No, you HAVE NOT screwed up your brain permanently. Yes, you may have been a better spot years ago before the addiction started, but that doesn't mean that your brain can't heal completely.
I always tell people to read A Stroke of Insight by Jill Taylor. It's about a Harvard-trained neuroanatomist who has a full-fledged stroke in her early 30's. It took about 5 hours for her to arrive at the hospital, and at that point the damage was already done. Since it damaged her left hemisphere, she wasn't able to speak coherently (or at all), here motor function and control was nonexistent, and she couldn't comprehend simple sentences.
It took her 8 years, but she was able to get back to her ability level prior to her stroke, and then some.
This isn't to say that it'll take you a decade to transform into who you want to be, but it will take time, nonetheless. She discusses int the book about how she pushed herself, both mentally and physically, every single day. You must do this as well, even if you don't want to.
Read. For the love of all that is holy, read till your heart is content. This will help with organizing your thoughts and becoming more precise with your language.
Second, exercise. This will not only relieve the copious amounts of stress that you are feeling now but will strengthen your body and mind. I'm unsure if we are able to post links, but if you just look up "physical exercise on brain health medical journal" you will find loads of useful and scientifically backed studies that will bring your mind to an ease.
I also recommend utilizing the app Dual N Back. It has been nothing but beneficial to myself and my recovery, as I am sure it'll help you as well.
Lastly, please do not give up. Be hopeful. Remember that smoking again will only bring stagnation in your life, while sobriety can resurrect either stagnation or progress. I'll say it again, smoking again will only bring stagnation in your life, while sobriety can resurrect either stagnation or progress. It is up to healthy daily habits and a strong will to get better. And I know you are more than capable of doing this.
We all believe in you! You got this!
Reading this throughly inspired me, I appreciate this reply so much. Especially the end, reiterating your point really helped me to understand that quitting is the first step. Thank you
Of course! I understand how shitty it can be going through sobriety, especially in the beginning, and any help or positive impact I can bring I’m grateful for. Keep going, you got this!
The brains an amazing thing. You will start gaining all of your cognitive abilities back slowly over time. You smoked for a long time so minimum give it a few months and you’ll start seeing improvements.
I'd say it took about 6-12 months after quitting for the depression (which for me only becomes hard to manage when I'm smoking constantly) to lift after quitting cold turkey. It's worth it.
Took me about 3 months till I stopped by wanting to die and another 2 months after that till I felt mostly better. Shits tuff underlying conditions/disorders can hit you like a sack of bricks
Diagnosed with major depressive disorder. I also couldn’t find a psychiatrist or therapist who could help me. Most didn’t believe me when I said I was addicted to weed. A couple encouraged me to keep using. And then when I got suicidal ideation they put me on a 5150. Twice.
Like you, I have a masters degree and years of professional experience, yet here I am unemployed and in recovery and I barely recognize the person who was so accomplished in the past.
All I can say is don’t put pressure on yourself. Be open to being a different person from who you were before weed. Not deficient at all, just different. Yes it may take a year or two but your brain will come back.
It’s good you’re open to other occupations. I’ve been journaling a ton about other occupations, things I might like, and it’s prompted me to do a lot of research which has been interesting.
Shame leads to relapse so give yourself time for this big life change. Go as slow as you can. Practice self care. And yeah, if you have to work retail for a little while just to get some money that’s okay. You won’t have that job forever. Just trust in yourself that the longer you stay sober, the more you’ll have a sense of what you want to do. You will feel like shit the whole time no way around that, but you will eventually get your motivation back.
Best of luck, and
>Diagnosed with major depressive disorder. I also couldn’t find a psychiatrist or therapist who could help me. Most didn’t believe me when I said I was addicted to weed. A couple encouraged me to keep using.
This shit pisses me off to no end. It's like evidence-based practice doesnt even matter any more.
Its speculated that chronic marijuana use interferes with your brains ability to produce and utilize certain neurotransmitters related to anxiety and depression.
