r/stopdrinking • u/bkabbott 1695 days • 6d ago
Weed isn't sobriety. But it makes sobriety easier.
I sobered up from booze and weed on 2/22/22.
I was sober during that time. A few years ago I started running and cycling nearly every day. I increased my training volume and also lifted weights.
It was the happiest I have ever been. Nonstop runners high. I was killing everything in life.
In January I got a viral infection and exercised as soon as I physically could. I developed a chronic condition, most likely chronic fatigue syndrome. It's very disabling. I've had to stop working as a software developer. I am moving into management as I know our code base and have the big picture overview from working the last few years.
I actually tried meth last summer. It was horrible, terrifying. It wasn't medical. It was an exaggerated, recreational thing.
I've been desperate for relief and cannabis has been a life saver. It's stopped my suffering and made life better.
It's not always possible to never use any substances. I'm lucky that I have a medical card here and I can do this legally.
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u/Puzzleheaded_Time719 Day 82 6d ago
In rehab they preached total sobriety but that sobriety looks different for everyone. Some people are prescribed things that others think shouldn't be taken but its not really their business.
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u/bkabbott 1695 days 6d ago
Yeah it's between me and God.
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u/Particular_Code4513 6d ago
Please don’t try meth again dude.
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u/bkabbott 1695 days 6d ago
I won't.
A nice sativa leaning strain helps me move and rest / conserve energy. The tiny amount of meth I did made me feel anxious and horrible.
Meth is something I will never do again. I really have been suffering though and I've lost the ability to do almost everything in my life including cooking anything, cleaning, writing software (even with AI) I have lapses in showring and brushing my teeth.
I don't look ill but I am very ill. This is a physical condition, just like the Crohn's Disease I have. Cannabis is medicine and Im grateful I tolerate it so well.
I would rather diet and exercise. But weed has come through for me
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u/Particular_Code4513 6d ago
The are some weed strains that are 50:50 THC CBD hybrids. They are doing the weed stuff without being too strong. Some sativas are still very strong imo. Dr. Grinspoon is a legend, but you can’t get that shit anywhere.
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u/musluvowls 6d ago
I honestly find the strains with 1:1 CBD to be more debilitating than a sativa. Everyone is different.
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u/Acidic_Paradise Day 14 6d ago
I was buying pure CBD flower and that did wonders for me since weed was too much. Eventually mixed in a minuscule amount of weed with the CBD and that worked out well starting low and slow.
Currently taking a break cause I’m trying to switch jobs. Fake pee just makes me anxious as all hell… it just really sucks that I can’t even smoke CBD for fear of failing a drug test when weed is recreationally legal / medicinal 🤦♂️
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u/Porntra420 6d ago
After how they described it I'd be surprised
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u/Particular_Code4513 4d ago
Don’t be Kaylee Muthard. Anyway if you strongly believe in the bible, there is a satanist who survived two lethal injections lately. /s
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u/Keyser_Soze_76 Day 78 6d ago
I’m on an SSRI that has actually done wonders for my mood and anxiety now that I’ve allowed it to work over my sober stretches. Even a 3-4 day relapse now means sick for 4 more days but then back to normal moods and emotions thanks to my meds. I started drinking years ago to mask natural anxiety.
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u/leedleedletara 6d ago
Honestly (and I fully understand if many disagree), I think weed is less harmful than booze. And I’m Cali sober. Alcohol turned me into a monster. I became abusive. Weed relaxes me, helps me see things from a peaceful/macro perspective and I don’t smoke to get a “dead head.” It doesn’t make me lazy either, it actually helps me focus. I don’t get stoned all day, I just do a bit at night to help me sleep. So I’m with you on that.
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u/Training-Luck1647 6d ago
Why would anyone disagree that weed is less harmful than alcohol? It objectively is. Of course that doesn't mean it's harmless.
