Treatments for anxiety caused by long-term cannabis use?

[PixelSpark]

So, hi. I'm about 21 and I've been smoking for about 3 years now with no problems and have been heavily smoking for about 2 of those years. The only thing that stops me from smoking every day is when I run out of stash at the end of each week (I usually end up taking a 2-3 day break between running out and getting more). I'm not exactly sure if weed is the root of the problem yet but after doing some research I have a strong feeling that it is.

My boyfriend (who is also a heavy smoker but he's not getting any anxiety symptoms) says it's probably because I'm currently on school holidays, and being cooped up in the house all day is making me stir-crazy. He could be right but I've always been rather introverted and comfortable with staying home all day and playing video games, so, again, it's most likely the weed. My dad was a heavy smoker, too, and he's told me about smoking every day gave him very bad anxiety (he thought someone was trying to kill him), but he's better now and he still smokes.

So anyway, on to my question. Will giving up weed get rid of these symptoms? And if it does, about how long will it take? Do I have to get therapy because I'd really prefer not to. I don't really have the money for a psychiatrist right now.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Cheers!

[PixelSpark]

Thanks for the post.

I forgot to mention that I also have mild Asperger's--I have a feeling that's probably the root cause of my anxiety and the pot is probably making it worse. Yeah, I think it's definitely time to at least take a break for a few months.

Thanks, again. :)

[Paxiled]

Marijuana is fine until it isn't anymore, and that often means something inside is being brought out.  You're also smoking way too much -- this isn't something fun to do anymore, it's your life.  Any drug that affects the brain will become more problematic if you use it regularly.  So basically, the pot probably hasn't caused your anxiety, but it is bringing it out, so it's time to quit.  But we can't know if this will get rid of your anxiety, because that is being brought out by the drug, not causing it.  As for therapy, you don't get that from a psychiatrist much anymore, you get drugs from a psychiatrist.  If you want therapy you want a psychologist preferably, but you can also see various levels of licensed counselors.  If you lack funds there are community mental health centers you can go to where you'll usually see a social worker who got a license to do therapy.  Good luck.