While we respect people's individual choices to do so, we do not allow community members to recommend using any intoxicating / psychoactive substances to other members of the sub (regardless of regional laws, research-backed therapeutic applications, whether it is available on prescription, or drug classifications etc.).
This is chiefly to respect our rule against giving medical advice since any drug has the potential to cause negative interactions depending on a person's unique medical history, and secondly in recognition of the fact that for many of us who have experienced addiction, use of another psychoactive substance is not always in the best interests of those recovering from alcohol misuse. Thanks.
All the time. Alcohol ruined every aspect of my life. Cannabis just made me eat a piece of pie I did not want and side eye a bird who I felt was a little bit too smug. Yet one of these things is legal and readily available. It’s a jokec
Sad. I live in a southeastern state that’s having difficulty accepting the fact that weed can be legalized. 🙄
I’d say your brain needs re-training! Looking for that dopamine hit. Do whatever it takes - just don’t drink. And read or listen to This Naked Mind, Alcohol Explained, or many others recommended on here. Good to have you here!
Your mileage may vary. I used to love smoking weed but now without alcohol I kind of hate it. The lack of alcohol makes the weed stronger and it doesn't vibe with me anymore to the point that it'll ruin my night if I get too high.
I used to smoke basically 24/7 and in the 40 days of not drinking I think I've only gotten high like 5 times? I'm not there yet, but I can see myself hopefully and eventually craving a daily clear mind
When I first stopped drinking i used sparingly. When I got off benzos.. I used three to four days a week.. then quit weed for like 9 months. Now I smoke when I’ve had a really stressful week, with my wife in the back porch after the kids are asleep.. maybe once a month. It’s nice to use it in rare situations
Ditto. I don't normally smoke unless i drink, then as soon as i do i quit drinking for the night.
If I'm having really bad cravings I'll take a little puff and it kills all my cravings
I definitely enjoy weed in social settings. I can smoke one and sip on NA beer at parties and bars and not feel tempted to drink. I’ll sometimes have an edible on Sundays while my husband watches football, and I can do housework, arts and crafts with the kids, meal prep. I’ve found it really helpful, however I do hope to leave it behind one day too, but I’m in no rush.
Me, right here. I was a certified stoner in college, quit smoking when I entered the work force because people test for weed. I have an addictive personality and a fair amount of mental issues, so being full sober is...tough for me, to say the least. That led to alcohol becoming a problem.
Went back to smoking when I quit drinking. I know me; I needed to replace it with something that was also mind-altering but that wouldn't kill me, otherwise I'd fall into the same trap (or end up on something equally bad, like opiates, which I had issues with in the past). Weed was the perfect answer.
Everyone's journey is different, friend. If alcohol is causing you problems but weed isn't, then it sounds like it's worth a shot. No matter what you decide, make the choice that's best for *you* and your long term mental and physical health.
I will not drink with you today, friend.
This is pretty much my story as well in this regard. Smoked before I drank, big stoner energy, life was good, smoking fell off after entering the workforce, drinking gained complete control.
Tried total sobriety the first time, ended with some really bad relapses. Tried moderation, ended with some really bad relapses. Total sobriety again, relapse that almost killed me. Let myself introduce weed this time around, and for the first time I can picture the rest of my life without alcohol in it. I couldn't do that before.
Different strokes and whatnot but weed is my literal lifesaver I guess.
I was too a major smoker in college. Among the best. When I quit/cut way back for work, the alcohol intake steadily went up.
Thankfully the booze feels behind now.
Weed, jogging and the gym for me. I’m really quiet about that because I know most people don’t consider it honest recovery. But yknow what, I’d rather die slowly from smoking than acutely from drinking, or liver failure. This feels like the best case scenario for me
Ty!!! 5 months for me, but in the past 8 months I’ve only had 1 drink, so I kinda count it as 8 months alcohol-free! I’m so fucking proud of myself and don’t really have anyone to tell, and I’m so proud of others going through this as well. It’s so hard and crushing and so many days don’t feel worth it, and still we all keep going.
Same. But I stick to edibles and a vape because smoking makes me more phlegmy and stuff, makes my jogs more difficult. After getting used to a dry herb vape, smoke kinda taste nasty.
Honest recovery is whatever recovery helps you, honestly. So I think your share is important. And might really help someone. Jogging and gym both release the body’s natural feel good drugs- so you’re right- best case scenario is activating those.
Yeah for me anyway alcoholism was the problem. Not anything else. For some people I think using any drugs as a "crutch" can lead to problematic behavior but for me personally it's literally just alcohol. Alcohol made me a piece of shit. I couldn't be productive, I wasn't doing anything with my life, was anxious and depressed. I don't have that problem anymore and I am active, happy, content, and don't exhibit any problematic behaviors (like for example I don't *need* to use to be happy, if I can't have it I'm not jonesing and I can go weeks or months at a time without it, no problem) like I did with alcohol. So it works for me.
Weed, exercise, and ice cream are my three best friends that actually care about me. Alcohol is my toxic ex boyfriend that still wants me back to abuse me more.
Sometimes I get crazy and put my Liquid Death in the paper bag that my ice cream came in. Eating ice cream at home on my couch, watching X-files, just straight paper bagging my water. Yeah, I’m awesome. 😎
One of the best things ever is an edible and then a hard work out. When I'm done I'm so relaxed with the combo of endorphins from working out and the edible kicking in, it's awesome. Plus, at least for me, it makes me feel less like a lazy sack of crap. Calms my emotions down and can sit and watch TV or play a game the rest of the night.
Oh yeah absolutely. I'm a terrible sleeper and alcohol definitely was a remedy for insomnia in some cases. I had to change a ton of bad habits. Work out every day, screens off and read books an hour before bed, cut back on midnight snacks (not ALL the way, I still need my munchies sometimes but I'm better), and try really hard to get 8 hours of sleep -- though it's usually 7 and that's fine.
Now I sleep like a baby most nights, it's great. And when I was using alcohol I wasn't getting good sleep so was tired all the time, now I literally am never tired during the day.
Recovery looks different for everyone. I am an alcoholic and stay 100% sober. Worked for me for 7 years and counting.
I will say that drinking comes with a why. Boredom. Escape. Nerves. There’s a why. Personally, I drank to avoid facing trauma. As a result, I didn’t develop coping skills until my mid-30s. Cognitive behavior therapy helped immensely.
With another substance, ask yourself if by using it, you’re addressing the why. Are you developing coping skills that will keep you healthy? Or is replacing one substance with another keeping you from unpacking your stuff?
No judgement from me—just the kinds of questions I use to orient my sobriety.
I’ve tried quitting cold turkey, but even with a good therapist I could never stay sober from alcohol (and eventually cocaine) for too long. No matter how long I stayed sober, I had to fight with myself not to drink every day. I never fully understood why that was the case, why the cravings always got worse the longer I stayed sober.
But, when I tried mj again, it reduced the cravings, or made me not want to have more than a couple of drinks at a time. It did that not by being a substitute for alcohol, but by somehow making me feel all the painful feelings I’ve been suppressing. When I’m on mj, I feel all the pain, the guilt, shame, and anger and disappointment with myself even going back years into the past. I don’t feel good when I’m on it, but it leads to an internal dialogue that has helped me finally feel those emotions and process them. It is allowing me to heal in a way that therapy did not. Because of that, mj has helped my recovery.
>Its not for everyone but it worked for me
One of my friends who also recently got sober takes an edible before any big social event or gig (we're in a band together) to calm his nerves, and it works extremely well for him. I, on the other hand, have always had a really bad reaction to weed, sadly. It just ruins my short term memory and does nothing for my anxiety, so don't touch it. So yeah, everyone is different.
Honestly, I envy him (and you). I really wish I had something I could use to calm the nerves before big events and gigs. It's the thing I miss most about drinking. I don't miss anything else at all, but big events are really hard. The closest I have is taking a propranolol, but it doesn't do all that much.
I take a very small edible now and then, just like 2 or 3 milligrams. It takes the edge off my anxiety and makes me feel more thoughtful and upbeat. More than that I start feeling stoned and self conscious.
