How to calm down...

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Discussion

rumple

11,671 posts

151 months

Sunday 1st July 2012
quotequote all
Soir said:
mattikake said:
Firstly, you've made the first step with getting off a drug - you've recognised you want to. So my advice would be to spend a 6 months to a year travelling, by yourself.

This will have 3 effects that you need;

- You will lose contact with weed and your familiar environment, so will have little or no option to 'score' any more of it.
- You'll have so much to do and sort out on your travels, you won't have much chance to get battered.
- You will have to talk to people at some point whether you want to or not.

If you're stuck for something to say to anyone - start with your story. I quit weed, I needed to get out and tell it like you have in the OP... the rest is easy.

I know of several people who've been travelling by themselves and they've all come back changed people with loads of stories to tell. Social situations are never a problem if you have stories to tell...


Secondly, weed is not actually such an evil thing. Sure you're at the stage where you've come to realise you need to kick the habit, but do not forget, we are physically designed to accept weed - we have cannabinoid receptors in our brains. It's the only artificially ingested drug that our brains are designed to accept (as opposed to other narcotics which affect the brain to overproduce internal hormones or neurotransmitters). Some people need weed to feel or act normal. It suppresses aggression, stress and helps the human mind detach itself from the animal. This is good for people who are too easily ruled by their hormones.

The main problem with weed is how the establishment push the negatives. Weed makes you less eager to work yourself to death for a system that doesn't care. This is why the establishment hate it and fear it more than any other drug...
1st point great advice
2nd point not so great. It's like smoking cigs and telling people its good for you because it (insert justification for you doing it here) relaxes you or whatever.
17 years of smoking a hell of a lot of weed I've never had any evidence of the benefit apart from pain relief for friend who has MS.
Smoked weed for two years, heavily, turned me into a paranoid horrible tt, my wife was about to file for divorce and i begged for a second chance, she said yes if you give up the weed, i was a changed man within the week, it wasnt easy but no one can tell me its harmless, it turned me into a fking lunatic and a lazy basterd, never never looked back after quitting, wont entertain that st now.

TwigtheWonderkid

43,386 posts

150 months

Sunday 1st July 2012
quotequote all
The Nur said:
Please not: This thread contains startling honesty. If you don't like it, fk off.
All right...calm down.

mattikake

5,057 posts

199 months

Sunday 1st July 2012
quotequote all
rumple said:
Soir said:
mattikake said:
Firstly, you've made the first step with getting off a drug - you've recognised you want to. So my advice would be to spend a 6 months to a year travelling, by yourself.

This will have 3 effects that you need;

- You will lose contact with weed and your familiar environment, so will have little or no option to 'score' any more of it.
- You'll have so much to do and sort out on your travels, you won't have much chance to get battered.
- You will have to talk to people at some point whether you want to or not.

If you're stuck for something to say to anyone - start with your story. I quit weed, I needed to get out and tell it like you have in the OP... the rest is easy.

I know of several people who've been travelling by themselves and they've all come back changed people with loads of stories to tell. Social situations are never a problem if you have stories to tell...


Secondly, weed is not actually such an evil thing. Sure you're at the stage where you've come to realise you need to kick the habit, but do not forget, we are physically designed to accept weed - we have cannabinoid receptors in our brains. It's the only artificially ingested drug that our brains are designed to accept (as opposed to other narcotics which affect the brain to overproduce internal hormones or neurotransmitters). Some people need weed to feel or act normal. It suppresses aggression, stress and helps the human mind detach itself from the animal. This is good for people who are too easily ruled by their hormones.