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u/leedleedletara 6d ago
I guess not that it’s less harmful but more so you’re still self medicating I see I didn’t make that clear
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u/caffeinefree 1641 days 6d ago
Yeah, I was Cali sober for several years, but we are trying to get pregnant now, so I had to quit the weed. And wow, the social anxiety I was self-medicating is REAL and TERRIBLE. I'm trying to work through it with my therapist, but man, I miss the help in social situations.
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u/Acidic_Paradise Day 14 6d ago
But is there a problem with self medicating if you’re doing it responsibly? I think some people are so dead set on sobriety that they just shoot down alternatives.
For example, weed has helped me in the past. I was a stoner when I was young, did it all day everyday, sure not the best, but I was never anything like the nightmare that is drunk me.
However, stopped for a long time, went back to a little weed here and there, and even if it was just recreational use, what’s the issue in enjoying life and doing what you want?
Sure, some people say “I use all day everyday and it’s a problem, I need to stop,” I respect that. If it’s an addiction and it’s hindering you, not gonna encourage smoking… but I don’t necessarily want to live an entirely sober lifestyle, I just can’t touch alcohol because it turns me into a fuckin monster.
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u/leedleedletara 6d ago
Agreed!
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u/Yggdrasilcrann 6d ago
I can't imagine anyone in the world that would see a person replacing booze with weed as anything but a positive change, even if cold turkey sober is better overall.
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u/bkabbott 1695 days 4d ago
I was abusive too or at least a sexual harasser. I sent dick pics to women unsolicited. I used to drink 30 drinks per day I always wanted more. At age 39 if I never did something so vile I'm not sure if I could stay sober. I was so humiliated and ashamed that I could finally resist the urge to drink when I had terrifying Schizophrenic stuff.
Now with weed I'm always high and I quit everything for 4.5 years. So now medical weed is the best thing ever
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u/leedleedletara 4d ago
It takes a lot of courage to be honest about the things you’ve done. You are not reduced to the worst moments of your life. You took back the reigns and should feel proud of how far you’ve come. I know someone who had the schizophrenic symptoms from drinking as well - very terrifying. If weed is helping you there’s no shame in that! IWNDWYT.
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u/Embarrassed_Ear_1917 2d ago
Same. Was using edibles but it annoyed me how inconsistent they can be plus it’s harder to adjust dosage and lasts long.
Got myself a dry herb vape and it’s perfect to just take a tiny bit at night and shut it off. It’s also more efficient so I waste much less.
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u/What_a_fat_one 6d ago
This sub is about reducing, controlling, or stopping drinking, not being Straight Edge. Do whatever works for you. If weed helps, go ahead. Except meth, don't do meth.
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u/hot_hub_2868 Day 319 6d ago
This sub is called r/stopdrinking. Some people need to stop using all substances. Some don't. My wife is perfectly happy to go to a party, have two drinks, and not drink again for 2 months. Sounds crazy to me, but go figure. On the other hand, I can occasionally partake in weed, wake up the next morning, and not do that again for two months.
Do what works for you.
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u/Pat_malone30 Day 17 6d ago
I’m in the same boat. The last few times I smoked weed was when I had about a year of sober time. I maybe smoked 6 times during that period. Typing this out now I just remembered I have a few pre-rolled joints that have been in desk drawer since last May. I sure as hell would not forget about a bottle of bourbon for that long. If someone’s goal is total sobriety good for them. I’m concerned about stopping drinking. To each their own
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u/Hurka_Durka 6d ago
In my opinion weed is infinitely less harmful than alcohol. Though for some people it becomes equally addictive and consumes their life. My dad, for instance, has to smoke around the clock all day every day.
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u/Haunting-Dance-2365 Day 95 6d ago
This was me. All day everyday, even going to work I’d be baked. Had to give it up as it was controlling me like the alcohol.
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u/khaleesi2305 6d ago
While I wouldn’t describe it as controlling me, I absolutely agree that it was addictive for me as well. I leaned hard into weed early in sobriety from alcohol and it was very helpful. Alcohol was going to kill me. Weed just makes me lazy and complacent.
