1 Year of Quitting WEED After 10 Years of Everyday Use
My Journey to Quit Smoking Weed
Early Addiction and Struggles
- The speaker began smoking weed at 14, leading to heavy use by 18 or 19, which resulted in dropping out of school.
- They describe an inability to moderate their consumption, indicating a pattern typical of addiction: either excessive use or complete abstinence.
- In 2020, during the pandemic, they started a YouTube channel (Stony Rob420), creating content that justified their addiction while gaining popularity and sponsorships.
Turning Point
- A pivotal moment occurred in 2021 when filming a sponsored video; the speaker experienced intense anxiety and panic while using weed.
- This incident prompted them to reconsider their relationship with cannabis, realizing it was not aligned with their true self despite financial incentives.
Continued Struggle and Arrest
- From 2021 to early 2024, the speaker battled cravings for weed while feeling trapped in a cycle of wanting to quit but unable to do so.
- In May 2024, they were arrested and spent three and a half weeks in prison. Surprisingly, this period provided an opportunity for reflection due to limited access to cannabis.
Post-Incarceration Challenges
- Upon release from prison, the speaker faced challenges such as cutting off friends who smoked weed and quitting social media filled with drug-related content.
- The initial two months post-release were particularly difficult; insomnia and vivid nightmares plagued them as they adjusted to sobriety.
Support System and Recovery Progress
- Despite struggles with anger and temptation to relapse during tough times, the support from friends and family played a crucial role in their recovery journey.
- After about six months without smoking, noticeable improvements emerged: better sleep patterns, restored appetite, weight gain without effort, leading towards overall well-being.
The Journey of Quitting Weed
Initial Motivation and Changes After Quitting
- The speaker describes a significant improvement in motivation and enjoyment of life after quitting weed, stating they can now handle mundane tasks without the need for substances.
- They reflect on their previous dependency on weed for various activities, including eating, cooking, and even preparing for important events like job interviews.
- Life feels more fulfilling post-quitting; time seems to pass slower but is spent more productively rather than mindlessly scrolling through social media or re-watching shows.
Social Interactions and Personal Growth
- The speaker notes an increase in social interactions after quitting, contrasting it with their prior experience where weed contributed to anxiety and isolation.
- They reminisce about being a social teenager but feeling increasingly withdrawn due to their cannabis use over the years.
Insights Gained from Sobriety
- At around 10 months sober, the speaker shares a pivotal quote from "Peaky Blinders" that emphasizes tackling challenges as manageable steps rather than overwhelming mountains.
- This perspective shift has helped them approach difficulties with greater ease, encouraging viewers to adopt this mindset during tough times.
Reflection on Life Without Weed
- The speaker expresses no regrets about quitting weed; they acknowledge its potential benefits for some but emphasize the beauty found in sobriety and everyday life.
- They highlight that experiencing life without substances reveals its inherent beauty, which was previously obscured by reliance on drugs.
Encouragement for Others Considering Quitting
- The speaker encourages those struggling with motivation or feelings of stagnation due to weed use to consider quitting, stressing that time spent high could be better used learning new skills or pursuing passions.
- They conclude by emphasizing personal choice in the decision to quit and express hope that viewers find value in their story.