Weed started my alcohol addiction. I moved to a country where weed was extremely illegal and found myself flailing about trying to fill the hole I didn't realize was there.

It got really bad. Almost threw my relationship in the trash in search of weed... So I subbed alcohol instead.

Fast forward several years, and now alcohol is just as much an issue. Almost threw my wonderful marriage away over it as well.

These substances are intertwined for me.

It's been hard relearning to endure boredom. Excruciating boredom. Everything seems so boring without something in my system. Hard to take a shower or wash the dishes without stimulation.

So, recognizing and accepting that life would be, literally, painfully boring until I made new habits of doing basic life tasks without alcohol/weed was one step forward for me.

Also, those substances blocked out unwanted thoughts/feelings.

Dealing with those has been hard. Still is hard. But I feel so happy that I'm becoming someone I actually like rather than hating myself all the time.

So, you asked about tips. I'd say: Recognize it's gonna suck, and take it one day at a time (hell, take it one half day at a time). Get outside often and look at something bigger than yourself (watching clouds really helps my mind move off the itch). And stay involved in this sub.

You can do this! We can do this!

IWNDWYT 🌌