The main problem with weed is how the establishment push the negatives. Weed makes you less eager to work yourself to death for a system that doesn't care. This is why the establishment hate it and fear it more than any other drug...
1st point great advice
2nd point not so great. It's like smoking cigs and telling people its good for you because it (insert justification for you doing it here) relaxes you or whatever.
17 years of smoking a hell of a lot of weed I've never had any evidence of the benefit apart from pain relief for friend who has MS.
Smoked weed for two years, heavily, turned me into a paranoid horrible tt, my wife was about to file for divorce and i begged for a second chance, she said yes if you give up the weed, i was a changed man within the week, it wasnt easy but no one can tell me its harmless, it turned me into a fking lunatic and a lazy basterd, never never looked back after quitting, wont entertain that st now.
Who said it was harmless?

Aside from the psychological effects, you smoke the stuff! But it's more harmful to the system than to people. wink

The Nur

Original Poster:

9,168 posts

185 months

Monday 2nd July 2012
quotequote all
Right, here goes. I'll try to answer as many questions as I can, apologies if I miss anything. I forgot that I actually did manage to stop smoking weed for about 6 weeks in early 2011, but that went tits up because I was drinking to compensate and putting on a hell of a lot of weight. I counted weed as the lesser of two evils and chose that instead. Just thought I would add that in.

Surveyor, please do. It won't deter him at all, but hopefully it will give him a marginally greater respect. Everything in moderation and all that. Thanks

Hoofy, I still have the golf but it isn't taxed or MOT'd. I now drive a 328 smile. I couldn't really consider therapy, I don't have the money, plus I don't think I could quite face the stigma to be honest. Tai Chi/Yoga could be worth a look, it is something I have never really considered before. Cheers

Soir, it seems we have had relatively similar experiences, up to a point. Like you I have been thinking about stopping for years but never quite got the gusto up to have a proper crack at it. The closest I got to was the eleven days in early 2010, but even then I was smoking a cheeky bit of weed every now and again so I suppose I was lying to myself about that really. It's funny how we look at things when we try and change our perspectives. I have heard about the Alan Carr book, I shall have a look. It's good to hear your situation turned around, although it is a shame about not being powerfully built. Something to work on eh? wink Cheers

DrTre, I shall visit my doctor about it, see what he has to say. It is always fun going to my doctor, he is a family friend as my nan worked at that surgery right up to her retirement. I know he can't say anything to anybody so he already has a fairly detailed account of my intake, just not that it is a problem. Getting back to uni is a priority, but first I must work, get some money and sort out my bank account from last term and coming home, getting a new car, it breaking, etc...

GetCarter, I would love to go away but funds don't allow it really at the moment. I have been thinking of it though, it has been a while since I have had some time away. Staying clear of the people who smoke it may be tricky, but I figure if I just throw myself into this new job for a while, do all the hours under the sun, make some money and distract myself for a while I should be able to make some headway. Hell, I may even find a group of people to go to the pub with on the weekend like normal people hehe

Nellyleeelephant, I do actually, I have recently bought a camera and that is pretty good fun, getting used to it is taking time but I am getting there slowly. Once I have got the basics I shall post something over to the photography section as it sees quite active over there.

TVRSagaris, I did make some friends at university. Unfortunately when I left my ex stayed, so they are now her friends at university. Which sucks big balls.

Dibble, thanks for the input, I will be discussing these avenues with my GP.

Badabing, I agree. I'm 24 now, next week I'll be 25, next month I'll be dead. Life is way too bloody short biggrin I get what you mean with the biking example. Having the same sort of suggestion a few times has sparked me thinking what I could take up that I could spend time and of course, money on besides the car(s) in my life. I'm thinking another car at the moment but that will change by tomorrow morning.

Dibble (again), don;t worry, even if she had I wouldn't have minded Lhehe:

IanCormac, as mentioned before I agree with the suggestions of more hobbies, I suppose I need as much to occupy my time as I can really.

Base, I will do eventually, need some monies first.

R1gtr, you know it has been years since I thought about learning to ride a bike. The idea really intrigues me, even thought bikes scare the crap out of me. Though that is the point, isn't it?