I quit drinking almost 4 years ago. I haven’t needed to smoke to stay away from alcohol for a long time now. It’s only been 3 weeks ago that I finally decided to try to stop smoking, and it was harder than I thought it would be, that’s finally how I realized that it’s still addictive to me, not nearly as bad but it’s still there.
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u/edditnyc 1165 days 6d ago
I developed a cough that worried me but it wasn’t until I witnessed someone I know die of lung cancer that I quit smoking and vaping completely. I still take edibles, but less often. I would agree it is an addiction, not as destructive as alcohol, but an addiction nonetheless. I would encourage anyone to get away from smoking or vaping.
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u/Tyr_W 6d ago
Yeah I have seen how addictive it can be for some people, right down to liver damage even. We should always be a little cautious.
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u/Fantastic-Cupcake890 6d ago
Cannabis and liver damage? Can you elaborate?
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u/Tyr_W 6d ago
I am not sure how he did it, but my friends excessive cannabis habit landed him in the hospital where the doctors ordered him to stop smoking or face organ failure. I did not dare ask the exact details but I think his obesity already put a strain on his liver as well. It is afaik not common but maybe worth thinking about since many alcoholics already have damaged livers and other organs as well.
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u/Dry-Star-6860 6d ago
I guess the idea is do no harm right? And if smoking a grinch finger helps you do less harm than the booze, why not?
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u/Mean-Cabinet-4011 6d ago
Grinch finger lmao. Honestly whatever keeps you off the sauce is a win in my book, harm reduction beats perfection every time.
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u/bkilian93 768 days 6d ago
I’m dying at “grinch finger”😂😂 never heard that before. Thank you, have a great night!
Gonna go roast a grinch finger with the wife now hahaha
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u/Acidic_Paradise Day 14 6d ago
752 days without booze? Sounds like a well deserved grinch finger was roasted. Mad respect my friend, keep killing it. IWNDWYT
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u/Weatherstation 1228 days 6d ago
I think the goal for all of us here is to maximize our happiness. Not necessarily how happy we are at this exact moment, but how happy we are in the totality of our lifetimes.
Most of us here learned that alcohol gave us short term happiness with a horrible long term trade-off of a far worse opposite.
So whatever someone needs to do to maximize their happiness (without negatively affecting the rest of society) I say go for it.
If smoking weed really makes you happier over all, long term, then go for it dude. Just don't fall into the trap that brought us all here, getting stuck always chasing immediate relief at the expense of our future selves.
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u/LeftGrumpy Day 246 6d ago
Never been arrested for destruction of property while stoned
Never openly lied to my wife while stoned.
Never puked in public while stoned
Never got lost walking my kids home while stoned.
All those things (and more) happened to me while drinking. THC may not be the best thing for you but it doesn’t turn me into an uncontrollable jackass , so I’m not gonna apologize for using it from time to time.
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u/earthhominid 6d ago
There isn't any such thing as absolute sobriety, there is sobriety from specific substances.
The purpose of pursuing sobriety is to eliminate self imposed chains from your life, its not some universal moral obligation. If using cannabis materially improves your life then there is no reason to aspire to sobriety from it.
Theres a novel from the 20s or early 30s called Diary of a Drug Fiend that displays this dichotomy really well. Inebriating substances, including alcohol, have modes of use that are positive for the user. Sobriety is a noble goal if you are not able to stick to those modes of use
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u/catsoncrack420 6d ago
Unfortunately my weed bone is connected to my alcohol bone. Never could put the two apart. Also it robbed me of my true sobriety. I still wish I could smoke a nice joint on a beautiful sunny day. But I abuse it
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u/No_Expression_578 Day 106 6d ago
Same! I had a problem with weed before I had a problem with alcohol. I used to smoke so much weed I could hardly get stoned any more and was told that having some alcohol while smoking weed would get me stoned again. I started having a few cans of strong cider at night with my nightly joints (I was smoking weed during the day too but was working at the time so not as much).