Same, and that's good daily. People needing 50 mg are built different or getting mislabeled stuff. Before I knew what mg worked I took a 100 mg edible before bed. Woke up the next morning after a restful night still really high for several hours.
I take about 25mg to get buzzed and relaxed but I would agree very little 5mg has definitely stopped the regular habits that lead to obliterated by alcohol.
I started smoking before I started drinking, so it never worked for me. Obviously weed is not nearly as harmful, but I got sick of feeling tired because of the weed too. Gave it up about a month ago. Wish alcohol was as easy to quit.
Weed definitely stopped the alcohol cravings for me. I’d be 6 beers down and ready for much more but instead take a hit of a joint and not feel like drinking anymore. I don’t do either now but I’d say if the weed helps, that’s great and run with it for now. Alcohol is what’s really destructive. You can always revisit the weed once you’ve finally let the alcohol go - you’ll know.
Thanks. Was drinking what my wife left and said I should finish for her (a decent amount). Was almost convinced by myself to go get more. Went outside to smoke weed instead cause I was realizing it would be dumb and screw up tomorrow, it emphasized that and then I saw this thread and your post. I am going to finish this last 20 minutes of this movie I am into, then read/sleep.
Hell yeah, friend! I need to remind myself to get some infused mocktail ingredients before next weekend. A year of no alcohol is a big deal! I'm proud of you, keep going!
I was sober of everything for about 4 years. I introduced cbd and weed about 7 years ago and have 0 regrets. It really helps me and has never caused me to relapse.
So I tried to this. Then I ended up with a weed addiction. It was horrible. Took three years to kick the weed. Then I became a worse alcoholic after that. Currently 2.5 months sober from booze
So from my personal experience I was in the same boat as you, DUI lost the Mrs and kids etc
I started smoking, yeah this is great I don’t want to drink anymore.
4 years later I get pulled, test me the day after smoking. I failed.
So another DUI, even more problems this time because of it. Spiralled into a pit of depression and blew it with the new Mrs who I thought was ‘the one’.
So yeah. I’m a couple of weeks into no drink and no smoke either. Back to square 1 again. Fix the problem don’t just swap vices.
Been there. Tried that. Fuck that. (For me, that is. Everyone is different and so is their path.)
Sobriety is amazing just get past the 30 and 90 day marks, then 6 and 9 months. Those are the hardest. But life gets beautiful, dude. Stick with it. Good luck. You got this in you!
I didn't switch them out, but I still enjoy cannabis in the evening. It doesn't cause the same problems and desire for way too much that alcohol did when I still drank.
Try edibles maybe? Tell yourself you’re going to eat one and then see later if you want a drink. Make sure you have good snacks and entertainment. Take a hot shower and put on comfy clothes. Make a drink that’s non alcoholic that you enjoy, like, a lot of it. Then eat the edible. You’ll probably fall asleep before your body remembers it wants alcohol.
“Tell yourself you’re going to eat one”
While I can appreciate your comment, I think a lot of us are in here because we were never able to just have one. I know cannabis and alcohol are very different substances, but the way our brains are programmed could get in the way of that mindset.
I used to, sort of. I used it to help get my sleep schedule back on track when I got sober. Sometimes I took an edible for fun. I don’t anymore. My view on it is to use it if you need it, but be careful not to create another monster. It’s easy to just replace one thing with another, but that’s not really solving the problem, is it? Either way, at the end of the day.. weed isn’t going to kill you like alcohol can. So it’s definitely a better alternative.
I did try that in my last year of drinking with the hopes that it would lower my drinking cravings, but my addictive tendencies only surfaced in a different form, and I ended up playing wack a mole. It was a part of my healing process, though.
I absolutely don’t do it to combat anything. I enjoy it on the weekends. Not if I’m out in public. Just chilling at home. I know there’s a huge difference between weed and booze, because half the time I forget to take it when I plan on taking it. I never once forgot to drink.
For me it's the same slippery slope. If I give in to the "an edible would be nice" Voice it cracks the door open for the "Just one drink, who will know?" Voice.
I desl with my cravings with kombucha and sparkling water. About once a month aftet a reslly shitty day if the tea and water is not working, I'll sit in the jacuzzi and smoke a bowl. Works everytime.
IWNDWYT
I’ve tried this for years but would always go back to drinking. It may work for some but I find that I need complete abstinence for successful sobriety.
When I first quit drinking, weed helped me tremendously. I was never addicted to weed though, I can smoke or take an edible one night and then leave it for 6 months without even thinking about it. I see nothing wrong with using a lesser evil to help rid yourself of a greater evil. It's brutal trying to quit everything at once, especially if you suffer from anxiety like me.
I will say that in my experience, the two things that really saved me and got me away from alcohol was weed + working out. Keep in mind, I was never a smoker before this so my tolerance to weed was low. It kills my cravings, subdues heightened emotions, and actually helps me sleep restfully (compared to the hellish sleep I got as an alcoholic). I don’t think it’s a great long term crutch but in the short run while you’re trying to kick alcohol, yes I definitely recommend it
I dig edibles. I have a thing where i obsessively have to drink liquids when i smoke or eat edibles but i just sub booze for water / soda water with lime or maybe chai tea at night and it’s fine.
Weed does kill motivation and creates paranoia and i would get paranoid When i was younger but i can control it better now. I dont mind going to social events or concerts a little weed tipsy, maybe drink a redbull. Not advocating but it works for me.
I remember seeing this picture of Willy Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash together at some concert in the 80s. Guess which two were the hard drinkers and not around anymore. I meet more and more older cats that gave up booze/hard drugs and only do weed.
I had to give up both, as they usually went hand in hand when I was drinking.
One makes me want the other.
Plus I like how clearheaded I am without any substances
I did but THC/D9 was just another thing to quit. Killed my motivation and had its own issues w/ sleep and dopamine baselines (see reddit /leaves). TruKava works nicely for me... playing with that and Hopwater. Relaxing buzz w/ no issues.
Consider also supplementing with L-Tyrosine if you're still in PAWS, it's a building block of dopamine and your body is likely deficient if you've been drinking for awhile (why anhedonia settles in and everything sucks for the few weeks you're sobering up). Just don't overdo it or take it daily because it can have the reverse effect. Mix that with physical activity or even HIIT and you'll be feeling those rushes again.
Yes i literally smoked tonight instead of going out and buying a pint of smirnoff. I cant figure out why I need to not be sober either. But its clear weed is a better and safer option as I work that out and try to improve myself
Yes, and its helped tremendously. Im on day 65 no booze. I will take a few hits and drink a heineken 0.0 if im really feeling the urge to drink. Best part is, I'm 100% sober again in like an hour and no hangover!
I used it a lot more heavily when I first stopped drinking. It helped me feel a lot more comfortable with just hanging by myself at home on a Friday night instead of going out to drink. It also helped me sleep when my sleep was super out of whack. I find I haven’t been enjoying it as much lately so I’ve stopped. Maybe I’ll come back to it one day but yes. It helped me immensely when I first got sober. Obviously not for everyone but it worked for me.
I wouldn’t be sober from alcohol if it weren’t for weed. ESPECIALLY helped in my days of early sobriety.
Helped with sleep and when I had that strong urge to just…get out of my mind for awhile. Took awhile but just recently quit nightly smoking. It served its purpose and now I’ve found it’s serving me less and less.
Good luck, friend
i tried that and ended up being stoned and drunk for about 10 years. depends on the person for sure, but def didnt work for me. i stopped smoking weed permanently, drinking is still a very hard work in progress. i relapse often
I still smoke/consume weed. i.e. Cali Sober. Works for me, tho it all depends on the person just like alcohol. I can handle my weed, I can't with alcohol.
Yes. I find cannabis helpful. I use it after work. Helps with anxiety and depression.
Alcohol is the only substance that has ruined my life and nearly killed me.
I find the goal of complete sobriety from all substances to be stifling and unrealistic. Also, where would I draw the line? Sugar? Coffee? Aren’t those drugs?
What about gambling? Shopping? Sex?