Rickyy, in response to your question about whether I had been experiencing it a while, yes. Quite a while. I had considered it but to be honest this sort of venomous anger only really comes around every now and again for a while, I was thinking it was more based on frustration but depression fits better really.

Meridius, as above really, not got the monies for taking time away, I would like to though.

Robb F, I could never climb, I was built for low altitude work hehe Rebuilding cars I could do seeing as I have a moderate selection of tools. I even have two potential projects on my drive that are literally sitting there doing nothing. Money may be restrictive though dependent on what I decide to tackle.

10PS, thanks. Hopefully I can get the other chap out here sooner, rather than later hehe

Changedmyname, thanks and good luck with your son.

Eric, that is a fantastic idea. I shall have a look around, see what is available, more than likely I could get involved in something through uni so I shall give it a good look. Cheers

Booey, the relief mindset it a good idea, I like that. Don't get invited to too many sleepovers these days, I must admit biggrin Crack and the Meth are too moreish for me I would imagine, people sell their teeth for that st!

Zwolf, cheers. Did you take the e out of your name?

Oldbanger, thanks, although I think I may try it in a more private environment, bit self conscious see

Japveesix, thanks, some good points. The bloke in your story sounds like me if things were a bit worse. I suppose I am at the bit before the losing contact bit, but I still have the option to turn the other way. Having a nipper isn't quite how I would choose to rectify the situation though smile

DiscoYou, thanks, all I know is that the process for testing is apparently pretty long and it can take people years to find out what the feck the doctors think is going on so I've nver realy held up much hope. You're right about the uni thing though, I will do.

Mattikake, as mentioned I would love to travel but it just isn't an option at the moment. It will happen soon though, probably next summer. It may not be at quite the right time but when it happens it will be sorely needed. I agree with weed not being such an evil thing. My viewpoint is that everything in moderation is perfectly fine, but too much of any one thing is bad for you. Just when it gets habitual it is definitely gone wrong.

Happychap, I intend to keep this thread updated for those that are interested. Hopefully you should be able to see from that the changes that are made. I have considered all replies seriously, it is now that I take time to consider them. I suppose I have already begun the process of occupying my time, as mentioned previously in the thread I have bought a camera and have begun to learn to use that. For the time being I am going to focus on occupying my time effectively and focusing on work, trying to make something positive out of it and get some money up, a solid base to work on. I suppose my motivation is to feel more contented with life and to be able to relax, knowing that I am happy to be exactly where I am.

Rumple, sounds like you got away with that one. Congratulations on not buggering it up, if you get what I mean.

TwigtheWonderkid, sorry chap, I have now biggrin


The Nur

Original Poster:

9,168 posts

185 months

Monday 2nd July 2012
quotequote all
I would have answered you all individually but I'm fairly sure making that number of posts in your own thread is counted as post count spamming biggrin

metro lover

553 posts

187 months

Monday 2nd July 2012
quotequote all
If you've read my thread you'll see I understand. Pm me if you wanna talk but to be honest, you don't seem like you have a problem. What you're doin is just one of them things people do. I know insurance brokers on £2M a year that do what you do and get on with their lives. I know people with autism that are social workers. There's a light at the end of this for you

crazy about cars

4,454 posts

169 months

Monday 2nd July 2012
quotequote all
Wow...you sound like me circa 10 years ago :P I was a heavy smoker like you too but ultimately had to stop. I guess in my case there were 2 main reasons : 1) partner got pregnant 2) all my stoner friends left(or quit...)

Nothing against weed but smoking it on a daily basis WILL have impact on your mental health. I will really advise you to stop ASAP. First thing is to distance yourself from the stoner friend circle. This may sound lame but also try to do some exercise. Keep yourself occupied.

It's been a hard journey for me but looking back I am glad I stopped else I wouldn't be where I am now. Peace.

P/S: If possible I also advise to see your GP and have a chat about it. It was really tough for me at first but determination and medication helped.