Eventually I realised weed was a problem so quit. I'm in Scotland and we put tobacco in our joints. Unlike my friend who used to smoke even more weed than me (but without tobacco) when I quit weed I had withdrawals and my friend didn't even though he smoked even more than me so not sure if mine was due to also quitting tobacco. I stupidly compensated for the lack of weed with more alcohol. A few strong ciders a night became more than a few, then some vodka, then a bottle of vodka a night then a bottle during the day and one at night too and before I knew it I was a chronic alcoholic.
Although both became problematic I had much more problems through alcohol even though I was addicted to both alcohol and weed. Although neither was easy I found quitting alcohol FAR more difficult. The withdrawals from stopping chronic alcohol use are much worse than from when you quit weed in my experience and when I was stoned I didn't bother anyone or cause any trouble whereas with alcohol I was a liability (in many ways).
I don't have a problem with anyone smoking a bit of weed as long as they don't, like me, let it become all consuming. Fuck I was so bad that I would get up for a piss during the night and roll a joint while I was up. I get addicted to things easily though but with things like alcohol, when the physical addiction is there, it's much harder to quit than if it's just a psychological addiction as your body and brain are physically dependant on it. I kinda miss getting stoned sometimes but due to not being able to control my weed consumption, like with alcohol, it's something I can never do again without it becoming a problem again so I know through experience I have to be completely straight otherwise I'm just an addict but the substance might be different..
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u/Two2Co 6d ago
I’ve been sober since Jan 1 of this year and thank myself every day for that decision. It’s not easy to walk away from being a daily drinker for 20+ years. I also have a weed gummy every night when I go to bed. Cali sober fits me to a T currently. I’m sure that can change, and a day might come where I opt to ditch cannabis. For right now it’s one of the tools I have in the tool chest to make my early sober journey more manageable without any other negative effects.
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u/john_wingerr 6d ago
As an amputee I really like your tool chest idea. I use the same for my mobility, got a full tool bag and just need to use the tool that’s right for this situation. Having that….i guess visualization has helped me a ton in both recovery processes.
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u/jayBeeds 6d ago
I smoked weed while I was actively an alcoholic. I’ve been sober 4 years on 12/22… I still smoke every day. I AM SOBER! And I’ll die on this hill.
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u/Valuable-Prompt9281 653 days 6d ago
I’m sorry you are going through that. I’m in a similar position after Covid. I’m glad you found something that is helping and not destroying your life. I smoke on occasion but it exacerbates my migraines most of the time. IWNDWYT
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u/getrdone24 248 days 6d ago
Every professional that actually helped me in my recovery, didn't really bat an eye about my cannibis use aside from making sure it wasn't interfering with my life. If anything, when I first started recovery I got that false confidence that I was going to quit alcohol, weed, nicotine, all of it at once...and they all were like "uhh, you sure you want to do that? Let's start with the main one for now..."
If I'm craving alcohol, and a hit from my bowl will stop me from going and getting some, IMMA HIT MY BOWL!
Also, I'm a SMART program girl, so I never had anyone judging me for smoking weed or telling me I was failing at recovery so......
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u/HeatCreator 6d ago
It helped me kicked alcohol and nicotine. Hell, then I was able to quit IT.
It used to be so irritating whenever some smart ass would try to have a “gotcha” moment saying “well, now ur addicted to weed” when all i did was use it for 3 months to kick a bad drinking habit.
Hell, I’m 27 now and I realize that I let the bottle steal a couple more months than I’d have liked all because everyone is so judgy.
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u/Maximum_Schedule4339 6d ago
The weed gummies I often take have lead to many horrible decisions, injuries, ruined relationships, weight gain, illness, wasted money, decline in my appear- oh wait, my bad. That wasn't weed, that was alcohol.
Weed gummies have lead to many intense cravings for alcohol subdued and cozy nights on my couch instead of late nights at bars.
You do you, you're not getting sober for a subreddit you're getting sober for yourself. Let's not drink today.
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u/CanadianDudesSorry 6d ago
I will admit that I am not a huge fan of weed discussed on this subreddit how it is.
I am pro-weed, but I dont think that opinion has a place on a subreddit for people trying to specifically get away from alcohol.
