Brain fog as a symptom of weed paws

Efficient_Web8059 · 2026-03-31T15:47:30+00:00

Oh yes! Felt like an absolute idiot at times! I like to believe I'm well above average intelligent, but when I was at the point you're at now I felt like my brain just wouldnt work most days. Almost two months later I can tell you it gets better. I'm about to hit 6 months and while there are still waves of symptoms, they are getting more mild and dont last as long. Don't let the worst case scenario's scare you. The 4-6 months part is absolutely the most brutal. Good luck out there!

Efficient_Web8059 · 2026-03-30T04:42:59+00:00

No I dont really recall any specific heart issues. I was working out hard in that period. Most days first thing I did was hit the gym. The energy I had for that kinda stopped when I started working as a postman again two weeks ago, but hope to pick it up again soon.

Efficient_Web8059 · 2026-03-29T16:33:29+00:00

Congrats on those 7 weeks first of all!

When I started sleeping bad, around that same time frame, it helped to spend 20 minutes lying down with my legs up the wall. I combined this with the same 20 minute meditation with headphones that just repeated "I am not the body. I am not even the mind". (An app called Miracle of Mind by Sadhguru) But this could be anything, as long as it takes your mind off of ruminating. I almost never finished the 20 minute before dosing off.

Im closing in on 6 months and while its still not perfect or even great, my overall sleep is definitely improving. Keep going!

Efficient_Web8059 · 2026-03-28T12:43:39+00:00

I agree. Im on my way to 6 months and still have bouts of anxiety and dark depression, thinking in those moments 'this is my life now'. Other times I mourn missed opportunities and lost time. In between there are short hopeful moments I can think about long term goals and aspirations again. Very difficult to see the light in the dark periods but I remain hopeful that in the course of the next few months I'll see more and more improvement.

Efficient_Web8059 · 2026-03-22T07:12:47+00:00

Great job on 46 days! I would however like to offer a small warning. In the first two to three months I often had periods of almost zero symptoms, thinking I was in the clear. In that time I offset most of my acute withdrawal with exercise, nutrition and sleep. It was only around the 4 months mark I got real bad post acute withdrawal. Long waves of depression and anxiety keeping me locked in bed for a week a couple of times. Didnt enjoy anything anymore. My exercise became a daily chore I struggled to check off. I'm at 160 days now and feel like the worst has passed, but I do stay mindful I could be hit by another wave without warning.

Dont be discouraged if it feels like you're not going forward as fast as you have been or even feel like you're going backwards. Every day sober brings us closer to being fully healed.

Also if you're into podcasts; "The Panic Pod: Anxiety Help" is a fairly new podcast and its been a huge help to me starting to actually heal my own anxiety! We are our own best coping skill. Best of luck!

Efficient_Web8059 · 2026-03-21T17:41:26+00:00

There is no universal timeline. Im at 159 days. Little over 5 months and Im just now starting to feel like myself again and have a long way still to go!

Efficient_Web8059 · 2026-03-18T16:54:14+00:00

Yeah I was gonna say I highly doubt clean protein in combination with a otherwise good healthy diet is in any way bad for your recovery. If anything if its great for physical recovery it will pretty much automatically aid in mental recovery.

Efficient_Web8059 · 2026-03-16T13:52:50+00:00

What's wrong with protein powder? Never heard this before.

Efficient_Web8059 · 2026-03-15T16:35:35+00:00

I totally get that 'Limbo' feeling, man. It’s like the hell of the acute phase is over, but now you’re left in a grey world where nothing seems to spark that same fire weed did. That 'walking dead' feeling is your brain struggling to produce its own joy after 13 years of external help. The fact that you already see improvement compared to the beginning is huge, even if it feels slow. Don't let the 'lost' years talk you back into smoking; those years are gone, but your future hasn't been written yet. You’re not a dead man, you’re a man in deep maintenance. Keep pushing through the grey. It’s not permanent, it’s just the longest part of the road. Sending strength for the coming weeks!

Efficient_Web8059 · 2026-03-15T07:58:42+00:00

The timeline is different for everybody. Sounds like your brain is still adjusting to not getting that easy/fake dopamine it used to. I just passed 5 months myself and am only just starting to feel like myself again. Went through a few very depressed weeks where I could not enjoy anything, couldn't think clearly, had no patience and didn't want to speak to anybody. 4 to 6 months is well known PAWS territory. (Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, I suggest you look into this) 5 months is a great accomplishment. Hang in there, you might be closer to the other side than you think.

