Marijuana Addiction Support Group

Hey im 17 currently trying to get clean. But I just can't do it unless I keep myself locked up at home. And I refuse to do that. I was clean for a week and i was so happy that was a long time for me. But then I got high and now I only have one day clean. How do I stop this or how can I control my use? I'll take any advice right now I just want to be me again.

Well first you need to ask yourself some questions: How is this affecting my life? My schoolwork/job? My relationships with family and friends? As long as you are still leading a productive life, I don't see a problem with it. If it is causing problems with your general productivity, force yourself to accomplish a task before you smoke. Or just make sure the things you need to get done are done before you start smoking. Smoking a bowl after you know you've earned it makes it that much better. Even just telling yourself "I won't smoke any 'til I finish my homework", is a huge step. I mean, once you've finished all your chores for the day, what's the harm in having some fun and relaxing? No harm at all. Just make sure you take care of the things that are necessary to further a fulfilling life, but don't forget to take time out for yourself.

I think that using pot as a bonus after you complete a task is the best way to root and strengthen your addiction and let it get out of control.Try to think about the reasons you want to stay clean and bonus yourself with something else for staying clean.I've been a chronic user for years and believe me this is hard to quit,because of all the "fun and relaxing" it gives you. Be careful..You're only 17 and you dont need that thing to make you happy

Well you may be only 17 but you are free to make your own choices. I don't think smoking as a reward strengthens addiction, I just think it's a way to keep a good balance in your life. It's helping to make sure that you're moving forward in life. I know some people who are big stoners and they haven't done anything with their lives, but it's because they obviously don't care about anything else. The fact that you do care is very admirable. If you have to stay home not to smoke, use that time at home to make sure you've got everything done that you need to. If you have everything done that you want to accomplish for that day, it's no big deal to spend the rest of the day doing what you want to. I don't think pot is bad, I just think some people don't know how to balance it in their lives. But here's a fact that will hopefully make you feel better: My little sister is 16 and is already to the point where she wants to smoke everyday. But she's also a straight A student, she gets her chores done and she helps out with family stuff. So why should anyone give her shit about smoking? She's a productive person with lots of potential and pot has made no affect on her success. Don't forget that some people smoke and still lead normal lives. I hope you can find the balance you need.

I smoked since 18,it's now 22 years and I have been clean for 5 weeks now due to hospitalization.So, speaking from my own experience, you eventually can't balance it. I was a straight A student as well and have studied different things in different universities and it didn't interfere with that,it actually helped me concentrate and get difficult things done when I was studying. What it has interfered with is my bipolar. Doctors told me I got bipolar because of pot. It's hard for me to agree,but I kept on having episodes the last 5 years that would probably have been prevented if I didn't smoke. I think being off mind-altering drugs is better, because all the resources you need are within your clear,sober mind.All you have to do is discover them. Moreover, when you are a heavy smoker you may tend to isolate yourself in the long run, so for me it's better to stay off.

Well that's really weird. I was diagnosed bipolar before I started smoking, and pot really helps keep my disorder in line. And I don't think pot isolates people either, it's a social thing for a lot of people.

And I must know more about it than you, no offense, because I started when I was 16 and am 24 now.

I don't want to diasgree further,because I love being high to be frank. I wish it didn't drive me manic at times though!

Post edited by: kat1912, at: 11/11/2009 05:48 AM

And I'm not 22,I'm 40 and have been a heavy user (at least 1 g per day) for about 10 years. I guess if you use it as a weekend euphoriant it's ok, but heavy use should be avoided in my opinion.

it's only social with those that already smoke pot in my opinion otherwise i think it does become a non social thing, trust me i've been there......i started smoking at age 16 & smoked until may 2009 and i am now 37yrs.....so i know what it can do and can't do for you......i'm way more social now then when i was smoking thats for sure.......but different people believe different things......