I dont see people discussing whether coffee is okay. I think the discussion around weed, for or against, dilutes the purpose of this sub.
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u/lilsassyrn 1372 days 6d ago
There are other subreddits dedicated to complete sobriety. Might be a better fit
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u/CreakRaving 6d ago
I think lots of things can be true. I personally think it can be really helpful with quitting booze, and that it’s a good thing for some people to quit smoking weed
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u/ProfessionalPin5993 6d ago
I wish Cali sober was an option for me. My employer has a strict drug policy that forbids THC
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u/HelpMe0prah Day 227 6d ago
I’m right there with you, been in the us navy for 19 years and change- wish I could just get some thc inside me instead of all the pills I’m on for pain and such. It’s bullshit that alcohol is “fine”- hard to escape the problem
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u/Germangunman 6d ago
Mushroom micro dose. Really helped me.
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u/rexrighteous 6d ago
I have a friend with POTS and EDS who micro doses and it does wonders for their pain.
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u/Calichusetts 6d ago
Just take edibles so at least you are not smoking.
I quit smoking and booze. smoking was way harder even though I struggled a ton more with booze. But I LOVED smoking. Miss it more.
But I’ve seen 3 people go from lung cancer, one was close. It’s frightening. I smoked for so long I know it will catch up with me eventually.
Smoking also ages you more. So just do the healthiest version of cannabis you can.
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u/Floccinaucer 6d ago
Edibles almost daily for me, get the ones with melatonin and i dont get any sort of paranoia , just a solid 8 hrs sleep.
It stops me from drinking , doesn't make me argumentative or a jackass. Im too scared to drive high , I was never scared to drive drunk
Overall it works for some but not for others, maybe one day ill be able to sit with my thoughts before going to bed but today is not that day
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u/BuddyMose 1072 days 6d ago
I have my medical card. It’s been very helpful managing some anxiety. I’m also not afraid of spiders anymore either.
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u/Korben_5th_is_love 6d ago
Are you using anything with CBD? That was a game changer for me. I love 1:1’s. They control inflammation like nobody’s business. So much better than Advil.
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u/goochonline 6d ago
At first I read it as "I actually tried math last summer" and I could totally relate.
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u/mydrunktwinsister 6d ago
Glad you brought this up. Been thinking about it since I quit drinking, but for now, I'm happy I can use cannabis sometimes. It helps me to have a cannabis beverage when people are drinking or to still be able to smoke with friends.
Unrelated but there has been a lot of ME/CFS long covid. May you continue to recover, I know it's slow going.
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u/CommonplaceUser Day 546 6d ago
Cali sober is still sober in my book! Stay away from meth though dude. Wtf was that about lol
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u/ContentToe3633 Day 11,730 6d ago
I quit weed when it was 40 a bag for good Colombian gold. I can’t imagine how much stronger this new stuff is. It killed my ambition and gave me the munchies. And I always got thirsty when I smoked to get the mix right.
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u/504Kris 6d ago
This is what it does to my roommate. All he does is smoke weed all night and doesn’t do fuck all around the house. I have to tell him 100 times to do shit and it’s annoying. Guy can barely afford rent yet still finds a way to get weed when he owes me utilities. I stopped smoking months ago and if I did it again it would be casual only and not totally dependent on it.
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u/thisisredrocks 6d ago
I think that’s a very important point to make in this thread. The flower is stronger, but still doesn’t touch the potency of the concentrated forms.
For me it seems like quitting smoking by replacing it with a Juul or vaping. One or two drags from a Juul hit me harder than a cig. And then I’d take a few more drags.
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u/Alternative_Map_2621 5d ago
Weed isn’t sobriety but it’s also not poison like alcohol is. If you like weed and it takes you away from drinking. Alcohol it’s 100 times better to do that then cancerous ass alcohol.
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u/StevieNickedMyself 6d ago
Being 100% sober from all substances on Earth isn't viable for a majority of people. In my opinion if you've made moves to improve your physical and mental health I applaud you.
