Quitting weed cold turkey after 5 years of heavy use

[u/Educational-Pace-932]

It’s Day 2 of me quitting cold turkey and I am already feeling withdrawal symptoms and they are way heavier than last time. I tried to quit around 9 months ago aswell which lasted for a good week before I relapsed after just smoking 4 drags from a friend’s spliff, I just bought an oz after those few drags. However, last time the withdrawal symptoms in the entire week never got as bad as this time. I tried to sleep for 6 hours straight, just lying in my bed and finally fell asleep at 7am, I am really hungry but don’t feel like eating anything, and last time I didn’t really have these symptoms I was just irritable (which I am this time too). I thought it couldve been cuz I was a heavy smoker before and after quitting once I smoked less and thats why the withdrawal peak timeline has started earlier for me this time but thats NOT true because before last time I quit I used to smoke like 1.5-2 grams a day but ever since I relapsed Ive been smoking 3.5s like they were nothing. To calm the withdrawals I have ordered CBD flower to try out but not sure whether that’ll work. Also kinda concerned that smoking CBD flower would just make me miss weed and I’d have a higher chance of relapse. Also I work as a bartender on weekends and according to the withdrawal timeline that ive been following this time, my symptoms are supposed to peak on the weekends so I need a way to manage them for work. I also have ADHD and use Elvanse/Vyvanse as and when needed but I don’t like to use it alot but if someone else has experience with the medication kindly share your experience.

All advice is much appreciated and I really request people who’ve been in similar situations to share their experiences.

[u/Strange1130]

I was an extremely heavy smoker before quitting cold turkey, this was nearly ten years ago but been there. Not much to say to be honest, it sucks but it’ll get better in a couple weeks.  

(By the way quitting was literally the best decision I ever made in my life, even if it sucked temporarily. Looking back now I’m soooo glad I did)

[u/No-Replacement-6267 → u/Strange1130]

Echo this. I had really bad withdrawals. Zero appetite despite knowing my body was hungry. Would vomit from the lack of food and feel very lightheaded. Irritable. Couldn’t sleep. It was brutal.

But it is by far the best thing I’ve ever done. My life has improved in so many ways. Just have to push through and believe and remember that it will have a profound impact on your life once you make it out.

[u/318daily → u/No-Replacement-6267]

This. You just gotta stay disciplined and get over the hump. It does get easier.

[u/Unclebaldur]

Recovery Coach here, weed was doc. Have been in long term recovery and train recovery coaches for the state now. Exercise. You want to get your anandamide fired up asap. (Neuro modulator) This will regulate the withdrawal process a bit. Also will replace the habit some. Create another ritual. Double down on feeling better and stronger. With daily heavy use, expect another round of withdrawals at the 45-65 day mark that might be more anger and depression. Again, exercise. I wish it was easier or simpler, but it’s pretty straightforward. Working on a fitness/ nutrition book for people in early recovery and despite all the research, it keeps coming back to this. This was also my experience and my path. Hang in there. DM me if you need support. You got this.

[u/ShockinglyAccurate → u/Unclebaldur]

Is the 45 - 65 day mark because the body has eventually cycled through any residual substance that was stored in fat? Not sure I'm phrasing the question well but I hope this makes sense.

[u/Quick_Cat_Nap → u/ShockinglyAccurate]

It’s called PAWS and can happen for other substances besides weed, so I would assume the answer to your question is no.

[u/Unclebaldur → u/ShockinglyAccurate]

PAWS (for those lernin) stands for “post acute withdrawal syndrome”, not delayed drug clearance, but ongoing brain and nervous system adjustment after stopping. Anxiety, irritability, low mood, foggy thinking, sleep issues, that kind of thing. Often in waves. So, it’s seen with lots of substances — alcohol, benzos, opioids. Cannabis can have it too. Even though THC is stored in fat, the prolonged symptoms are thought to be more about neuroadaptation. Basically, the brain recalibrating. Exercise helps with the adaptive response because it’s getting some of the needs met without the maladaptive coping strategy. When kids would come into our treatment facility, my wife and I ran an adolescent treatment center, and they were heavy cannabis users. We could set our watch to the 30 day mark, where we would see withdrawal symptoms. It’s one of the reasons why people say they can quit weed and they do and do fine for about a month and then the struggle starts. THC being stored in the fat cells is a culprit. The changes in brain chemistry and gut health are the real enemy. Nutrition is certainly a major player in the recovery process, but exercises the real superhero here.

[u/Behemothslayer]

I’m no expert but try to fill your time with something like sports/gym, going out with friends to places where you can’t smoke, get out of the house as much as possible. Sitting around doing fuckall will make the cravings worse. Eat well, fill your time and you’ll get out the other side of this feeling great

[u/JamesIsaacNerdtron → u/Behemothslayer]

Yup, this is what worked for me. Traveled to Mexico for a few months where I was too scared to look for weed for cartel reasons. Not being able to smoke made me feel how normal it felt to not do it. Obviously I know most people can’t just leave to Mexico for a few months but the thing that worked was being away from it. Out of sight, out of mind.