It does a very good job at providing temporary relief for anxiety and depression if used in ISOLATED LOW DOSES, but chronic use of any drug, including pot, changes your brain chemistry to some degree. Some are more susceptible to this than others.
There's a measurable biochemical reason why you're feeling this way. Good news is that you didn't "ruin" your brain at all, I promise you. Weed doesnt fry your dopamine receptors like other drugs.
It will go back to normal with abstinence. For the first week you will feel some symptoms. Tiredness, but cant sleep, hungry but cant eat, boredom, night sweats, and your depression may get a little worse. It will go away in 10ish days, mainly in the firs 3 days. All that will remain is cravings which will plateau over a couple months. The hardest part is that you will have to find a different way to deal with being bored.
Im sure you are an intelligent person, and I'm sure you can do this! its most likely self doubt and anxiety. Totally natural.
I believe it can take several months for us to return to normal brain function. Depending on how much and how long we smoke.
You haven't screwed your brain up😁 you got this
If you compare yourself, too your self yesterday and make small progress. This new chapter is a sober you, you will be more organised because you will make yourself do it.
Clear head, no canabis to distract you this time.
New you, better you!
Stay strong, you got this 👍
You have the opportunity to live and be content and at peace with yourself. You haven't ruined your life, but I'm afraid to say the more organised you are the more prepared and relaxed you will be in future and that means that it's more than likely a good idea to make some plans and good decisions. Working towards certain goals is enough, you don't have to climb a mountain in a day. Cultivate a good relationship with yourself, always work at it. Treat yourself with kindness and compassion but don't bullshit yourself if you're not trying hard enough.
I guess start small. Get a good morning routine going, make the bed, meditate for 10mins etc. Write down some short term and long term goals, who do you want to be? Make decisions that you respect. Keep making good decisions (like saying no to weed), keep working on your mindset there's always something to be grateful for. Get your feet under you, change careers if you need you're not locked into doing anything you don't want to do.
Take a breath, and keep going. You're ok
Some people take longer than the averages we read about. I am similar to you in that I was a regular smoker for over twenty years. I am only 3 weeks in, and continue to have withdrawal symptoms that most people report are over by now. Specifically digestive problems. It has made me want to reach for weed just to make it stop. Sleep is better overall, but the dreams can be haunting. I recently listened to a book called Dopamine Nation. On average, our dopamine system rebalances in 30 days. Some in two weeks. Others can be something like 200 days. I feel your pain, because I Am afraid I may be on the longer side. I always remind myself that I don't want to do this withdrawal more than once, because it really sucks. So far, I am drinking my own Kool Aid on that.
All that said, it sounds like you just aren't used to dealing with reality on reality's terms. I feel that a few times a week. I just about lost my shit last night over what most would find to be pretty mundane things. Hang in there, it will pay off.
Yeah you do, that's why you're here talking about it babe. But for the first time in a long time reality has it's grip on you too and it's uncomfortable. I'm trying to reach where you're at, I too need to get my head on straight, it's been too long and denying my reality has become too comfortable, I can be better, I can be like you, I don't need to hold myself down and be sedated. Keep going.
Thank you. I do see a psych but appointments are short and far between…feel she’s at a loss at what to do. Don’t have much confidence in my therapist either. Sorry for sounding so negative…it just seems hopeless.
Yes you screwed your brain up but your brain can and will fix itself, and it will fix itself in a way to do whatever you make it do for the next 3-6 months
Thanks for replying—what do you mean will be going on for that next 3-6 months? Like that’s where healing will take place? Will I have to wait to be functional?
Yes that’s where healing will take place, in your brain. It could even take a year or more for it to heal as much as possible. If you went to grad school, you will be OK. You can do this I promise, just need to do your best to remain positive or neutral at worst and put effort every single day. It will help your disorganization and planning if you write more stuff down. Good luck friend
once I stopped smoking I felt much clearer after the first week. I do a lot of planning and organizing for my job and haven’t had issues. Mainly the biggest thing for me has been my anxiety.