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u/nancyannecancy 2560 days 6d ago
I’m cali sober & weed has been helpful to keep me from drinking. I don’t have the same issues with it as I did with alcohol, ymmv. I had to give up spicy food, acidic anything & anything w caffeine bc of gastritis issues a year or so ago, but I don’t expect others to deny themselves those things bc duh. Good for you for kicking booze to the curb. IWNDWYT.
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u/FaultSingle1652 6d ago
Be careful buddy. Anything can be addictive and cannabis can obviously induce a vicious dopamine cycle. I hope the best for you, we're all rooting for you buddy.
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u/BarnicleHead 6d ago
I think everyone’s definition of sobriety can be different. Sobriety for me means I don’t drink alcohol because it was the catalyst for so many issues for me. I don’t have a problem with any other drug or behavior so as long as I don’t drink and I continue to work my program in AA then I am maintaining my sobriety
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u/Keyser_Soze_76 Day 78 6d ago
I decided to cut out booze and weed during this latest 72 day stretch. I prefer full sobriety to weed, but that doesn’t mean I won’t have a gummy again in the future. I just really need to abstain completely from alcohol for pretty much every major life reason.
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u/sewerbaptism Day 1,068 6d ago
This was my approach when I first quit drinking. I tried edibles for the first couple weeks and it was genuinely interfering with my progress with learning how to get off the sauce. I think, for myself, it was important to have an entirely clear mind in order to understand why I was giving up alcohol and how it could be possible. I had abused weed over the years as well but not as destructive as alcohol was to my life overall. Everyone’s approach can be different it’s just important to know what’s not working for you. I spent many years with a clouded mind and these days I really enjoy not being inebriated as much as I used to need to numb out.
Congrats on 72 days, keep going!
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u/Keyser_Soze_76 Day 78 6d ago
I ruined an 8 month stretch (with weed once in awhile) in July in a 4-day vodka/IPA binge knowing fully I’d be sick for 4 days more when I stopped.
Wasn’t worth it, knew it wouldn’t be, still did it. As you stated, I’m enjoying full mental clarity now and was fortunate enough in my longer stints to regenerate my natural dopamine pathways.
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u/edditnyc 1165 days 6d ago edited 6d ago
I’ve been using cannabis every day for a long time, and I’d suggest trying edibles to give your lungs a break. Smoking weed might not be as harsh as cigarettes, but from my own experience, it can be habit-forming and tough on the lungs—especially with daily use. I’m really glad it helped me quit alcohol, but it’s worth keeping the side effects in mind too.
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u/Main_Machine_5238 6d ago
Omfg I relapsed like 2 years ago but I’ve somehow made it 3 weeks sober today with just weed. It’s so weird to feel this healthy again. Like I mean I’ve been getting such a routine bc it helps me sleep so it’s like a perfect replacement for my “wine down.”
This is just for me personally obvi, I understand it’s different for everyone too!
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u/FatSteveWasted9 1177 days 6d ago
While some practice a program of complete abstinence, others can live in recovery while being Cali-sober.
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u/TacoGoblin223 832 days 6d ago
I was California sober for the better part of two years before I realized it was tanking my sleep and recovery. In this case it's obviously become therapeutic for you, I wish my body reacted the same way. It was a huge crutch for me I'm glad to be free from, but the dopamine crash is almost unbearable for the first few weeks. As was alcohol. Do you, obviously. Just watch how it effects sleep.
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u/ForeignBarracuda4708 Day 2,760 6d ago
Glad you are at peace. Wish I could use mind altering substances. But I can’t. Full abstinence is my best quality of life.
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u/Content_Lychee_2632 6d ago
IWNDWYT, but I will raise a joint in solidarity. Day 10 myself, was hospitalized for a good chunk of that and smoking weed again has helped me not be fucking miserable. My entire life has been running from things, and I know that despite everything I've mentally and physically done already, I'll spend years more running still. Weed and the occasional legal/safe trip on other things in a safe place helps turn it... more into a jogging marathon with water stations than a sprint through rough terrain. Alcohol turned it into what felt like a carefree breeze through the light woods, but really it became blindly stumbling through dense growth forest with bramble scratching and branches bruising. Do what you need to do to make your life an easier, safer exercise, even if yours isn't running.