Not interested in life completely free of vice. Also, harm reduction is a good thing.
A friend of mine did, and became a long distance runner. Runs a 10k a day, hasn’t drank in two years, has won races. He doesn’t smoke weed but he takes THC. Just got his car back a few months ago
It might not be the majority opinion but yeah I can recognize that I have an unhealthy relationship with weed and also that it has been really helpful to me in giving up drinking.
I never identify as sober, only alcohol free, because I take a couple of hits on a pen after work most nights. I’m starting to seriously question how much it adds to my life (I think I know the answer is negative) and feel myself coming around on it too.
I think one substance at a time is a totally fair approach, you can change more later, keep it focused and do what you need to give up the truly bad stuff!
Some people in AA frown on smoking weed , I smoke often , I have a problem with alcohol not weed, I’ve never once fought the party or spent a night in jail blacked out or. Woke up in a sweaty mess of depression after a doobie or 2
Weed makes me giggly, non combative, and want to do something artistic, or stimulating that's really peaceful. I think a comedian jokes about how potheads are safer drivers, and how they don't cause fist fights at parties cause we're so chill, or try to avoid confrontation altogether lol.
I wish. Weed stopped feeling good for me in my early 20s and trying to replace that high is what got me binge drinking. Even now, I can’t have even a little without losing my mind with anxiety. Runs in the family, I’m told… :(
I still smoke. I'd hesitate to say it is to combat my alcohol addiction.
Alcohol put me out of my mind. Cannabis brings me into it. Alcohol made me put off my entire life and let it rot. Cannabis gives me energy, focus, and enough relief to break free from my constant, obsessive, neurotic negative loops.
I try not to rely on it. I will let myself run out every once in a while, but I'm good if I am traveling in a non-legal state or will be busy all day without a chance for a session.
Yes full spectrum thc oil snapped me out of a daily alcohol habit I developed during covid. It killed my desire to drink. Now I don't even need the oil any more. I still take a small amount of cbd oil for medicinal purposes during the day
Personally it's the only way I'm at 10 months. And done let people tell you it's not still hard, or that you're not in a great place as long as you're not drinking, AND ESPECIALLY THAT ITS NOT SOBER. if you're not drinking you're a sober alcoholic in my book. Just because other people feel miserable with how they're handling recovery doesn't mean you have to.
Edibles can be kinder if you’re looking to just relax and move into sleep.
Helps meditate and sort out your thoughts.
You MUST however, come to grips with substance abuse overall/while you are using THC. It’s potent and can help you do this, but it is possible to get “higher and higher” and keep you in a substance abuse mindset.
Try something for your gut, too, like kombucha or even yogurt or capsules. A lot of neurotransmitters originate in the gut, might as well make it as healthy as possible.
Talk to a dr and see if they recommend Valdoxan tablets. They were originally for opiates but are now used for alcohol addiction. One of things it helps with is the “Fuck it, let’s have a drink” thoughts. They are supposed to be a bit hard on the liver, so if you take them, it’s an idea to not double whammy with alcohol. Good luck.
If you started smoking weed as an adult and have maintained casual use? Sure
If you started as a teenager and became a daily user, altering the structure of your brain completely? Probably not.
Hi, so I see a lot of positive weed comments here but I have a different opinion.
For me, the sustainable way to get sober is the hard way. It takes time, and work, anger, tears, therapy, books, writing, exercise, meditation, good nutrition etc. It takes understanding of yourself, your trauma, your education. Do you carry shame, anger, hopelessness?...
Being sober, for me, is to stop running away from yourself and your life. You face things, you make the necessary changes, even if it's scary and it takes years.
What does the weed do? It allows you to ignore reality and stay a fugitive of your own life. And the problem with weed is, it might have a chill and warm feeling in the beggining, but it slowly starts to make you foggy, tired, paranoid, low libido, hopeless, no drive to socialize and sometimes even broke or jobless.
It's also addictive, especially If you have an addictive personality. You'll find yourself smoking everyday after work and in extreme cases, rolling one when you wake up. If you try to stop, nights sweats, can't sleep, etc. Also, the strong hunger and cravings for unhealthy snacks is not fun after a while.
And finally, weed is not good for your health, it can worsen preexisting conditions like depression, anxiety, derealization and it's bad for your lungs.
So my advice would be face your life and stop running away. Invest your money in your mental and physical health, not in another drug.
This is my truth. For me, when my mind is looking for relief (which is frequently) the first thought is always “what can I take to make this feeling go away”.
Facing my discomfort head-on is the only solution I have left. Whatever substance I switch to becomes my master. I just got so so tired, of being a slave to a prescription, a dealer, a liquor store being open, all the things.
I don’t judge anyone else’s recovery now. We are all unique individuals and have to find our own paths. Recovery is a lifelong endeavor that looks different for each person. Every step forward and backwards has taught me a lesson I needed to learn. I applaud anyone who is brave enough to do the hard work you described. I wish it wasn’t the case but there really is no magic pill to make the pain of life disappear. Like Dorothy, I followed the yellow brick road only to discover the wizard is really a crazy old man pulling levers behind a dusty old curtain.
I have found weed good for getting on top of alcohol, and my sleep is so much better as a result. But then I became reliant on weed to sleep, relax and to function basically so I would say be careful, use in moderation and look at something with good amount of CBD (lots of strains are high/all THC, so the medical benefits no as good for me at least)
I enjoy weed edibles, but not every night. Have not had one in 6 days now. Sometimes the working out and healthier coping mechanisms bash down my anxiety enough.
It works for me when I need it to, on occasion. Other things I find effective are talk therapy, staying busy at night and NA beers. Everyone is different but I’m glad you’re here and I wish you the best ❤️
Yes and no. I fell back on weed in my earliest sober days, just to sate the urge to “do something bad,” and I think it helped. But… I really don’t like weed all that much, which may have also helped. Weed makes me feel anxious, no matter how much I consume or how I consume it.
My mom and stepdad were alcoholics most of my life. This has always been my reason for slowing down.
They’ve been sober now for years. Just found out at Thanksgiving that they smoked weed. It was a good Thanksgiving. They are doing amazing.
Yes—I’ve noticed popping an edible before a social event with alcohol really curbs my craving to get drunk, and I enjoy the blissful, carefree feeling more. I used to have a habit of drinking a lot of wine and watching TV before bed but since replacing that with a joint my drinking has lessened (and so have the hangovers). I still struggle though every now and then. I will not drink with you today! ❤️
It’s helped keep me from drinking for 56 days (longest I’ve gone in the last 13 years). It’s far less dangerous to my life, I’m keeping it in for now. I also have chronic pain that’s part of the use so it’s a little diff. I’m pretty used to weed just to deal with stomach and back pain that i don’t want to pop painkillers for.
I smoke daily and marginally more than I did before quitting booze. I added working out back in. I noticed that I grew a major sweet tooth once I stopped drinking, and smoking definitely brings snacking habits. I didn’t want to replace a habit by building a stronger substance habit and working out definitely helps.
I work out 5-6 days per week with two of those lighter and geared toward recovery. I don’t finish my work day without working out and I don’t smoke without working out. Keeps some checks and balances and is building way better habits.
Everything is a balance. Booze became way too important. I won’t let things throw the balance off anymore. IWNDWYT
I quit drinking over 3 years ago, and weed is now the only vice from my degenerate days that I have left. I smoke as well as take a healthy dose of edibles pretty much daily, but you would never guess it. My career has suffered a little (i.e. I'm not as driven to perform at a high level), but my relationship with my wife and kids is better than it's ever been, so the tradeoff has been worth it.
I tried some of those THC drinks and while I didn’t get high it did remove the craving for alcohol.
Unfortunately I can’t experiment further, but the three drinks I tried did “take the edge off”, which is what I was seeking from alcohol.
I didn't use weed as a substitute, but I had a hell of a time sleeping early on and it really helped me there. I tried melatonin and it made me a groggy zombie, but a little weed gummy about an hour before bed was a great wind down into a restful sleep.