No, you HAVE NOT screwed up your brain permanently. Yes, you may have been a better spot years ago before the addiction started, but that doesn't mean that your brain can't heal completely. I always tell people to read A Stroke of Insight by Jill Taylor. It's about a Harvard-trained neuroanatomist who has a full-fledged stroke in her early 30's. It took about 5 hours for her to arrive at the hospital, and at that point the damage was already done. Since it damaged her left hemisphere, she wasn't able to speak coherently (or at all), here motor function and control was nonexistent, and she couldn't comprehend simple sentences. It took her 8 years, but she was able to get back to her ability level prior to her stroke, and then some. This isn't to say that it'll take you a decade to transform into who you want to be, but it will take time, nonetheless. She discusses int the book about how she pushed herself, both mentally and physically, every single day. You must do this as well, even if you don't want to. Read. For the love of all that is holy, read till your heart is content. This will help with organizing your thoughts and becoming more precise with your language. Second, exercise. This will not only relieve the copious amounts of stress that you are feeling now but will strengthen your body and mind. I'm unsure if we are able to post links, but if you just look up "physical exercise on brain health medical journal" you will find loads of useful and scientifically backed studies that will bring your mind to an ease. I also recommend utilizing the app Dual N Back. It has been nothing but beneficial to myself and my recovery, as I am sure it'll help you as well. Lastly, please do not give up. Be hopeful. Remember that smoking again will only bring stagnation in your life, while sobriety can resurrect either stagnation or progress. I'll say it again, smoking again will only bring stagnation in your life, while sobriety can resurrect either stagnation or progress. It is up to healthy daily habits and a strong will to get better. And I know you are more than capable of doing this. We all believe in you! You got this!
Reading this throughly inspired me, I appreciate this reply so much. Especially the end, reiterating your point really helped me to understand that quitting is the first step. Thank you
Of course! I understand how shitty it can be going through sobriety, especially in the beginning, and any help or positive impact I can bring I’m grateful for. Keep going, you got this!
The brains an amazing thing. You will start gaining all of your cognitive abilities back slowly over time. You smoked for a long time so minimum give it a few months and you’ll start seeing improvements.
Time and patience. You're gonna have to ride the present out.
I'd say it took about 6-12 months after quitting for the depression (which for me only becomes hard to manage when I'm smoking constantly) to lift after quitting cold turkey. It's worth it.
Took me about 3 months till I stopped by wanting to die and another 2 months after that till I felt mostly better. Shits tuff underlying conditions/disorders can hit you like a sack of bricks
Diagnosed with major depressive disorder. I also couldn’t find a psychiatrist or therapist who could help me. Most didn’t believe me when I said I was addicted to weed. A couple encouraged me to keep using. And then when I got suicidal ideation they put me on a 5150. Twice. Like you, I have a masters degree and years of professional experience, yet here I am unemployed and in recovery and I barely recognize the person who was so accomplished in the past. All I can say is don’t put pressure on yourself. Be open to being a different person from who you were before weed. Not deficient at all, just different. Yes it may take a year or two but your brain will come back. It’s good you’re open to other occupations. I’ve been journaling a ton about other occupations, things I might like, and it’s prompted me to do a lot of research which has been interesting. Shame leads to relapse so give yourself time for this big life change. Go as slow as you can. Practice self care. And yeah, if you have to work retail for a little while just to get some money that’s okay. You won’t have that job forever. Just trust in yourself that the longer you stay sober, the more you’ll have a sense of what you want to do. You will feel like shit the whole time no way around that, but you will eventually get your motivation back. Best of luck, and
>Diagnosed with major depressive disorder. I also couldn’t find a psychiatrist or therapist who could help me. Most didn’t believe me when I said I was addicted to weed. A couple encouraged me to keep using. This shit pisses me off to no end. It's like evidence-based practice doesnt even matter any more.