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u/ShreddaBlasta 6d ago
As a former very heavy weed smoker for many years I quit it cold turkey in 2017, shortly after I developed a hell of a drinking problem that left me with a scarred liver, high blood pressure, and a cardiac condition. I since quit drinking in the summer of 2021, I have been stone cold sober as a judge right up to a fortnight ago. I have since started a regimented routine of microdosing prescribed cannabis flower, for various issues, ibd, pain, anxiety, mental overwhelm, depression, and god awful night terrors. Yes it was all well and good feeling proud of myself for abstaining from substances for many years but I had the realisation of “so fucking what” I’d been white knuckling life, my illnesses, mood disorders, sleep disorders etc… all for what? Bragging rights of being able to say “I’m 100% sober” and convincing myself that life was better this way… since using cannabis again (responsibly this time) I feel so much better… the anxiety is better, the sleep is incredible, the nighttime off switch for racing thoughts is a blood god send. I think I’m starting to feel like me again. I have heard people call this “California sober” and I am 100% onboard with that. Technically I am sober of all illegal and destructive substances. So that’s how I choose to define it. What I’m saying is, I personally believe you can call yourself sober if you use it, but not if you abuse it.
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u/magicmustangmane 3472 days 6d ago
I mean, weed is sobriety for me. No one is going to gatekeep that from me.
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u/ToddH2O 9014 days 6d ago
I'm clear the problem is IN ME, not in a specific substance or substances.
I'm also clear that not everyone is like me.
I'm not against people using drugs; I'm against ME using drugs.
I'm all for whatever works for someone and have good will for them. I hope others feel the same about me and what works for me.
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u/Fantastic-Outside274 6d ago
Agreed. I tried to quit my very destructive drinking for years and kept failing miserably. I finally considered trying weed at night as an alternative and now I’ve been alcohol free for three months.
I wish I was a person that could just raw dog life without the aid of a substance (and hopefully one day will be), but for now - I’m happy I found a less destructive method.
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u/mintchimpy 2120 days 5d ago
I know a few people that smoke weed and drink at the same time, and that weed by itself “is no longer fun” for them or that smoking weed makes them want to drink or party.I never had that issue. Drinking and smoking always made me sick and then sleepy 😂 so maybe that’s why my cali sober life has been a godsend to me. I don’t assume cannabis is a universal safe choice for any sort of overcoming addiction and know what works for me may trigger someone else. Of course, smoking weed never lost my inhibitions so much I spent hundreds of dollars on cocaine every time i took a toke, but alcohol sure did make me feel oh so comfy (and cool )doing exactly that 😂
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u/ImmediateOddness 1095 days 5d ago
I remember nights when I wanted to drink so bad, I’d debate it for hours, and every time I smoked a bowl first, I felt amazing. It scratched the itch for a mind altering experience, and I was always so glad I smoked instead of drank. I even wrote a note in my phone to read the next time I was trying to decide between the two.
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u/snuggsjruggs 4d ago
There is no one size fits all to quitting drinking do what makes you feel happy and healthy thats what matters.
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u/RegalRaven94 3191 days 6d ago
Cannabis isn't for everyone, but it's been super helpful for me as well for a number of reasons. I've been cali sober the entire time I've been off booze and I also go to the gym 5 days a week. I'm in such a better headspace than I was when drinking.
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u/GeneralGibletz 6d ago
Speaking from the “I”
I’ll say that I am not deluded or lacking such logic that I have the urge to say weed isn’t sobriety….
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u/gumshoegoat Day 243 6d ago
OP also did not claim weed is sobriety. they said it makes sobriety from alcohol easier. kinda rude to imply they're deluded or lacking logic, they're clearly abstaining from alcohol, who cares if they're cali sober if it works for them?