Eventually tapered off because I was starting to hit the snacks a little too hard in that hour before laying down, but it did help that transition when my mind was still racing at night. All it ever does is knock me out so it never was something I considered trying to replace booze with, but it has its own purposes too.
Weed has helped me tremendously. I don’t over use it and it’s helped with my anxiety and restlessness when it came to cravings. I would not recommend using weed when you crave. I just mean overall it helped subside my cravings over time.
Started this way. It helped, but it just starved off the withdrawals. Now I have no desire to smoke anything, or take anything that will effect my thinking. I loved weed, but it really started messing with me the last few years before I quit. Super grateful to be sober now.
So here is my experience with it, I smoked weed for along time during my attempts to get sober. It was pretty much a place holder, something to do because “I’m not just going to sit with my natural thoughts and mind, that’s crazy.” It didn’t help my sobriety nor did it hurt it. But I was walking around in a fog that made me feel dumb, and because I felt dumb I’d be less confident and hate myself more. I stopped smoking around 8 months ago and don’t regret the decision at all, I’ve learned to be at peace with my thoughts and do other things to help my sleep.
If it’s between booze and weed definitely take the weed, but I’d prefer neither.
It's an endless shit show and each time is a gamble. I would say this is a good tactic however the real problem is knowing when to stop drinking, Solution? Force yourself to eat so you can stop drinking, Nobody wants to take shots after getting full. Good luck, I'm on the same path
I am commenting as an older alcoholic..48, and fight the dragon on the daily. Do I still drink daily? Yes. most days I do, but I had some success drinking less with The Sinclair method, otherwise known as TSM. Taking Naltrexone while drinking can help you decrease or quit whatever your goal is. I do strongly suggest not going out to the bars for awhile if you are serious. I can never turn down a free drink. EVER. And I still can drink too much at home, but you cut the risk of a DUI out..which can fuck up over a decade of your life, etc..And yes, I am also a looong time weed smoker, and or eater, and if it helps you do other things, then hellz yes lean into it..no judgement. Best of luck!!
Everyone’s recovery journey is different & you have to do what works for you!
Personally, alcohol was what was destroying my life. Weed helps me mellow out & keeps me from drinking.
I’m starting to get an itch and was thinking of trying weed again, haven’t smoked in years last time I had a panic attack probably because I was already super drunk
Yup. Still do. I have a med card. For me, it gave me something else to replace booze with. It hit a lot of the same things that drinking did, but I wouldn't feel like shit the next day nor have the hangxiety. It gave me a way to kinda reevaluate my relationship with alcohol and with the help of someone that ended up moving in with me I kicked it for good in Dec 2021.
Compare the worst thing that happened to you on weed vs alcohol. Idk to me it's a form of harm reduction.
I use edibles here and there, especially before social situations. It makes me not want to drink and makes my seltzer water or kombucha taste incredible. To be honest I’m not against smoking in place of alcohol but it definitely makes me a little lazy in the moment and a little while after… which is fine for parties and what not. I can’t do it every day. I used to drink while cleaning, cooking and all else, writing, reading and more. I personally have to focus on being sober and clear headed and facing down that temptation and sticking it out. I’ll try to read or journal about my goals or write out tomorrow’s workout. Everyone’s different though
I'm currently taking disulfiram. It's the only thing that's gotten me to stop for several months. It will make you violently sick if you drink even a small amount on it.
I'm hoping to use this to get to a point where cravings aren't so impossible to avoid.
No, I’d just be replacing one mind altering substance with another. I found AA to be very helpful, it was nice to ask these questions to a group of people who had all experienced these same things.
I wish I could. Just don't like the effect at all -- makes me feel stupid and paranoid, which as Dean Wormer will tell you. "That's no way to go through life". lol
Used to. But I just wound up drunk *and* stoned every night.
I smoked a lot of weed throughout high school, and pretty much traded it for booze overnight when I turned drinking age. Years later I got my medical card in the hopes I could transition back to smoking a lot of weed instead of drinking so much. But it never worked out that way.
Early in sobriety, I had strong urges to start smoking weed again, because I felt a lot of confusion and emptiness having no substances at all to take the edge off. I hadn’t lived my life completely sober since I was 14, so it was totally new for me. But I’ve learned over the years that unfortunately, weed just doesn’t effect me the way it used to. It’s impossible for me to enjoy myself with it. Possibly because it’s so much more potent now than when I was younger, so that you need to build up a good tolerance and can’t even just occasionally smoke it. But I’ve got two years stone cold sober now, and I never fantasize about smoking or drinking anymore. These days I’m grateful I can live a life that I don’t need to constantly numb or escape from.
Weed helped and still helps me. I used to do exactly what you're doing. You can push past it. Just try to do it before it puts you in the hospital or worse.
Weed does the trick for me. My issue is i'm in the military so I have to be really careful about how often I use, how much I use, and how early in the month I stop before I have to go back for drill in case of Urinalysis test. Yes it will absolutely work for you, but if you have a career where you can't, don't risk it. I'm stupid enough for risking it. But i'd be stupider to keep drinking 25/8. So I risk it.
While we respect people's individual choices to do so, we do not allow community members to recommend using any intoxicating / psychoactive substances to other members of the sub (regardless of regional laws, research-backed therapeutic applications, whether it is available on prescription, or drug classifications etc.). This is chiefly to respect our rule against giving medical advice since any drug has the potential to cause negative interactions depending on a person's unique medical history, and secondly in recognition of the fact that for many of us who have experienced addiction, use of another psychoactive substance is not always in the best interests of those recovering from alcohol misuse. Thanks.
All the time. Alcohol ruined every aspect of my life. Cannabis just made me eat a piece of pie I did not want and side eye a bird who I felt was a little bit too smug. Yet one of these things is legal and readily available. It’s a jokec
Bahahhahahaaaaa side eye a bird!!!
🤣🤣🤣
I love this, it's so true :D
Sad. I live in a southeastern state that’s having difficulty accepting the fact that weed can be legalized. 🙄 I’d say your brain needs re-training! Looking for that dopamine hit. Do whatever it takes - just don’t drink. And read or listen to This Naked Mind, Alcohol Explained, or many others recommended on here. Good to have you here!
There are hemp derived edibles that do the job and are legal in most states
Weed absolutely kills my cravings to drink. Whatever works for you.
Weed helped me tremendously
Your mileage may vary. I used to love smoking weed but now without alcohol I kind of hate it. The lack of alcohol makes the weed stronger and it doesn't vibe with me anymore to the point that it'll ruin my night if I get too high. I used to smoke basically 24/7 and in the 40 days of not drinking I think I've only gotten high like 5 times? I'm not there yet, but I can see myself hopefully and eventually craving a daily clear mind
Lol yeah, alcohol would “balance” weed for me, and keep me from getting too far in my own head.
When I first stopped drinking i used sparingly. When I got off benzos.. I used three to four days a week.. then quit weed for like 9 months. Now I smoke when I’ve had a really stressful week, with my wife in the back porch after the kids are asleep.. maybe once a month. It’s nice to use it in rare situations
Ditto. I don't normally smoke unless i drink, then as soon as i do i quit drinking for the night. If I'm having really bad cravings I'll take a little puff and it kills all my cravings
Right here buddy 💯
I definitely enjoy weed in social settings. I can smoke one and sip on NA beer at parties and bars and not feel tempted to drink. I’ll sometimes have an edible on Sundays while my husband watches football, and I can do housework, arts and crafts with the kids, meal prep. I’ve found it really helpful, however I do hope to leave it behind one day too, but I’m in no rush.
Yeah that’s very much how I use it. The na beer/gummy combo is cool, and weed just kills any desire I might have to drink.
Me, right here. I was a certified stoner in college, quit smoking when I entered the work force because people test for weed. I have an addictive personality and a fair amount of mental issues, so being full sober is...tough for me, to say the least. That led to alcohol becoming a problem. Went back to smoking when I quit drinking. I know me; I needed to replace it with something that was also mind-altering but that wouldn't kill me, otherwise I'd fall into the same trap (or end up on something equally bad, like opiates, which I had issues with in the past). Weed was the perfect answer. Everyone's journey is different, friend. If alcohol is causing you problems but weed isn't, then it sounds like it's worth a shot. No matter what you decide, make the choice that's best for *you* and your long term mental and physical health. I will not drink with you today, friend.
