Never thought I'd have any issues with this

[Wanttoquit]

I hope I get taken seriously for this, because a lot of my friends don't seem to and sorry for the ramble ahead but I just found this forum.  I think I am addicted to smoking marijuana. I have tried to quit several times and it does not seem to be working. I am 21 years old, in my last year of university and smoke daily, often all day morning to night. sometimes i stay up half the night smoking and although i have decent grades overall, they would definitely be higher if weed wasn't in the picture.
I smoked once in a while in high school, but by second year university (now in 5th) I began smoking almost daily until I was doing it several times a day. I rarely have a day off and when I am out of weed I get anxious. But the frustrating thing is smoking makes me paranoid and anxious too, I am not as social as I used to be. It upsets me and I need help. When I look to the future, even shortly down the road I don't want to see weed in it, I really don't. My friends and family do not really get it, neither does my girlfriend I don't think because I keep it all inside. Most of my friends smoke as well, either as much as me or close and I don't know if they have a problem with it but I really want to stop and just don't know how. I have made mistakes in my life when I was younger I regret, and have been hurt in past by relationships and people when I was a kid. I know its not an excuse but I sometimes smoke in a way not to feel, or have to think or face reality. Any advice, please help, sorry for the ramble I have never said any of these things to anyone.

[Wanttoquit]

yeah i have tried cold turkey, i don't think that works for me, i guess this stuff isn't physically addictive but it seems to be mentally, or at least close to it for me
i know that enough is enough, and i need to grow up and get rid of this stuff, i think i'd be happier in the end

[atthebeach]

Well you could either try just stopping cold turkey don't smoke again. You could also try to control it and smoke less each day and then stop.

[Wanttoquit]

thanks for the responses.. it is crazy because i was never like this before at all, and no one really knows the degree of my habit/addiction right now. I have not talked to a counselor yet, I don't want to do that if I don't have to, reading this site has helped a lot, maybe I just needed some advice or to read others who have been in similar situations. i went through a rough break up a couple years back and just kinda turned to smoking weed with friends to ease it, but now most of the time i smoke alone and find i have very little control over when I even do it.  i have dealt with anxiety in my life a lot, since i was probably 12 or so and i don't really know why.  then i smoke and it temporarily alleviates it and usually ends up coming back worse with paranoia, anxiety. I just don't know how to give it up

[atthebeach]

Hello and welcome.I am so glad you found us. You can be honest here and you will find a lot of support and advice here.many have been in the same spot as you are. That is great that you want to quit. Smoking weed can definitely make you paranoid,anxious,less motivated. When people do any type of substance to numb themselves and to not feel it does give them feel a temporary reprieve. It is only temporary though. The same feelings and hurts are still there.
Have you considered talking with a counselor? A trusted adult? We all make mistakes and hopefully we learn from them and we should try not to repeat them. There is no sense in beating yourself up over them. We can't go back and change things we can only move forward.
Many times talking about things and getting them to the surface helps cleanse yourself of the pain. I am really glad you decided to talk about this. Keep on talking there is always someone here.
You have a desire to stop smoking weed. You can do it. Admitting you have a problem and want to change is the first step towards change.
Sending hope,support,encouragment and prayers
Debbie

[MikeInFrance]

Hey Wanttoquit.....You obviously feel like smoking weed is having a really negative impact on your life right now. My suggestion would be to just stop! I don't believe you will have any serious or even noticeable side effects from doing that. If you begin to feel anxious then maybe there are some things you are trying to escape from and they will always be there (smoking or not) until you confront them and at least come to an understanding about them. As far as getting paranoid is concerned, everyone has the potential to act differently and experience things differently when smoking. If i was getting paranoid when i smoked then i probably wouldn't anymore. You will be fine if you stop smoking and just don't think about it for a day or two. Hope that helped....

[Wanttoquit]

i hope that the joint i smoke tonight can be the last one.. anyone with any advice or support give me a shout, best of luck to everyone here