How can I stop smoking pot?

Dear Permafried, 

First and foremost, you’re not crazy—cannabis (also known as marijuana or weed) can be an addictive substance. It sounds like your weed use might be seriously impacting your quality of life. Quitting marijuana, or reducing frequency of use, might be a great way to try to gain back some of your mental faculties and concentration. To learn more about weed’s addictive qualities, its effects on the brain, and find ways to help quit, read on. 

What are the cognitive effects of weed use?  

Weed use can impact the way your brain functions. This can produce positive effects—like euphoria and relaxation—but it can also produce some undesirable effects. You mention having trouble with concentration when it comes to your schoolwork. This could definitely be a less than pleasant response to your weed consumption. Other unwanted effects can include impaired coordination, delayed processing speed, deficits in working memory, reduced reaction time, paranoia, and even hallucinations.  

Can you become addicted to weed?  

Yes, it’s possible to become dependent on weed and develop a cannabis use disorder (CUD) or addiction. That said, not everyone who uses weed will become addicted, but regular use can be a factor in developing an addiction.  

Addiction is usually accompanied by warning signs including but not limited to: 

• Overconsuming cannabis: Finding yourself unable to control how much weed you consume can be a symptom of a disorder. 
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using: You said that you felt sick and irritable if you don't smoke up which can be signs of withdrawal. Other withdrawal symptoms people report include stomach pain, headaches, insomnia, decreased appetite, anxiety, and restlessness. These symptoms also often indicate a development of tolerance. 
• Developing a tolerance for cannabis: This happens when the body becomes accustomed to continual drug usage and increased dosages are needed to experience the same high. 
• Disengaging from your duties: This includes prioritizing weed use over your responsibilities. You might notice that a lot of your time goes into getting weed products, consuming them, and recovering. 
• Continuing to use despite negative effects: Consuming weed despite negative consequences to your mental or physical health might be a sign that weed has a hold over you. 

Can the cognitive effects of weed use be reversed?  

There is some research that suggests that weed's negative effects to the brain’s functioning can be reversed if you stop using weed. Even short periods of no use—one to two weeks—have been shown to have a positive impact. But there are factors that might complicate recovery. For example, younger people might need more time to recover cognitive abilities because their brains may still be developing. Additionally, people who started using cannabis at a younger age and have been exposed to cannabis for more years might also struggle to reverse all cognitive deficits. 

It is okay to quit weed cold turkey? 

It’s often recommended to not “go cold turkey”. This method involves quitting your weed use all at once rather than tapering off.  This unfortunately often results in extreme withdrawal symptoms.  

That said, if you do decide to quit cold turkey, you may find it helpful to get rid of your paraphernalia (which might include a lighter, bong, papers, etc.) to help reduce your chances of picking the habit back up. This can also help if you choose to slowly taper your use until you stop completely. Once you Additionally, you might take some time to discover what your triggers are and find more productive replacements (like exercise, enjoying your hobbies, and meditation). It may also be helpful to build a strong support network who can help hold you accountable after you stop.  

What can help you quit weed?  

You've mentioned that you find yourself continuing to use marijuana even though it no longer brings you pleasure. Recognizing this and seeking out help to quit or reduce use are two very crucial steps which you've already taken.  

Next steps to continue this journey might include getting social support and professional treatment. Quitting cannabis or reducing use can be challenging to do on your own and you might benefit with support from others. 

You might consider checking out the following resources for additional support: 

• Marijuana Anonymous: a self-help group modeled after the design of other twelve-step programs. 
• American Addiction Center treatment facilities: this resource helps you find treatment centers near you. 
• American Addiction Center Alcohol and Drug Addiction text line: a 24/7 resource to talk to someone. 

When it comes to treatment some options might include: 

• Behavioral treatments: these include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management therapy, and motivational enhancement therapy. These can either be in inpatient or outpatient settings. 
• Detoxification treatment: this kind of treatment focuses on managing withdrawal symptoms as someone gets off of substances. 
• Aftercare treatment: focuses on reducing the possibility of relapsing. 

Here's to not being baked or fried!