This is pretty much my story as well in this regard. Smoked before I drank, big stoner energy, life was good, smoking fell off after entering the workforce, drinking gained complete control. Tried total sobriety the first time, ended with some really bad relapses. Tried moderation, ended with some really bad relapses. Total sobriety again, relapse that almost killed me. Let myself introduce weed this time around, and for the first time I can picture the rest of my life without alcohol in it. I couldn't do that before. Different strokes and whatnot but weed is my literal lifesaver I guess.
I was too a major smoker in college. Among the best. When I quit/cut way back for work, the alcohol intake steadily went up. Thankfully the booze feels behind now.
100% Daily smoker.. I suggest adding the gym to your routine to help with depression...helps me out
I’ve got 3.5 yrs doing this. I don’t have another alcohol relapse in me. 🥹
4 years here. The gym/weed combo saved me.
I’ve been able to lose weight, I’m out of physical alcoholic pain, and it’s great to know I’m not alone!!
Weed, jogging and the gym for me. I’m really quiet about that because I know most people don’t consider it honest recovery. But yknow what, I’d rather die slowly from smoking than acutely from drinking, or liver failure. This feels like the best case scenario for me
Excuse me friend but fuck anyone that says it's not honest recovery! I can't stand people that think that way... Congrats on ur journey
Ty!!! 5 months for me, but in the past 8 months I’ve only had 1 drink, so I kinda count it as 8 months alcohol-free! I’m so fucking proud of myself and don’t really have anyone to tell, and I’m so proud of others going through this as well. It’s so hard and crushing and so many days don’t feel worth it, and still we all keep going.
Proud of you, keep on beepin!
Same. But I stick to edibles and a vape because smoking makes me more phlegmy and stuff, makes my jogs more difficult. After getting used to a dry herb vape, smoke kinda taste nasty.
Weed and lifting weights is an underrated combination.
Yes!!! Weed, skiing, hockey, running and lifting does it for me!
Honest recovery is whatever recovery helps you, honestly. So I think your share is important. And might really help someone. Jogging and gym both release the body’s natural feel good drugs- so you’re right- best case scenario is activating those.
It IS an honest recovery. It's a different thing.
The rude comments saying , you’re not sober, hurt. I am! Just alcohol free. Now pass me that bowl!!!!!!
It’s a re-branding issue. It’s obviously helped a ton of people.
Yeah for me anyway alcoholism was the problem. Not anything else. For some people I think using any drugs as a "crutch" can lead to problematic behavior but for me personally it's literally just alcohol. Alcohol made me a piece of shit. I couldn't be productive, I wasn't doing anything with my life, was anxious and depressed. I don't have that problem anymore and I am active, happy, content, and don't exhibit any problematic behaviors (like for example I don't *need* to use to be happy, if I can't have it I'm not jonesing and I can go weeks or months at a time without it, no problem) like I did with alcohol. So it works for me.
I’m trying here! I’m trying here!
Ur doing awesome...keep it up
You know the way
Amen
Weed, exercise, and ice cream are my three best friends that actually care about me. Alcohol is my toxic ex boyfriend that still wants me back to abuse me more.
Omg we're best friends!!
Sometimes I get crazy and put my Liquid Death in the paper bag that my ice cream came in. Eating ice cream at home on my couch, watching X-files, just straight paper bagging my water. Yeah, I’m awesome. 😎
One of the best things ever is an edible and then a hard work out. When I'm done I'm so relaxed with the combo of endorphins from working out and the edible kicking in, it's awesome. Plus, at least for me, it makes me feel less like a lazy sack of crap. Calms my emotions down and can sit and watch TV or play a game the rest of the night.
And sleeping is awesome and easy.... win after win after win
Oh yeah absolutely. I'm a terrible sleeper and alcohol definitely was a remedy for insomnia in some cases. I had to change a ton of bad habits. Work out every day, screens off and read books an hour before bed, cut back on midnight snacks (not ALL the way, I still need my munchies sometimes but I'm better), and try really hard to get 8 hours of sleep -- though it's usually 7 and that's fine. Now I sleep like a baby most nights, it's great. And when I was using alcohol I wasn't getting good sleep so was tired all the time, now I literally am never tired during the day.
I love hearing this. It's awesome!!! Congrats on everything!!!
Recovery looks different for everyone. I am an alcoholic and stay 100% sober. Worked for me for 7 years and counting. I will say that drinking comes with a why. Boredom. Escape. Nerves. There’s a why. Personally, I drank to avoid facing trauma. As a result, I didn’t develop coping skills until my mid-30s. Cognitive behavior therapy helped immensely. With another substance, ask yourself if by using it, you’re addressing the why. Are you developing coping skills that will keep you healthy? Or is replacing one substance with another keeping you from unpacking your stuff? No judgement from me—just the kinds of questions I use to orient my sobriety.
I’ve tried quitting cold turkey, but even with a good therapist I could never stay sober from alcohol (and eventually cocaine) for too long. No matter how long I stayed sober, I had to fight with myself not to drink every day. I never fully understood why that was the case, why the cravings always got worse the longer I stayed sober. But, when I tried mj again, it reduced the cravings, or made me not want to have more than a couple of drinks at a time. It did that not by being a substitute for alcohol, but by somehow making me feel all the painful feelings I’ve been suppressing. When I’m on mj, I feel all the pain, the guilt, shame, and anger and disappointment with myself even going back years into the past. I don’t feel good when I’m on it, but it leads to an internal dialogue that has helped me finally feel those emotions and process them. It is allowing me to heal in a way that therapy did not. Because of that, mj has helped my recovery.
I’m glad you’ve found something that works for you!
Great points. We need to be honest with ourselves in recovery in order to truly recover and not just substitute.
Well said! Thank you for this.
I never lost my car, got in a fight, went to jail, or pissed my pants when I just used cannabis. So I quit drinking and kept the cannabis.
🙌 It totally works for me. Its not for everyone but it worked for me.
>Its not for everyone but it worked for me One of my friends who also recently got sober takes an edible before any big social event or gig (we're in a band together) to calm his nerves, and it works extremely well for him. I, on the other hand, have always had a really bad reaction to weed, sadly. It just ruins my short term memory and does nothing for my anxiety, so don't touch it. So yeah, everyone is different. Honestly, I envy him (and you). I really wish I had something I could use to calm the nerves before big events and gigs. It's the thing I miss most about drinking. I don't miss anything else at all, but big events are really hard. The closest I have is taking a propranolol, but it doesn't do all that much.
I take a very small edible now and then, just like 2 or 3 milligrams. It takes the edge off my anxiety and makes me feel more thoughtful and upbeat. More than that I start feeling stoned and self conscious.
If I took 50mg I would end up strapped to a gurney. While I had a titanic tolerance for alcohol I’m definitely a lightweight with cannabis 🤷🏻♂️
Im a 2.5-10 mg person too.
Same, and that's good daily. People needing 50 mg are built different or getting mislabeled stuff. Before I knew what mg worked I took a 100 mg edible before bed. Woke up the next morning after a restful night still really high for several hours.
I need at least 50mg to feel any positive effect.
I take about 25mg to get buzzed and relaxed but I would agree very little 5mg has definitely stopped the regular habits that lead to obliterated by alcohol.
I was totally sober for two years before becoming California sober. It’s really working for me. I learned healthy coping mechanisms in sobriety.
I started smoking before I started drinking, so it never worked for me. Obviously weed is not nearly as harmful, but I got sick of feeling tired because of the weed too. Gave it up about a month ago. Wish alcohol was as easy to quit.
Weed definitely stopped the alcohol cravings for me. I’d be 6 beers down and ready for much more but instead take a hit of a joint and not feel like drinking anymore. I don’t do either now but I’d say if the weed helps, that’s great and run with it for now. Alcohol is what’s really destructive. You can always revisit the weed once you’ve finally let the alcohol go - you’ll know.