The Nur

Original Poster:

9,168 posts

185 months

Monday 2nd July 2012
quotequote all
metro lover said:
If you've read my thread you'll see I understand. Pm me if you wanna talk but to be honest, you don't seem like you have a problem. What you're doin is just one of them things people do. I know insurance brokers on £2M a year that do what you do and get on with their lives. I know people with autism that are social workers. There's a light at the end of this for you
Funnily enough I know where you are coming from too. I've done what you are/were doing, and it didn't stick with me. It tried but I shook it before it got silly, hopefully you can too.

The Nur

Original Poster:

9,168 posts

185 months

Monday 2nd July 2012
quotequote all
crazy about cars said:
Nothing against weed but smoking it on a daily basis WILL have impact on your mental health. I will really advise you to stop ASAP. First thing is to distance yourself from the stoner friend circle. This may sound lame but also try to do some exercise. Keep yourself occupied.

It's been a hard journey for me but looking back I am glad I stopped else I wouldn't be where I am now. Peace.

P/S: If possible I also advise to see your GP and have a chat about it. It was really tough for me at first but determination and medication helped.
Thanks, the distancing thing would have been hard before but now I have a job and something to concentrate on it should be a bit easier. Congratulations on kicking it yourself, I look forward to a day when I can say the same. You say they prescribed you something. What was it? did it help?

goldblum

10,272 posts

167 months

Monday 2nd July 2012
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Do you run? Consider starting,not only will exercise extend your life but running will also provide a release of serotonin,dopamine and norepinephrine.These neurotransmitters will create a feeling of euphoria and a reduced state of pain.In short then the runners high is very similar to being stoned on hash - minus the silly grin and giggles.It's a win/win. smile

Did you know doctors are now prescribing exercise as a possible aid in the cure for depression? Psychologists attest that physical exercise creates mental health gain for two reasons. First it creates changes in the biomechanical function of the brain to raise mood. Second, leading an active life can help raise self worth and improve confidence resulting in better self esteem.Doing exercise is also a great way of meeting people.

Whatever,good luck.


The Nur

Original Poster:

9,168 posts

185 months

Monday 2nd July 2012
quotequote all
I had begun to take up running a little while ago but it got delayed with moving home and stuff. I actually have some nice routes to run quite near to me so I could give that a go again.

crazy about cars

4,454 posts

169 months

Monday 2nd July 2012
quotequote all
The Nur said:
Thanks, the distancing thing would have been hard before but now I have a job and something to concentrate on it should be a bit easier. Congratulations on kicking it yourself, I look forward to a day when I can say the same. You say they prescribed you something. What was it? did it help?
Well I can't really advocate medication as it's different for everyone... you might not even need meds who knows! I've tried a few but in the end it did help me kick the habit - so effective that I also quit smoking entirely :P

However the journey wasn't easy but you need to start somewhere matey. This feeling that you have now is the first step (I had it too!) so just keep thinking positive and push yourself harder!

The Nur

Original Poster:

9,168 posts

185 months

Monday 2nd July 2012
quotequote all
crazy about cars said:
Well I can't really advocate medication as it's different for everyone... you might not even need meds who knows! I've tried a few but in the end it did help me kick the habit - so effective that I also quit smoking entirely :P

However the journey wasn't easy but you need to start somewhere matey. This feeling that you have now is the first step (I had it too!) so just keep thinking positive and push yourself harder!
hehe I wasn't really after what you were prescribed to try and get some, it was more out of interest really. Cheers though

goldblum

10,272 posts

167 months

Monday 2nd July 2012
quotequote all
The Nur said:
I had begun to take up running a little while ago but it got delayed with moving home and stuff. I actually have some nice routes to run quite near to me so I could give that a go again.
I know a fair few exhippies who go out running in the hills near me (Pennines).My old running partner,now remarried,was an ex smack addict and he reckoned running was more addictive in the end lol.Mind you for a 50 year old he was a fking good fell runner and most times finished in the top three for his category.smile

