Pot addict, clean for 7 weeks, struggling

[JustJ]

Hi all, I'm Jay and I've been reading this forum for a while, and have just now decided to post. I was a Grade A stoner for about 7 1/2 years, and have also been struggling with depression for about the same amount of time - though to tell you the truth, I don't remember which came first, the pot or the depression.

Anyway, on August 2nd, I made the decision to quit smoking pot, and have been successful. The pot has been gone over 7 weeks, however, the depression remains.

Anyway, I just thought I'd introduce myself, and do a little talking. I'm sure my problems aren't as bad as some others with harder drug addictions, but I figured I should seek support anyway. Thanks for listening.

[namommy]

J,

It doesn't matter what or how much you used,... only what you want to do about your problem and how we can help.

Welcome to SR.

Regardless of what we used or how we used it, we all have something in common. We have all felt the pain and unmanagability of addiction. We can all identify with that.

[godsonmyside]

J,
You heard it, doesn't matter what we used. What is our message? An addict, any addict can stp using drugs, lose the desire to use and find a new way of life. The message is hope and the promise of freedom, from active addiction.
BTW, where in upstate NY are you from?
Hang in there, talk about it, and try to find some NA meetings, if you need help to find Meetings, not a problem, we can do that also.
Later, Todd

[lonlion]

Hi Jay, my name is Diana. Welcome. I also was addicted to smoking pot, it got totally out of control. Congratulations on your 7 weeks. Many of us in early recovery had to take anit-depressants for a while. I know the doctor at my treatment centre did not recommend being on them for more than 6-12 months, but would rather have had us work out our issues, problems.
I am no longer on anti-depressants, but still have my off days. Coming in here will surely help you. also meetings, reading, and prayer to your Higher Power.

All the best to you and keep coming back

[Hadenuff]

Welcome J,
stopping smoking weed was really tough for me. it was just so much a part of my life, I was ALWAYS smoking.

I really had to learn how to live, feel, experience life. Not easy.

So hang in,

H

[cj.]

This is a great place to share your struggles, get some tips, and have a little fun.

KEEP COMING BACK!!

cj

[Gooch]

I can relate to the depression .... I was a 24/7 brain baker too. It took a while for the smoke to clear and then a while longer to get reconnected with my zest for life.

Welcome from another upstater.

[JustJ]

Hey all, thanks so much for the replies, it's great to see such support. As for where in upstate NY I am, I'm in Plattsburgh. If you've never heard of it, you're not alone!! Drive 20 miles North, you're in Canada, and I am about 100 feet from the Lake which borders Vermont. So I'm tucked very neatly in the far Northeast corner of the state.

Todays a little bit better than yesterday. I am in the process of becoming an EMT, and today I recieved all of my CPR certifications, including the "ability" to use a defibrillator - cool, huh? So pardon my posts, if they are *SHOCKING*... lol, that was so bad, you have to laugh at it, dontcha?

Thanks again for all the replies, I'll be hanging around for the forseeable future!!

J

[JustJ]

Well, it's past midnite here, which makes it Tuesday. Officially 8 weeks off the wacky tobacky...

[best]

Congratulations on the collection of Weeks. All gained one day at a time.
I am a DNR so keep the shocker away *LOL*

[tobstah]

hey! thats 2 months! CONGRATS!!

[JustJ]

Well, I'm not quite at 2 months, that will be on October 2nd! I'm actually not having a whole lot of problems with the marijunana. I was around it last night, and really didn't have problems abstaining. I've been dealing with depression for quite some time, and my anti-D's just don't seem to do anything for it... that's sort of where the MJ helped, though others seem to think that the two were intertwined. I honestly don't know if the MJ caused the depression of didn't, but after 8 weeks, the depression remains... in full force.

[Gooch]

Hey J ... quick question for you... ever diagnosed with ADD?

[JustJ]

No, I haven't... what brought you to ask that? Not that it offended me or anything, just curious! :reporter:

[Gooch]

The reason I asked is that pots used by lots of people with ADD.

I can only speak for myself, but when I first started using it I found I could focus better. And after years of being clean, I had some major symptoms of ADD. I've been misdiagnosed about 3 times with depression, anxiety disorder, etc. when the other things were showing up because of my ADD that wasn't being treated.

If you are sure you don't have it well then kewl, but if you are interested, there are some great informational links that can help steer you toward a diagnosis. ( Most people demonstrate the symptoms of ADD at inconsistent intervals. ADD's will demonstrate a majority, frequently.

[JustJ]

Well Gooch.... it's funny that you should mention that. One thing my psychiatrist prescribed for me is Ritalin. Though I'm dxed as depressed, she had her reasons for giving me the Ritalin (faster action on Seratonin as opposed to the Anti-D that I was beginning). The Ritalin does seem to alliviate a lot of the symptoms. I'd be interested in taking a look at any links you could provide - thanks!

[JustJ]

Today's the day - 2 months without pot!!!!

[best]

Way to go GREAT JOB

Congratulations..

[Gooch]

Way to go J !

[cj.]

OOOH AHH !!

WAY TO GO J! Congratulations on your clean time.

cj

[godsonmyside]

I know where Plattsburg is indeed. Lake Champlain, I've been on the ride across the lake years ago 84'. I was born in Watertown. Whoa, 2 months.
Todd

[servicejunkie]

I got high pretty much every waking minute my last 8 years using, 2 days was along time, 2 months is awesome!! Congratulations!!

[JustJ]

Yup, Lake Champlain, I can see it from my window! So you're from Watertown? I'll be there next weekend, playing football against the Watertown Red & Black - don't know if you're familiar with them or not.

Thanks for the congrats folks, I'm glad to be well on my way away from the old weed. Can't say I don't miss it sometimes, but it's for the best!