Thanks. Was drinking what my wife left and said I should finish for her (a decent amount). Was almost convinced by myself to go get more. Went outside to smoke weed instead cause I was realizing it would be dumb and screw up tomorrow, it emphasized that and then I saw this thread and your post. I am going to finish this last 20 minutes of this movie I am into, then read/sleep.
Happily California sober for 3+ years. It works for me.
I'm California sober, too! Saved my life 💚
what is california sober?
Sober except for Marijuana :)
Yes works wonders but i quickly became reliant on it. I smoke too much nowadays. So just be careful, too much of anything is bad
I used to. Then smoking weed starting having problems of its own. So now I don’t do either one.
Yeah I binge it still, if I have it one night I wind up having it every night of the week. Low dose edibles, but still too much.
[удалено]
Hell yeah, friend! I need to remind myself to get some infused mocktail ingredients before next weekend. A year of no alcohol is a big deal! I'm proud of you, keep going!
Sounds nice. How many mg do you drink?
I was sober of everything for about 4 years. I introduced cbd and weed about 7 years ago and have 0 regrets. It really helps me and has never caused me to relapse.
Weed and no alcohol = California Sober
So I tried to this. Then I ended up with a weed addiction. It was horrible. Took three years to kick the weed. Then I became a worse alcoholic after that. Currently 2.5 months sober from booze
So from my personal experience I was in the same boat as you, DUI lost the Mrs and kids etc I started smoking, yeah this is great I don’t want to drink anymore. 4 years later I get pulled, test me the day after smoking. I failed. So another DUI, even more problems this time because of it. Spiralled into a pit of depression and blew it with the new Mrs who I thought was ‘the one’. So yeah. I’m a couple of weeks into no drink and no smoke either. Back to square 1 again. Fix the problem don’t just swap vices.
Been there. Tried that. Fuck that. (For me, that is. Everyone is different and so is their path.) Sobriety is amazing just get past the 30 and 90 day marks, then 6 and 9 months. Those are the hardest. But life gets beautiful, dude. Stick with it. Good luck. You got this in you!
I didn't switch them out, but I still enjoy cannabis in the evening. It doesn't cause the same problems and desire for way too much that alcohol did when I still drank.
Weed, exercise, therapy, and water are the four pillars of my alcohol-free life
Funny thing is weed makes me a nicer person where booze turns me into an ass. So i will keep hitting the chronic for now.
Try edibles maybe? Tell yourself you’re going to eat one and then see later if you want a drink. Make sure you have good snacks and entertainment. Take a hot shower and put on comfy clothes. Make a drink that’s non alcoholic that you enjoy, like, a lot of it. Then eat the edible. You’ll probably fall asleep before your body remembers it wants alcohol.
“Tell yourself you’re going to eat one” While I can appreciate your comment, I think a lot of us are in here because we were never able to just have one. I know cannabis and alcohol are very different substances, but the way our brains are programmed could get in the way of that mindset.
I used to, sort of. I used it to help get my sleep schedule back on track when I got sober. Sometimes I took an edible for fun. I don’t anymore. My view on it is to use it if you need it, but be careful not to create another monster. It’s easy to just replace one thing with another, but that’s not really solving the problem, is it? Either way, at the end of the day.. weed isn’t going to kill you like alcohol can. So it’s definitely a better alternative.
I did try that in my last year of drinking with the hopes that it would lower my drinking cravings, but my addictive tendencies only surfaced in a different form, and I ended up playing wack a mole. It was a part of my healing process, though.
I absolutely don’t do it to combat anything. I enjoy it on the weekends. Not if I’m out in public. Just chilling at home. I know there’s a huge difference between weed and booze, because half the time I forget to take it when I plan on taking it. I never once forgot to drink.
I’m 2 years alcohol free thanks to weed
For me it's the same slippery slope. If I give in to the "an edible would be nice" Voice it cracks the door open for the "Just one drink, who will know?" Voice.
That fucking guy man. No one wants him around, what a CREEP. “Hey, kids ain’t around - you can sleep till NOON and no one will know! How’s about it!
Mine is named Bob. I have been heard to say, "oh, fuck off Bob!" Out loud.
I like that. Mine needs a name so I can belittle it more effectively!
I eat edibles once in a blue moon whilst at a blue grass jam.
I desl with my cravings with kombucha and sparkling water. About once a month aftet a reslly shitty day if the tea and water is not working, I'll sit in the jacuzzi and smoke a bowl. Works everytime. IWNDWYT
I’ve tried this for years but would always go back to drinking. It may work for some but I find that I need complete abstinence for successful sobriety.
When I first quit drinking, weed helped me tremendously. I was never addicted to weed though, I can smoke or take an edible one night and then leave it for 6 months without even thinking about it. I see nothing wrong with using a lesser evil to help rid yourself of a greater evil. It's brutal trying to quit everything at once, especially if you suffer from anxiety like me.
I will say that in my experience, the two things that really saved me and got me away from alcohol was weed + working out. Keep in mind, I was never a smoker before this so my tolerance to weed was low. It kills my cravings, subdues heightened emotions, and actually helps me sleep restfully (compared to the hellish sleep I got as an alcoholic). I don’t think it’s a great long term crutch but in the short run while you’re trying to kick alcohol, yes I definitely recommend it
I dig edibles. I have a thing where i obsessively have to drink liquids when i smoke or eat edibles but i just sub booze for water / soda water with lime or maybe chai tea at night and it’s fine. Weed does kill motivation and creates paranoia and i would get paranoid When i was younger but i can control it better now. I dont mind going to social events or concerts a little weed tipsy, maybe drink a redbull. Not advocating but it works for me. I remember seeing this picture of Willy Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash together at some concert in the 80s. Guess which two were the hard drinkers and not around anymore. I meet more and more older cats that gave up booze/hard drugs and only do weed.
Yup. I see it as harm reduction in circumstances like this.
I had to give up both, as they usually went hand in hand when I was drinking. One makes me want the other. Plus I like how clearheaded I am without any substances
I tried but it robbed me of productivity that required thinking
This is a biggie for most people.
I did but THC/D9 was just another thing to quit. Killed my motivation and had its own issues w/ sleep and dopamine baselines (see reddit /leaves). TruKava works nicely for me... playing with that and Hopwater. Relaxing buzz w/ no issues. Consider also supplementing with L-Tyrosine if you're still in PAWS, it's a building block of dopamine and your body is likely deficient if you've been drinking for awhile (why anhedonia settles in and everything sucks for the few weeks you're sobering up). Just don't overdo it or take it daily because it can have the reverse effect. Mix that with physical activity or even HIIT and you'll be feeling those rushes again.
Yes i literally smoked tonight instead of going out and buying a pint of smirnoff. I cant figure out why I need to not be sober either. But its clear weed is a better and safer option as I work that out and try to improve myself
Yes, and its helped tremendously. Im on day 65 no booze. I will take a few hits and drink a heineken 0.0 if im really feeling the urge to drink. Best part is, I'm 100% sober again in like an hour and no hangover!
It’s a tool but can not be the end all be all.do not give one vice for the other.
I used it a lot more heavily when I first stopped drinking. It helped me feel a lot more comfortable with just hanging by myself at home on a Friday night instead of going out to drink. It also helped me sleep when my sleep was super out of whack. I find I haven’t been enjoying it as much lately so I’ve stopped. Maybe I’ll come back to it one day but yes. It helped me immensely when I first got sober. Obviously not for everyone but it worked for me.
Hand raised.
I wouldn’t be sober from alcohol if it weren’t for weed. ESPECIALLY helped in my days of early sobriety. Helped with sleep and when I had that strong urge to just…get out of my mind for awhile. Took awhile but just recently quit nightly smoking. It served its purpose and now I’ve found it’s serving me less and less. Good luck, friend
Yup yup yup. Smoked way too much to cut down on booze initially, but I'm almost to 6 months alcohol free now!!!
i tried that and ended up being stoned and drunk for about 10 years. depends on the person for sure, but def didnt work for me. i stopped smoking weed permanently, drinking is still a very hard work in progress. i relapse often
for me alcohol is much more addictive and harder to quit.