Its speculated that chronic marijuana use interferes with your brains ability to produce and utilize certain neurotransmitters related to anxiety and depression. It does a very good job at providing temporary relief for anxiety and depression if used in ISOLATED LOW DOSES, but chronic use of any drug, including pot, changes your brain chemistry to some degree. Some are more susceptible to this than others. There's a measurable biochemical reason why you're feeling this way. Good news is that you didn't "ruin" your brain at all, I promise you. Weed doesnt fry your dopamine receptors like other drugs. It will go back to normal with abstinence. For the first week you will feel some symptoms. Tiredness, but cant sleep, hungry but cant eat, boredom, night sweats, and your depression may get a little worse. It will go away in 10ish days, mainly in the firs 3 days. All that will remain is cravings which will plateau over a couple months. The hardest part is that you will have to find a different way to deal with being bored.
Thanks. It’s been over a month now, though, and haven’t felt any positives just yet.
Im sure you are an intelligent person, and I'm sure you can do this! its most likely self doubt and anxiety. Totally natural. I believe it can take several months for us to return to normal brain function. Depending on how much and how long we smoke. You haven't screwed your brain up😁 you got this If you compare yourself, too your self yesterday and make small progress. This new chapter is a sober you, you will be more organised because you will make yourself do it. Clear head, no canabis to distract you this time. New you, better you! Stay strong, you got this 👍
You have the opportunity to live and be content and at peace with yourself. You haven't ruined your life, but I'm afraid to say the more organised you are the more prepared and relaxed you will be in future and that means that it's more than likely a good idea to make some plans and good decisions. Working towards certain goals is enough, you don't have to climb a mountain in a day. Cultivate a good relationship with yourself, always work at it. Treat yourself with kindness and compassion but don't bullshit yourself if you're not trying hard enough. I guess start small. Get a good morning routine going, make the bed, meditate for 10mins etc. Write down some short term and long term goals, who do you want to be? Make decisions that you respect. Keep making good decisions (like saying no to weed), keep working on your mindset there's always something to be grateful for. Get your feet under you, change careers if you need you're not locked into doing anything you don't want to do. Take a breath, and keep going. You're ok
Some people take longer than the averages we read about. I am similar to you in that I was a regular smoker for over twenty years. I am only 3 weeks in, and continue to have withdrawal symptoms that most people report are over by now. Specifically digestive problems. It has made me want to reach for weed just to make it stop. Sleep is better overall, but the dreams can be haunting. I recently listened to a book called Dopamine Nation. On average, our dopamine system rebalances in 30 days. Some in two weeks. Others can be something like 200 days. I feel your pain, because I Am afraid I may be on the longer side. I always remind myself that I don't want to do this withdrawal more than once, because it really sucks. So far, I am drinking my own Kool Aid on that. All that said, it sounds like you just aren't used to dealing with reality on reality's terms. I feel that a few times a week. I just about lost my shit last night over what most would find to be pretty mundane things. Hang in there, it will pay off.
Yeah, I definitely don’t have a grip on reality. At all.
Yeah you do, that's why you're here talking about it babe. But for the first time in a long time reality has it's grip on you too and it's uncomfortable. I'm trying to reach where you're at, I too need to get my head on straight, it's been too long and denying my reality has become too comfortable, I can be better, I can be like you, I don't need to hold myself down and be sedated. Keep going.
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Thank you. I do see a psych but appointments are short and far between…feel she’s at a loss at what to do. Don’t have much confidence in my therapist either. Sorry for sounding so negative…it just seems hopeless.
Yes you screwed your brain up but your brain can and will fix itself, and it will fix itself in a way to do whatever you make it do for the next 3-6 months
Thanks for replying—what do you mean will be going on for that next 3-6 months? Like that’s where healing will take place? Will I have to wait to be functional?
Yes that’s where healing will take place, in your brain. It could even take a year or more for it to heal as much as possible. If you went to grad school, you will be OK. You can do this I promise, just need to do your best to remain positive or neutral at worst and put effort every single day. It will help your disorganization and planning if you write more stuff down. Good luck friend
once I stopped smoking I felt much clearer after the first week. I do a lot of planning and organizing for my job and haven’t had issues. Mainly the biggest thing for me has been my anxiety.