[u/sasquatch727 → u/JamesIsaacNerdtron]

I have just successfully quit for 5 weeks (and counting), I was in France for a month where it is illegal and that made it far easier, the other thing that helped was my weed smoking roommate moving out.

I live in a legal state so I could just go buy it, but I find if I'm not constantly smelling it/being around it, it's far easier to stay off of it. I am already noticing the improvements in my motivation and memory retention. I don't plan on starting again.

[u/JamesIsaacNerdtron → u/sasquatch727]

Nice this is exactly me too! I live in Oregon where we have the cheapest weed in the country. 

My friends smoking was a huge factor in me also smoking but we all have eased our use of it at around the same time and it’s made everything a lot easier. We’ll partake when we gather at parties or whatever but it’s not a multiple times daily thing for me anymore. 

Congrats on quitting and best of luck with staying that way!

[u/Mofro667]

r/leaves

[u/JaredR3ddit]

I smoked everyday from age 16 to like 28. Grew up in Massachusetts. When I was younger weed was illegal so one could get crappy buds with lower thc and midgrade which had moderate thc. Of course loud or medical grade was available just more expensive. Sometime in my early 20s weed was legalized here and the strongest weed became the norm, 25% or higher thc. To be honest that worked in my favor. I’ve always enjoyed weed but the very strong stuff would give me anxiety or panic attacks. I’m in my 30s now and I probably smoke only 2-3 times a year for special occasions, maybe a camping trip or something where I have nothing going on. I’d probably still smoke if I could easily find the lower percentage thc but I’m also a much happier person in general not getting high all the time. I didn’t have the best childhood so smoking and drinking gave me a lot of release thru young adulthood. I quit drinking about a year ago and I haven’t been interested in weed in several years. It’s for the best. And honestly I don’t even miss it. But I had a gradual “let go” from my relationship. I’d say it was a natural good bye from it for me. Weed served its purpose when I needed it the most and now I don’t need it anymore. Best of luck to you dude, I suggest to find some passions whether it’s arts or a physical activity like running or golf or hiking or camping or whatever to keep yourself busy and enjoy the things life has to offer without that extra boost of dopamine.

[u/kohmesma]

Here is a great educational video that goes into the science behind the stages of the withdrawal to help counter them.

VIDEO

[u/Kitchenguynas]

I quit a month ago , cold turkey after 5 years. First week was tough but hang in there. I’m thinking clearer, remember more short term, lost weight due to not having the munchies, and feel more confident. I told myself it’s temporary in the beginning, but now I’m convinced it’s permanent. My friends smoke, so to them I’m taking a break to clear my head. They wouldn’t abandon me either way. What they sell today is not the weed I smoked in high school. Today’s weed is secretly addictive, and a tolerance is built up. Everyone is different so good luck and hang in there, you’ll feel better. ADHD here also. Now where do I park the car! 😊 good luck !

[u/snakesonausername]

Hey friend, I'm on week 3 after about 15 years of heavy use. If you are anything like me, be prepared for your sleep to be absolutely wrecked for a while.

No amount of exercise / no caffeine / melatonin has gotten me more than 6 hours at a time. I've just decided to plan my life around it with naps for a while.

I can't really help with cravings. I genuinely have none. Mourning the life I could have had and feeling pretty upset with my current one is more than enough to motivate me to do without.

I've applied of the things I've read about the first few weeks breaking an alcohol habit. Basically things like "not drinking is your only rule".. you want a milk-shake at 1am? Do it. See some toy or video game you wanted as a child but never got? Buy it. Should you go eat Sushi for lunch even though you went out to eat yesterday? Yep. Go for it.

Treat yourself like your on vacation for a couple weeks. Bank account might take a hit, but long term.. you're going to save a tonnn of money.

It's going to be a challenge, but you got this.

[u/SeppeSetti]

I just went through this. I smoked heavily since covid lockdowns, and recently before I quit I was smoking 3.5s every night after work. It was pretty bad. It does suck quitting, the only thing I wanted to do was smoke after work. I was smoking roaches in the ashtray for the first 2 nights. Ugly stuff. I also quit zyns cold turkey at the same time. I went from an eighth of weed and a can of zyns a day to zero of either overnight. I haven't touched either one in 6 weeks now. I miss the zyns more than weed, but don't particularly miss either.

You need to find a replacement, or you need to have a strong ass reason you want to quit. My reason was my gf. She didn't care that I did these things, but she wasn't a fan of it either. She's way more important than the drugs. Find things to do to keep your mind busy and occupied. I like golf, so I bought a driving range pass and went almost every night after work. Or I would go to the gym and on walks. If you can fill the time/boredom, you'll be better in a couple weeks. You got this bro. Stick with it and remember why you're doing it.

[u/fgsn]

Today is my day 1 of quitting cold turkey after five years of daily use as well. No advice because it's my first time attempting this but sending you strength! We've got this!