6 months California sober, it works for me!
I still smoke/consume weed. i.e. Cali Sober. Works for me, tho it all depends on the person just like alcohol. I can handle my weed, I can't with alcohol.
I do, and it helps immensley
I can’t smoke it’s too strong but those weed sodas, love em
I do as well. Weed makes me introspective about alcohol. I don’t have time to smoke often though.
All day, everyday. I am prescribed it in Florida. Doctors orders!
Mushrooms killed my desire to drink cold turkey
Yes. I find cannabis helpful. I use it after work. Helps with anxiety and depression. Alcohol is the only substance that has ruined my life and nearly killed me. I find the goal of complete sobriety from all substances to be stifling and unrealistic. Also, where would I draw the line? Sugar? Coffee? Aren’t those drugs? What about gambling? Shopping? Sex? Not interested in life completely free of vice. Also, harm reduction is a good thing.
Alcohol caused me to be far from my best self. The little bit of cannabis oil I use on occasion does not bring negative repercussions.
I love the cannabis, and it’s healing. Toke up, knock the poison and get your life back together friend!
smoking weed and lifting weights, sometimes in that exact order
A friend of mine did, and became a long distance runner. Runs a 10k a day, hasn’t drank in two years, has won races. He doesn’t smoke weed but he takes THC. Just got his car back a few months ago
Weed honestly helped me stop drinking.
It might not be the majority opinion but yeah I can recognize that I have an unhealthy relationship with weed and also that it has been really helpful to me in giving up drinking. I never identify as sober, only alcohol free, because I take a couple of hits on a pen after work most nights. I’m starting to seriously question how much it adds to my life (I think I know the answer is negative) and feel myself coming around on it too. I think one substance at a time is a totally fair approach, you can change more later, keep it focused and do what you need to give up the truly bad stuff!
Some people in AA frown on smoking weed , I smoke often , I have a problem with alcohol not weed, I’ve never once fought the party or spent a night in jail blacked out or. Woke up in a sweaty mess of depression after a doobie or 2
I'm coming up on 5 years dry with the help of cannabis.
Yes.
Weed makes me giggly, non combative, and want to do something artistic, or stimulating that's really peaceful. I think a comedian jokes about how potheads are safer drivers, and how they don't cause fist fights at parties cause we're so chill, or try to avoid confrontation altogether lol.
Microdosing via gel caps is amazing. 2mg is all you need.
I wish. Weed stopped feeling good for me in my early 20s and trying to replace that high is what got me binge drinking. Even now, I can’t have even a little without losing my mind with anxiety. Runs in the family, I’m told… :(
I still smoke. I'd hesitate to say it is to combat my alcohol addiction. Alcohol put me out of my mind. Cannabis brings me into it. Alcohol made me put off my entire life and let it rot. Cannabis gives me energy, focus, and enough relief to break free from my constant, obsessive, neurotic negative loops. I try not to rely on it. I will let myself run out every once in a while, but I'm good if I am traveling in a non-legal state or will be busy all day without a chance for a session.
I smoke a little pot and it definitely helps me not want to drink.
🙋♂️
a combo of CBD and delta 8 helps me a ton! (Weed isn’t legal in my state unfortunately)
Yes full spectrum thc oil snapped me out of a daily alcohol habit I developed during covid. It killed my desire to drink. Now I don't even need the oil any more. I still take a small amount of cbd oil for medicinal purposes during the day
Yup. Edibles are one of the tools I use to stay alcohol free
Can echo what someone else said, cannabis kills my craving and can stop me mid-binge. That’s power.
yep
Yes to all you have said friend.
Personally it's the only way I'm at 10 months. And done let people tell you it's not still hard, or that you're not in a great place as long as you're not drinking, AND ESPECIALLY THAT ITS NOT SOBER. if you're not drinking you're a sober alcoholic in my book. Just because other people feel miserable with how they're handling recovery doesn't mean you have to.
California sober is the way.
People call weed at gateway drug. For me it was a gateway out of my alcoholism
Edibles can be kinder if you’re looking to just relax and move into sleep. Helps meditate and sort out your thoughts. You MUST however, come to grips with substance abuse overall/while you are using THC. It’s potent and can help you do this, but it is possible to get “higher and higher” and keep you in a substance abuse mindset. Try something for your gut, too, like kombucha or even yogurt or capsules. A lot of neurotransmitters originate in the gut, might as well make it as healthy as possible.
Talk to a dr and see if they recommend Valdoxan tablets. They were originally for opiates but are now used for alcohol addiction. One of things it helps with is the “Fuck it, let’s have a drink” thoughts. They are supposed to be a bit hard on the liver, so if you take them, it’s an idea to not double whammy with alcohol. Good luck.
If you started smoking weed as an adult and have maintained casual use? Sure If you started as a teenager and became a daily user, altering the structure of your brain completely? Probably not.
Hi, so I see a lot of positive weed comments here but I have a different opinion. For me, the sustainable way to get sober is the hard way. It takes time, and work, anger, tears, therapy, books, writing, exercise, meditation, good nutrition etc. It takes understanding of yourself, your trauma, your education. Do you carry shame, anger, hopelessness?... Being sober, for me, is to stop running away from yourself and your life. You face things, you make the necessary changes, even if it's scary and it takes years. What does the weed do? It allows you to ignore reality and stay a fugitive of your own life. And the problem with weed is, it might have a chill and warm feeling in the beggining, but it slowly starts to make you foggy, tired, paranoid, low libido, hopeless, no drive to socialize and sometimes even broke or jobless. It's also addictive, especially If you have an addictive personality. You'll find yourself smoking everyday after work and in extreme cases, rolling one when you wake up. If you try to stop, nights sweats, can't sleep, etc. Also, the strong hunger and cravings for unhealthy snacks is not fun after a while. And finally, weed is not good for your health, it can worsen preexisting conditions like depression, anxiety, derealization and it's bad for your lungs. So my advice would be face your life and stop running away. Invest your money in your mental and physical health, not in another drug.
This is my truth. For me, when my mind is looking for relief (which is frequently) the first thought is always “what can I take to make this feeling go away”. Facing my discomfort head-on is the only solution I have left. Whatever substance I switch to becomes my master. I just got so so tired, of being a slave to a prescription, a dealer, a liquor store being open, all the things. I don’t judge anyone else’s recovery now. We are all unique individuals and have to find our own paths. Recovery is a lifelong endeavor that looks different for each person. Every step forward and backwards has taught me a lesson I needed to learn. I applaud anyone who is brave enough to do the hard work you described. I wish it wasn’t the case but there really is no magic pill to make the pain of life disappear. Like Dorothy, I followed the yellow brick road only to discover the wizard is really a crazy old man pulling levers behind a dusty old curtain.
I call it California sober… I’ve had urge to drink since I found gummies. If I get stressed, I have one that night and it allows me to decompress.
Weed just makes me want to drink so no
I have found weed good for getting on top of alcohol, and my sleep is so much better as a result. But then I became reliant on weed to sleep, relax and to function basically so I would say be careful, use in moderation and look at something with good amount of CBD (lots of strains are high/all THC, so the medical benefits no as good for me at least)
I enjoy weed edibles, but not every night. Have not had one in 6 days now. Sometimes the working out and healthier coping mechanisms bash down my anxiety enough.
It works for me when I need it to, on occasion. Other things I find effective are talk therapy, staying busy at night and NA beers. Everyone is different but I’m glad you’re here and I wish you the best ❤️
Yes and no. I fell back on weed in my earliest sober days, just to sate the urge to “do something bad,” and I think it helped. But… I really don’t like weed all that much, which may have also helped. Weed makes me feel anxious, no matter how much I consume or how I consume it.
Edibles helped me the last time I quit :)
My mom and stepdad were alcoholics most of my life. This has always been my reason for slowing down. They’ve been sober now for years. Just found out at Thanksgiving that they smoked weed. It was a good Thanksgiving. They are doing amazing.
