When You Can't Stop Self Medicating

Hi there - thanks for your question. Everything you're saying suggests to me that you've been using marijuana to self medicate anxiety. My guess is that you struggled with feelings of nervousness or worry before you started smoking and now those same feelings are returning but with greater intensity. The key to your recovery would be to find strategies to cope with emotions other than using marijuana.

We never really just eliminate something from our lives - we replace it. I strongly recommend talking with your doctor about a non addictive medication for anxiety - something like Lexipro or Celexa. I urge you not to make comparisons between yourself and others in NA. If something makes our life unmanageable than comparing it to stronger substances is just going to make us feel bad. I would urge you to get the NA workbook and complete it - it will challenge you and help you to consider how you can get what you need and feel okay without herb.

I also urge you to share your goals and hardships with friends and family. The change you're seeking is too hard to do alone! I wish you the best of luck and please write again if I can be helpful.