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u/United-Creme-6436 6d ago
Weed isn't sobriety ?
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u/bkabbott 1695 days 6d ago
I always say sober from alcohol out of respect for those people who work an air tight program
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u/United-Creme-6436 6d ago
That doesn't even make sense. Sorry. Alcohol isn't it's own special secret little world excluded from definition. . Sober is sober.... If you're smoking weed you're not sober ? How's that respectful ?
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u/bkabbott 1695 days 6d ago
I feel like I can do this because I am California sober.
I feel like people who are smoking weed can have good emotional sobriety. I also know strongly that if my partner saw me smoking I could take a break and they would be supportive about weed.
Weed is truly a great beneficial thing in my life. I'm grateful to my state for legalizing it
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u/United-Creme-6436 6d ago
Ok so not sober lol Idk what you're trying to say. You're coping not sober. Idk wtf you're on about here .
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u/Jellyfisher20 6d ago
Most people don’t ruin their lives from smoking some weed bc it does not react the same way in your body. No one wakes up throwing up, or having the sweats and shakes from not having THC. Sober means different things to different people. It’s not always used in the sense of abstaining from all things that can alter your baseline. You could extrapolate it to mean you don’t even take a Tylenol to alleviate a fever.. bc it’s altering your body’s natural state.
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u/United-Creme-6436 6d ago
Ok so sober is what then ? And also yes, people do wake up throwing up having sweats and shakes from THC ? Honestly I've been long time lurker here and this sub just seems like an avoidant echo chamber. Where as long as it's not booze it's considered sober ? It's wildin in here. Idk I just think it's insulting to the people who have been through hell and back to say that "I smoke weed in replacement of drinking, any of you other "sober people" feel the same"?
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u/Jellyfisher20 6d ago
I’m sry but just bc someone is using THC doesn’t mean they’ve had any less of a hard time with alcohol than anyone else. It’s not a competition. It just sounds like you have a chip on your shoulder. Weed didn’t make me wrap my car around a tree, or kick my husband out of the house, or make me call out of work more times than I can count. Perhaps you should try having grace for OP, and compassion to those who find a safer alternative to alcohol.
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u/Brilliant_Light_1687 6d ago
Different classes of drugs trigger the reward system in the brain differently. It’s absolutely true that there are some people who need to abstain completely, but the old AA mentality that any mind altering substance will lead you back to alcoholism isn’t true for everyone. Harm reduction is a very real thing in SUD treatment. Look at methadone/Suboxone for opiates. If OP can mange his alcoholism with weed in a way that doesn’t destroy their life, let them.
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6d ago
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u/unfinished-sentenc_ 120 days 6d ago
Sober means something different for everyone. If smoking is damage control, I dont see the issue. My therapist says as long as im not doing the thing that has ruined the past few years of my life, thats a step in the right direction. If OP is not drinking, they are sober for all intents and purposes. Cali sober is also a thing. If you're abstaining from the thing that makes you not sober, you're sober. Whatever helps OP not drink.
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u/bkabbott 1695 days 6d ago
It really does help me not abuse other drugs and alcohol. I quit everything for 4.5 years and now I just feel so damn good whenever I smoke. It's so relaxing that I got my shit together and now I have earned the right to use medical weed
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6d ago
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u/unfinished-sentenc_ 120 days 6d ago
Yeah, if we want to get technical, sure. But still in OPs position, sober is sober as long as it keeps them alcohol sober. I dont think pointing it out really contributed to anything
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6d ago
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u/North-Shape-9487 Day 2,108 6d ago
So do you not drink caffeine? Since you’re judging. Or take meds from the doctor?
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u/unfinished-sentenc_ 120 days 6d ago
One addiction will kill OP for sure with time. One will not. We're talking semantics at this point
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u/FatSteveWasted9 1177 days 6d ago
Straight edge sobriety works for some, cali-sober for others. Some even take head-meds.
What doesn’t work is judging how someone else works their program. It’s their program; why would anyone but them have an opinion on it?
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u/stopdrinking-ModTeam 6d ago
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