metro lover

553 posts

187 months

Monday 2nd July 2012
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If you wanna talk honestly send me a private as I don't want a real conversation being mistaken as 2 people chatting garbage

metro lover

553 posts

187 months

Monday 2nd July 2012
quotequote all
If you wanna talk honestly send me a private as I don't want a real conversation being mistaken as 2 people chatting garbage

bosshog

1,584 posts

276 months

Monday 2nd July 2012
quotequote all
You've got to give up the weed - its your No.1 priority - all the other 'issues' are stemming from this. As someone who was a complete stoner around the same time as your age, you got to move out away from you stoner mates and try and meet some non stoners. Its going to be hard, because you're addicted, but you can do it. You just have to get on with it and stop with the excuses.

Things that will help massively is a change of scene (whether travelling/uni) and try and take up some form of sports that the last thing you want is to be stoned (motocross, downhill MXing, anything involving balance really) - this will also give you an instant new group of friends.
You say you cannot travel - well go and work in a ski station for a winter or volunteer to work abroad somewhere for 6 months - you don't need any cash to go do them. And something that is active - it will give you the buzz in a different way. I replaced being a stoner with 'extreme' sports and never looked back.

Stop making excuses, and get on with life before you miss it and end up with something nasty like throat cancer.

Torquey

1,895 posts

228 months

Monday 2nd July 2012
quotequote all
How about finding a hobby to take your mind off things/weed. A hobby that you will enjoy moreso and will be way more important to you.

I was going to suggest a gym but Running is a good start.
Do any of your mates play 5 a side football? Even if you can't play, you'll pick it up. It is socially great even if you are rubbish.

You are likely to meet like-minded people if you can get into the gym thing or 5 a side, and it can become addictive.
Set yourself a target to keep you focused: a half marathon or a triathlon even.

Save the money you waste and put it into a nice car that is way more important to you than a quick kick.

Do another year or 2 at uni/college. A combination of a decent car and being powerfully built will have dirty students flocking for you.

Damn I wish I was 24 again.

andy_s

19,400 posts

259 months

Monday 2nd July 2012
quotequote all
Yeah man, the weeds not helping, I've probably been smoking for the best part of 25 years, but there were times when I kicked it altogether as it started to be an escape rather than an enhancement. It's never done me any harm in work, family, sport or other, but ones underlying mindset can get a bit twisted due to other circumstances in your life - as long as you a) recognise it and b) do something about it (i.e. get off it, work on whatever is bothering you), then you can 'right the boat'. I wouldn't call it the cause, but it can be a contruibutary factor, if you follow. So now I just hop on and off now and again, which works for me.

Anyway, I can't add to the decent advice you've had here from the usual PH suspects. You're astute enough to pick up who they are and what they mean. To change, you have to change something.

So I'll add to the 'out there' advice; I've sorted out, or rather helped to sort out, or maybe not even that, just been a friend to, a few guys who were stressed, felt down, had anger or calmness issues by going running with them funnily enough. I know it's not everyones cup of hemlock, but my first advice for anyone in a twisted/confused/angry state is to go for a run. Firstly, to actually put your shoes on despite the fact you don't want to, to go out and just jog for half an hour is an achievment, you feel better about yourself and the world. A little bit. It clears your head a little, you connect to your body a little bit, you feel a bit more 'with it'. And energised but calm.
Progress it to a routine and things only get better; you've changed you life then, you've got your control back, you're better tha you were, even in one small way.

A couple of the guys still run. Some of them are now doing ultras with me, some just a few miles a week, but all are better off, even by small increments. Which is better than nothing. Much better.

Good luck man - yes, I still do 'it' now and again, but it's not the centre of my world; it doesn't need to be, there are better escapes.

The Nur

Original Poster:

9,168 posts

185 months

Monday 2nd July 2012
quotequote all
Thanks for todays posts, I'll reply properly later, but for now I must go to work.

Cheers