is it bad to use marijuana temporarily, to relieve alcohol withdrawal

[Change4life]

I have beeen addicted to alcohol for 28 years, abusing coke for around 15 years, and addicted to zanax for 10 years. I was able to get off the coke fairly easily, I have slowly been weaning down the pills, but have been unable to stop drinking. I am presently staying with someone that is taking care of me while I finally have nothing to drink at all. I am suffering from naseau, and severe stomache cramps. my initial response was to have a beer to relieve the symptoms, but I have to quit cold turkey. One beer is never enough! So I just can't pick it up. I am wondering how bad of an idea it is to take just a few hits of marijuana till the worst of this passes. I have tried it before when I had stomache problems, and it alway's worked does anyone have any advice or opinions on this?

[Chy]

I asked the same in early sobriety but already knew the answer. Marijuana maintenance IMO isn't a good idea. Our goal is to be free of all substances right? So no need to add more to your plate. Talk to a doctor as they may have something to help you through the withdrawal periods.

[nogard]

Hi bfree,

My thoughts are that it won't help you in the long run, better to do without it, have you thought about going to see a Dr? Hang in there, its only today you have to deal with and get through.

nogard

[In memory of miracle]

(( Bfree))
I am sorry you are not feeling well. I remember the withdrawal's very well.You should really see a doctor. My heart and prayers go out to you.
Bless, Trish

[tyler]

It is probably best to just try to suck it up and realize that the WD's aren't going to last forever and that you never have to go through them again. It's hard now, but it will get easier. Keep it up, take care.

[jpeace2]

Beth, I wondered where you had gone.....I agree with everyone else, a drug is a drug is a drug, regardless of which one. You will not be detoxing forever and hopefully just having to go through that again will be the time that you are finally able to say "I never want to feel this crappy again" and stick to it.

Prayers for you, my struggling friend...YOU CAN DO THIS...... Love, Genie

[51anna]

Glad to hear from you Beth! You can get through this without marijuana and you'll be so much better off.

Let us know how you are doing.

Love, Anna

[jbm125]

Hi Bree4U...you cant substitute one drug for another. I tried and it didn't work. I just wound up addicted to the next drug. Alcohol is so tough to kick cuz it's legal. You can get it anywhere, anytime. I tried downs, tranks and then smack before I realized nothing would work except abstinenece. NOTHING! I had to deal with reality.
I had to suffer withdrawal for a month or so. There is no shortcut.
I hope you get clean. I'll pray for you. Good luck.
God bless

[Irish Virus]

IMO a couple of hits of weed to relax you is in itself not a bad thing in general. Whatever gets a person through night as long as you lay off the booze.

I say this because I don't believe weed is highly addictive and is no more detrimental to the process than smoking a cigarette. If you prescribe to the theory of absteining from all forms a drugs, why not emphasize quitting smoking tobacco and drinking coffee.

Some people might believe that if you smoke some grass you will turn into a deranged character like in the movie Reefer Madness. I don't. Basically though, if you're still popping pills and drinking booze you're not even close to being sober. So what the hell is a bong here or there to calm you down going to hurt at this point.

[doorknob]

Originally Posted by Irish Virus

IMO a couple of hits of weed to relax you is in itself not a bad thing in general. Whatever gets a person through night as long as you lay off the booze.

I say this because I don't believe weed is highly addictive and is no more detrimental to the process than smoking a cigarette. If you prescribe to the theory of absteining from all forms a drugs, why not emphasize quitting smoking tobacco and drinking coffee.

Some people might believe that if you smoke some grass you will turn into a deranged character like in the movie Reefer Madness. I don't. Basically though, if you're still popping pills and drinking booze you're not even close to being sober. So what the hell is a bong here or there to calm you down going to hurt at this point.

Hey Irish,

I agree with you that smoking a little bud to ease the alcohol withdrawl isn't a horrible thing, although I wouldn't suggest continuing to use it after detoxing from alcohol. No, it doesn't make people flip out like in Reefer Madness, but it is addictive and has it's own w/d symptoms. I think I am suffering worse right now from quiting pot than from quiting drinking, because I had cut back the beer to only 2-4 a day (I used to get drunk every night and blackout about once a week), but I was smoking pot every waking hour for years. I know Tyler, and a few others on this site are in recovery from pot. Withdrawal from alcohol is definitely far more intense and far more dangerous especially at very high levels of consumption, but pot withdrawl, although more subtle, can last for a freaking month! My system is all out of wack right now. I've slept 10 hours in the last 4 nights, and this has happened to me every time I have quit pot cold turkey. Of course there is a huge difference between taking a couple of hits here and there and smoking 24/7 like myself and Tyler. I'd wake up in the middle of the night and smoke to go back to sleep. I **** you not!

Hey Bfree4you, benzos like Xanax are as dangerous to come off of as alcohol, they can both cause seizures. Are ya hangin in there? With a combo of Xanax and alcohol, you might want to see a doctor.

DK

[PlanoTexican]

My comments below are exactly that, comments. I am a ex-addict that has no training whatsoever.

Maybe suffering through the withdrawals will help you to remember not to start drinking ever again. See your doctor, he or she can help.

Pot is not the answer. I found out the hard way. Pot is addictive and does have its own withdrawal problems too.

[Change4life]

I will try to find a Dr., but I spent ALL of my $ on drugs, I have $0 in the bank or anywhere else. That is why I have been trying this on my own with help from a friend.
This is not my first time going through withdrawals, and you think I would remember not to use again, but apparently I have a bad memory.
This time it is different because I am addicted to more than one thing.
I had a much easier time getting off dope than I am with the alcohol, and pills.
I am trying to hang in there!

[In memory of miracle]

((bfree))
Go to the State Dept. or call tommorow to make an appointment to apply for some benefits.In the meantime,if you are feeling really ill, go to the ER.
I had a bad memory too...hang in there.Drink lot's of water and take some tylenol.
Bless, Trish

[2flare]

THANK YOU FOR THIS PosT.


Your not alone, I am FIGHTING my POT addiction.


As it relates, I was addicted to alcohol for 6 months and it was EASIER to kick out.

MJ has been the hardest!

When Im home AT NIGHT....my urge is so powerful

[justanothrdrunk]

Marijuana maintenance...

Tried it. Didn't work for me.

[Rowan]

FYI this thread is three years old, please start a new one if you feel there is an issue that needs addressing.

[timzup]

Well, I'm definately no expert on recovery but do consider myself an expert on seeking alternative ways around quitting everything. I could count my success rate on an Iranian shoplifters hand.

It's all or nothing for me.