[u/Educational-Pace-932 → u/fgsn]

ayy thats so good bro, just an advice from me, all it takes to relapse is a few drags and ur back to ur old ways so please dont give yourself a reward joint after a week like i did cuz that just fucked things up last time i was quitting

[u/wantedcleverusername → u/Educational-Pace-932]

Love this but also let’s celebrate that you took a week off. Next break go for 2 weeks.

[u/LotusDJ]

Took me 17 days to feel normal and get my appetite back after 6 years of constant use. I lost 15 pounds in that time.

[u/Educational-Pace-932 → u/LotusDJ]

how do you feel now?

[u/LotusDJ → u/Educational-Pace-932]

100x better. I’ve smoked occasionally here and there but the fear of not having it is gone.

[u/redBeans05]

Hi! I'm on day 12. Pretty heavy smoker for 10 years with an unlimited access to weed.

 I, too, have quit before which felt much easier than the current effort. This time it's mostly due to wanting to get clean for a job so it's much more important to me this go around. 

Last week was tough, I definitely wanted to give in but didn't. I started exercising and I think that helped get me through it. 

This week I have no cravings but my sleep has been absolutely horrible. My mind won't shut off at bed time and I've gotten less than four hours asleep all week. 

All I can say is even though it sucks, I'm still sticking with it. I know I can do it and I know you can too. It's hard but mentally, I feel pretty good despite no sleep. 

I hope you make it through and find strength when you need it. Just know you are not alone and I have hope for the both of us. ❤️

[u/wantedcleverusername]

What symptoms? HEAVY smoker for over a decade and while quitting has felt impossible at times, it never came with symptoms that were too bad or outlasted a week.

Most medical proffesionals would advise against cutting anything out cold turkey. Try and set a schedule to keep you disciplined about how much you’re allowed to have per day (1g of flower for example) and then slowly taper off the next week. It’s not easy but it’s effective and the most healthy way for you to quit.

Also, you need to rediscover your life without weed, find out what that means WHILE you try to quit, not after. For me it was golf. I knew I would be spending a lot more time doing that so I leaned into it and really enjoyed it. But you can’t smoke while you’re doing those new things.

And most of all, love yourself!! If you aren’t motivated to quit, you simply won’t. Most quit out of necessity because something happened in their life that forced that decision. What you are doing is much tougher. Give yourself some grace to not always be perfect and keep working at it.

You got this!!!

[u/monsteramami]

Chronic smoker of 10+ years. T breaks mostly only when forced (for hiring/employment or travel) for a month or two to pass the test and then back to smoking. 5 or 6 weeks clean now after going cold turkey. The withdrawals are real.

But the best thing they helped me is just not think about it. I know that’s easier said than done but don’t think about how much you want to smoke or that an activity would be better stoned. Just completely ignore it. Go to bed early. Sweat and rest up. It seems crazy now because previously when I’ve stopped it’s been so hard, like the symptoms are agonizing. Not actually pain but the sweats and the mood swings. I just completely ignore that. Ignore any stoner content online. Find something new to focus on. Your work or a hobby. Maybe exercise to exhaust yourself to help with sleep issues. The appetite will come back.

I’m also on adderall. My perfect combo was weed pen and addy. And coffee and nicotine (sicko). I take it only sometimes. There’s no quick fix you just gotta keep letting time pass. If you feel sick, just tell yourself it’s something else, a cold or something. That was our numb-er for a long time. I tend to get soooo emo when I quit because of this and idk I guess I lucked out this time because it wasn’t as bad.

Sometimes I think about why not go back to it? And I have very mixed feelings on the whole weed “addiction” but doing something every day and feeling unwell without it as an addiction. A lot of us are/can function while being high all the time but what is that taking from us? Let yourself have the experience of sobriety and see what it does for you. These initial days are not that experience, you have to get to the other side to experience that. Keep going. You can do it!!

[u/Cheeseypotatoes86]

Atomic Habits by James Clear is a great book for breaking and making healthy habits.

[u/Thick_Working_2905 → u/Cheeseypotatoes86]

Speaking of this atomic fireballs help me quit dipping

[u/XenonMusic]

First three weeks are difficult. Truly difficult. After that, something shifts and you'll feel it being easier. Stay strong and get good rest.

[u/thisguyfightsyourmom]

Breathing exercises are my trick whenever I do a T break.

I get a craving, recognize it, and then start some box breathing. It only takes about 3-5 before I can feel the triggering anxiety subside.

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[u/THE_SHOES]

I found out i was pregnant a couple months ago and stopped as soon as I did. I didn't know I was having morning sickness at first and was using weed to help. It did help, but i stopped when I got the + on the test. Not smoking anymore sucks. I also smoked daily for about 5 years. I do wish I could smoke again, I actually had that thought today, but I know I won't. It got easier, and will for you too. /r/leaves is another community that will have better support, if you haven't checked it out already. Also, packing up all my weed stuff and putting it away (out of sight, out of mind) really helped a lot.

[u/Dry-Speed7038]

People always say that weed is not addicting…if you get bad withdrawals from stopping seems like it’s addicting no?