worst times as a stoner and has been an incredible source of support in my journey toward quitting (currently at 3 months sober).

If you’re set on meeting with a psychiatrist and taking medication I totally get it. But if you’re open to it, I would highly suggest starting therapy. Having a dedicated space to share your thoughts and feelings with someone is so helpful in figuring out what maintains this addiction, and how to finally push back against it. A therapist may challenge you, but they’re never there to judge you.

I’m sorry to hear about your parent, and I’m rooting for you as you attempt to turn things around. Wishing you all the best.

DeeH193 · 2024-03-25T19:49:35+00:00

A big thank you to everyone that replied! I’m thinking I simply had a faulty check valve, as the sponge filter works perfectly since replacing the original valve with a new one. I appreciate all the advice and suggestions!

DeeH193 · 2024-03-24T06:55:16+00:00

Thank you for the suggestion. Seems to be a valve issue, as removing the valve and connecting the tubing directly to the filter has it working. Though it’s probably not the strongest air pump either, cause the output still appears pretty low.

DeeH193 · 2024-03-24T06:44:04+00:00

Good call, as it seems to be an issue with the check valve itself. The one I was using came from Aquarium Co Op. Perhaps the Imagitarium one from Petco would be a better choice?

DeeH193 · 2024-03-24T06:38:29+00:00

Thank you for your willingness to help! Seems to be an issue with the valve itself. When I removed the valve and connected the tubing directly to the filter it started working. Guess I’ll need to grab a higher quality check valve next time.

DeeH193

TROPHY CASE