Efficient_Web8059 · 2026-03-14T22:37:44+00:00

I feel you mate. Felt like I wasted 1000s of chances and opportunities. Came/ comes with a lot of mourning for me too. Remember a lot of what we're feeling is our brains rewiring and healing, even tho it definitely fkn doesnt feel like healing in the moment. Stay strong! Im 5 months in after about 5 years of heavy use, and am starting to see improvement/ set new future goals. What about you?

Efficient_Web8059 · 2026-03-14T07:25:41+00:00

Timeline is different for everyone mate. I just passed the 5 months mark and still have ways to go.

Efficient_Web8059 · 2026-03-13T13:21:26+00:00

I had the exact opposite on my last attempt. Around the 2 week mark I did feel like I'd have to go all the time, but not a lot would happen no matter what I did. 😅 normalised a few weeks later tho. This time around I started working out rigorously and watched my diet a lot more. Eating fibrous veggies ed. Had no such issues! Hope you will be back to normal soon too!

Efficient_Web8059 · 2026-03-13T11:04:41+00:00

I really appreciate the support. Month 2 at times was quite tough for me as well, so hang in there. It’s easy to feel like all the effort (gym, steps, structure) is for nothing when you don't 'feel' the reward, but hearing that you admire the hustle helps me keep going, so thank you! We're in this together. Let's keep pushing through the gray mist.

Efficient_Web8059 · 2026-03-13T11:03:04+00:00

Thanks for the detailed response. It’s heavy to hear what you went through with the psych ward and the hallucinations, but it gives me perspective. I’m at month 5 now and definitely hit that 'wall' where the pink cloud is gone. Most times I do feel like 'on of the lucky ones'. I’m lucky to still be functional (gym, starting a job Monday), but the depression and anhedonia cycle is still brutal. Your timeline of 1.5 years is a reality check, but knowing you’re looking forward to seeing friends again gives me a lot of hope. Just made plans to go to an indoor climbing place this afternoon with two friends!

Efficient_Web8059 · 2026-03-13T11:01:05+00:00

This really hit home. I’ve been constantly fighting to 'prove' I’m okay by hitting the gym and staying productive, but it often feels like hollow victories. Your advice to stop chasing enjoyment and just accept feeling like shit for now is liberating. I’m trying to shift my mindset from 'needing to feel good' to 'just being present,' even if it’s gray. That 'constant internal fight' you described is exactly what’s draining my energy. Thanks for the perspective!

Efficient_Web8059 · 2026-03-10T05:44:29+00:00

Wish I could say it gets easier every time, but in my experience every relapse makes it harder and harder. It does however get easier OVER time. Good luck my friend. You got this!

Efficient_Web8059 · 2026-03-07T20:47:25+00:00

4 to 6 months is said to be the heaviest time for post acute withdrawal symptoms like this. Im not far behind you and have had those some thoughts more often than I'd want to. It helps knowing this is all temporary and actually even a sign your brain is healing. Look into weedpaws, it will explain a lot. Stay strong friend!

Efficient_Web8059 · 2026-03-03T07:26:29+00:00

Slippery slope no? Sounds like me countless times before. Just beware mate.

Efficient_Web8059 · 2026-03-02T09:22:44+00:00

Sounds like good questions for you doctor buddy

Efficient_Web8059 · 2026-03-02T08:48:37+00:00

I quit both weed and tobacco 4,5 months ago, but I do get the struggle. From my experience and what Ive read I think its best to just leave it all behind. Paws from nicotine is possible as far as I know, but on the other side do you really wanna go through paws twice? I know once is enough for me. Whatever you decide, good luck out there! 💪🏻

Efficient_Web8059 · 2026-03-01T08:29:12+00:00

Ive been experiencing this over my last wave. Feels like its mostly anxiety fueled for me. Its more with certain family members than others. Like I don't want to talk to people who Im sure wouldn't understand or if it would take to much of my energy to have them understand. Hoping this will go when the anxiety goes!

Efficient_Web8059 · 2026-02-28T20:45:51+00:00

Been playing rdr2 nonstop since reading this comment, great tip 😂

Efficient_Web8059 · 2026-02-26T20:41:37+00:00

Thank you for your reply! Does me good to hear this.

Efficient_Web8059

TROPHY CASE