Yes sir. It was something that helped me through the hardest of times. I no longer “need it”. I now do it from time to time when I’m in the mood.
My buddy a daily drinker like me, tried and it did wonders for him
Yes—I’ve noticed popping an edible before a social event with alcohol really curbs my craving to get drunk, and I enjoy the blissful, carefree feeling more. I used to have a habit of drinking a lot of wine and watching TV before bed but since replacing that with a joint my drinking has lessened (and so have the hangovers). I still struggle though every now and then. I will not drink with you today! ❤️
Yes, many of us do. I leaned on weed a lot when I first quit drinking. I still enjoy it, but it’s not a tool anymore, just for chillin.
yeah, weed helped a lot when i quit drinking. still does as it’s far less damaging in the quantities i consume..
It’s helped keep me from drinking for 56 days (longest I’ve gone in the last 13 years). It’s far less dangerous to my life, I’m keeping it in for now. I also have chronic pain that’s part of the use so it’s a little diff. I’m pretty used to weed just to deal with stomach and back pain that i don’t want to pop painkillers for.
Cali sober is the term
I smoke daily and marginally more than I did before quitting booze. I added working out back in. I noticed that I grew a major sweet tooth once I stopped drinking, and smoking definitely brings snacking habits. I didn’t want to replace a habit by building a stronger substance habit and working out definitely helps. I work out 5-6 days per week with two of those lighter and geared toward recovery. I don’t finish my work day without working out and I don’t smoke without working out. Keeps some checks and balances and is building way better habits. Everything is a balance. Booze became way too important. I won’t let things throw the balance off anymore. IWNDWYT
I quit drinking over 3 years ago, and weed is now the only vice from my degenerate days that I have left. I smoke as well as take a healthy dose of edibles pretty much daily, but you would never guess it. My career has suffered a little (i.e. I'm not as driven to perform at a high level), but my relationship with my wife and kids is better than it's ever been, so the tradeoff has been worth it.
Couldn’t imagine not drinking without weed
I used cbd hemp when I first quit drinking and it helped tremendously. More calming, relaxing and satisfying than traditional cannabis.
I tried some of those THC drinks and while I didn’t get high it did remove the craving for alcohol. Unfortunately I can’t experiment further, but the three drinks I tried did “take the edge off”, which is what I was seeking from alcohol.
Weed makes me anxious. I drink because I’m anxious. A good root beer float kills my craving to drink.
I didn't use weed as a substitute, but I had a hell of a time sleeping early on and it really helped me there. I tried melatonin and it made me a groggy zombie, but a little weed gummy about an hour before bed was a great wind down into a restful sleep. Eventually tapered off because I was starting to hit the snacks a little too hard in that hour before laying down, but it did help that transition when my mind was still racing at night. All it ever does is knock me out so it never was something I considered trying to replace booze with, but it has its own purposes too.
Weed has helped me tremendously. I don’t over use it and it’s helped with my anxiety and restlessness when it came to cravings. I would not recommend using weed when you crave. I just mean overall it helped subside my cravings over time.
cali sober is dope
Started this way. It helped, but it just starved off the withdrawals. Now I have no desire to smoke anything, or take anything that will effect my thinking. I loved weed, but it really started messing with me the last few years before I quit. Super grateful to be sober now.
So here is my experience with it, I smoked weed for along time during my attempts to get sober. It was pretty much a place holder, something to do because “I’m not just going to sit with my natural thoughts and mind, that’s crazy.” It didn’t help my sobriety nor did it hurt it. But I was walking around in a fog that made me feel dumb, and because I felt dumb I’d be less confident and hate myself more. I stopped smoking around 8 months ago and don’t regret the decision at all, I’ve learned to be at peace with my thoughts and do other things to help my sleep. If it’s between booze and weed definitely take the weed, but I’d prefer neither.
It's an endless shit show and each time is a gamble. I would say this is a good tactic however the real problem is knowing when to stop drinking, Solution? Force yourself to eat so you can stop drinking, Nobody wants to take shots after getting full. Good luck, I'm on the same path
I am commenting as an older alcoholic..48, and fight the dragon on the daily. Do I still drink daily? Yes. most days I do, but I had some success drinking less with The Sinclair method, otherwise known as TSM. Taking Naltrexone while drinking can help you decrease or quit whatever your goal is. I do strongly suggest not going out to the bars for awhile if you are serious. I can never turn down a free drink. EVER. And I still can drink too much at home, but you cut the risk of a DUI out..which can fuck up over a decade of your life, etc..And yes, I am also a looong time weed smoker, and or eater, and if it helps you do other things, then hellz yes lean into it..no judgement. Best of luck!!
Everyone’s recovery journey is different & you have to do what works for you! Personally, alcohol was what was destroying my life. Weed helps me mellow out & keeps me from drinking.
I’m starting to get an itch and was thinking of trying weed again, haven’t smoked in years last time I had a panic attack probably because I was already super drunk
Yep. I’m California sober
Yup. Still do. I have a med card. For me, it gave me something else to replace booze with. It hit a lot of the same things that drinking did, but I wouldn't feel like shit the next day nor have the hangxiety. It gave me a way to kinda reevaluate my relationship with alcohol and with the help of someone that ended up moving in with me I kicked it for good in Dec 2021. Compare the worst thing that happened to you on weed vs alcohol. Idk to me it's a form of harm reduction.
I use edibles here and there, especially before social situations. It makes me not want to drink and makes my seltzer water or kombucha taste incredible. To be honest I’m not against smoking in place of alcohol but it definitely makes me a little lazy in the moment and a little while after… which is fine for parties and what not. I can’t do it every day. I used to drink while cleaning, cooking and all else, writing, reading and more. I personally have to focus on being sober and clear headed and facing down that temptation and sticking it out. I’ll try to read or journal about my goals or write out tomorrow’s workout. Everyone’s different though
I'm currently taking disulfiram. It's the only thing that's gotten me to stop for several months. It will make you violently sick if you drink even a small amount on it. I'm hoping to use this to get to a point where cravings aren't so impossible to avoid.
I would get some weed, vape pen, gummies or the other dozen products they put THC in now a days. What a world we live in. Don’t drive man.
No, I’d just be replacing one mind altering substance with another. I found AA to be very helpful, it was nice to ask these questions to a group of people who had all experienced these same things.
Oh yes 100p
Yes. I take Delta 8 gummies and they demolish any thought of drinking.
I’m still fighting, but I have noticed that just one puff makes me gain some clarity on why I should not drink, it really does kill the desire for me.
I eat a low dose gummie edible at night to help me relax before bed. I'm happy to be California sober ✨️ IWNDWYT, friend 💚
I wish I could. Just don't like the effect at all -- makes me feel stupid and paranoid, which as Dean Wormer will tell you. "That's no way to go through life". lol
Used to. But I just wound up drunk *and* stoned every night. I smoked a lot of weed throughout high school, and pretty much traded it for booze overnight when I turned drinking age. Years later I got my medical card in the hopes I could transition back to smoking a lot of weed instead of drinking so much. But it never worked out that way. Early in sobriety, I had strong urges to start smoking weed again, because I felt a lot of confusion and emptiness having no substances at all to take the edge off. I hadn’t lived my life completely sober since I was 14, so it was totally new for me. But I’ve learned over the years that unfortunately, weed just doesn’t effect me the way it used to. It’s impossible for me to enjoy myself with it. Possibly because it’s so much more potent now than when I was younger, so that you need to build up a good tolerance and can’t even just occasionally smoke it. But I’ve got two years stone cold sober now, and I never fantasize about smoking or drinking anymore. These days I’m grateful I can live a life that I don’t need to constantly numb or escape from.
Weed helped and still helps me. I used to do exactly what you're doing. You can push past it. Just try to do it before it puts you in the hospital or worse.
Weed does the trick for me. My issue is i'm in the military so I have to be really careful about how often I use, how much I use, and how early in the month I stop before I have to go back for drill in case of Urinalysis test. Yes it will absolutely work for you, but if you have a career where you can't, don't risk it. I'm stupid enough for risking it. But i'd be stupider to keep drinking 25/8. So I risk it.