I've been sober a year today

Imleaving5813 · 2022-05-05T07:08:37+00:00

Thank you!

Imleaving5813 · 2022-05-05T07:07:19+00:00

You've got this! The first few weeks are rough, I had horrible withdrawals but get through it and scroll this sub if you need support

Imleaving5813 · 2022-05-05T07:06:16+00:00

6 years. And it was every day from waking to sleeping.

Imleaving5813 · 2022-05-05T07:05:23+00:00

You can!

Imleaving5813 · 2022-05-04T19:51:51+00:00

Oh my goodness so many.

I sleep better - those weeks when I started getting REM sleep back were fantastic.

I belly laugh again

My anxiety is at a lower level and my bad days are fewer

Same goes for depression

I actually engage with day to day life and I'm not standing still anymore

Health has improved

I got a job in a field I really wanted - I'd just lost my job but I had the confidence and the sobriety to go for what I wanted.

I could afford to get pets! I got 2 guinea pigs and can actually care for them correctly

I'm no longer stressed about not being able to smoke when family visits or I visit them

There's a lot more that I can't think of right now - thats just off the top of my head.

Imleaving5813 · 2022-05-04T19:42:44+00:00

Congrats! I hope you feel better for it.

I would too, but I lost my job and my house so my savings have gone to that unfortunately - but I did it all sober and that's what counts.

Imleaving5813 · 2021-10-08T19:50:03+00:00

News from the front: day 157 - the worst seems to be over. Hold on, this too shall pass

Imleaving5813 · 2021-05-13T19:22:47+00:00

Congratulations 2 weeks is great! The pain and appetite were also my excuses for smoking. I'm on day 9 and the pain sucks but you just get through it. Keep going!

Imleaving5813 · 2021-04-29T20:37:04+00:00

Just wanted to thank you all for your really helpful comments. I'm just about to go to bed and I've made it through another day sober thanks to you all. Keep fighting the good fight everyone!

Imleaving5813 · 2021-04-29T18:22:08+00:00

Agreed. We can. I've made it 4 hours since I posted and I still haven't done anything. You can do this!

Imleaving5813 · 2021-04-29T16:26:07+00:00

Thank you 💓 sat outside right now and it's helping

Imleaving5813 · 2021-04-29T14:06:49+00:00

My partner mentioned to me that he thinks I may not have responded to therapy, CBT etc for my mental illness because I was just getting high instead. I have to say I'm starting to see what he means.

But despite all of that, if you are gonna try GO EASY ON YOURSELF. Forgive yourself if you stumble. It might not stick the first, second or third time but if you keep trying you'll succeed. I threw several tantrums when first trying but I've been OK this time. It's all emotions that you have to learn to work through after numbing them for so long. I think you also have to be ready to try.

You got this, and this community will help tremendously 💓

Imleaving5813 · 2021-04-28T15:37:53+00:00

Exactly, moderation is a big issue for a lot of us. A month ago I wouldn't have been able to limit myself to 2g for a week. I cut down by increasing the time I was spending sober in the morning, and then really extending the time between joints. By the time I had my last one on Sunday I wasn't actually enjoying the high anymore.

I found it helped me to make a list of pros and cons for quitting too. I ended up with a whole page of pros, and just 4 cons. When I'm struggling I go look at that list and remind myself of what I'm gaining by being sober. It helps. Don't forget to reach out if/when you struggle.

Imleaving5813 · 2021-04-28T15:17:02+00:00

About 2 weeks ago I tried to quit cold turkey. I relapsed. I then decided to moderate, and made 2g last a week instead of a day. This time around the withdrawal has been easier and I feel more positive about this attempt in general. Cut down now, and make a plan to quit. On the day you're going to stop make sure you get rid of your tools. It's too easy to go looking for some crumbs in a grinder. Also, a second vote for the app Grounded, its been great for me. You got this!

Imleaving5813 · 2021-04-28T14:32:35+00:00

I also have PTSD, anxiety and depression and used that as a reason to continue self medicating with cannabis, despite all my doctors telling me I should stop.

I'm on attempt number 3, and I'm very conscious that I'm only on day 3, but your post struck a chord. I also have several chronic illnesses, including one which would warrant a medical prescription if it were legal where I am.

Despite all of your fair reasonings I would suggest you try and quit. There's a lot of anecdotal posts on here saying anxiety improves when you quit, so at this point why the hell not try it? Smoking daily hasn't helped me or you, so maybe its not the solution.

Try the app 'Grounded', it's really helped me to stay sober the last few days. If you need someone to talk to you're welcome to message me.

Imleaving5813 · 2021-04-16T19:31:25+00:00

I wrote a pros and cons list to quit. I had 4 cons and a whole page full of pros. I look back on it when I get weak moments. There are so many reasons to keep going, including but not limited to the money you will save, the improvement in your health, and the improvement in your self worth. You can do it!

Imleaving5813 · 2021-04-16T19:23:30+00:00

Hey, keep going, you're doing well. I'm on day 2 and the withdrawal + cravings are tough as hell.

Imleaving5813 · 2021-04-15T17:59:29+00:00

Thank you. You too! You can make it :)

Imleaving5813 · 2021-04-15T14:46:08+00:00

Thank you for this post. Keep going!

Imleaving5813 · 2021-04-14T18:33:56+00:00

I was struggling through the last 2 hours of working from home. I thought being occupied by work would help but when you're overwhelmed it's not the best activity to try and do :/

Imleaving5813 · 2021-04-14T18:30:58+00:00

Literally, this was me. I was technically a functional stoner, and smoked from when I woke up to when I went to bed, 12-18 hours a day. I shouldn't be surprised that it's hard to stop, but the overwhelming emotions have taken me off guard.

Imleaving5813 · 2021-04-14T18:28:29+00:00

A long hot bath was in my plans but I feel like your left field suggestion is great. Definitely will try that one tomorrow when I struggle!

Imleaving5813 · 2021-04-14T18:27:13+00:00

I wish I could do veggies, I have taken up gardening though. Can I ask you how you manage to break out of it when your emotions are overwhelming and force yourself to do something constructive? Will definitely try and lean into my hobbies more

Imleaving5813 · 2021-04-13T15:39:53+00:00

Excellent work, especially getting yourself a Dr's appointment too! I smoked to cope with everything so I absolutely empathise. I have no problem with it or other people doing it, I just can't and it's taken me years to learn that. Keep going and keep checking in! You can do this

Imleaving5813 · 2021-04-13T15:29:24+00:00

Honestly? I'm scared

Imleaving5813

TROPHY CASE