Am I Addicted To Weed? | How my 18 years of chronic use ended

I'm here to have open and honest conversations about marijuana addiction and mental health. It's not always easy to admit defeat, but most of us, know when that has to happen. We can make all the excuses in the world, but that doesn't change the fact that we're in rough shape and we can use some help.
I fully support the legalization of cannabis and I think it will only help people and move this conversation forward.
People make fun of you, and you feel kind of pathetic that marijuana has brought you to your knees. That's certainly my situation. I used every justification in the book that everyone else uses and again remember this is all personal. We all have our personal stories and our personal thresholds and what we want and don't want. The life I knew for a long time I didn't want to be smoking weed but I. Couldn't do anything unless I knew I was going to be high and be able to stay high that ruled my life.
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So here we are with the am I addicted to weed channel. My name is Mike. I am a former marijuana addict. I was high literally 24 hours a day for 1718 years and that really yeah, you know caused many problems in my life. It's been about 5 1/2 years since I entered recovery and stopped using and I'm here to talk about this because no one wants to talk about marijuana addiction because. People don't think it's real.
People make fun of you, and you feel kind of pathetic that marijuana has brought you to your knees. That's certainly my situation. I used every justification in the book that everyone else uses and again remember this is all personal. We all have our personal stories and our personal thresholds and what we want and don't want. The life I knew for a long time I didn't want to be smoking weed but I. Couldn't do anything unless I knew I was going to be high and be able to stay high that ruled my life.
My biggest justification was marijuana is not going to kill me so I can do it 24 hours a day. Amazing, I distinctly remember probably around 1516. Having this like moment, wow, I don't think I'm ever going to stop doing this so I. Right? Can't picture myself stopping. But at least I'm not going to die. At least I'm not the. Like you know, the guy on the street corner with a needle in his arm or I'm not crashing cars or I'm not that right and that's the like sickness.
That's the illness of our mind that's tricking us and eluding us into thinking everything we're doing is OK, and it's total madness. And that's what's really hard about the marijuana addict. Marijuana addiction is that it's a slow burn. Now it's like the frog boiling in the pot of water doesn't realize it's going to die until it's dying. Because of that idea that marijuana wasn't going to kill me. I could kind of justify it and I could say, well, I'm not gonna get addicted to the other drives cause I know I'm going to die.
So that was one of my things I was like I don't want to do those drugs because I know what will happen to me and it'll probably end in death. So I am just going to justify, you know, using chronic, genetically modified. Super lead 24 hours A. Day and that'll be OK. And that is not an OK way to live. And that is totally backward and messed up.

[@chlowaye]

thank you for talking about this. I'm tired of people saying that weed isn't addictive. I developed CHS from smoking everyday and it made me realize that I'm dependent. the constant out-of-body feeling, memory loss, and feeling like everything around me isn't real was just too much.

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

Thanks for taking the time to watch and share your wisdom and experience! I hope you've found a way to stop smoking and that your health is improving.

[@Bizzybugproductions]

I'm trying to quit again, this time hopefully for good. Had some success last year in November switching to smoking hemp bud with no thc (approx 9-12% cbd) Kept me clean for almost a full 3 weeks. Unfortunately the store that was selling it here caught on and didn't want to loose their "chronics" so they Upped the price from an affordable $40 an Oz to around $90 after taxes, which for me is hard to buy knowing how much cheaper it could be

[@imwrxcked]

damn who ur plug

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

Hey, at some point the only answer is abstinence. Once you cross over the line and have to control over your use, it’s time to try something new. I encourage you to watch the videos on the 12-steps I’ve made. I’ve made up to step 3. kzbin.info/aero/PLo9XYec6Q6Gcf3VczY_yyTV868tHflf3q Good luck!

[@chlowaye]

@@imwrxcked literally some random dude i went to high school with ☠️

[@sleepinbee9213]

I am 27years old a Korean guy living in Canada. I moved to Canada when I was 18 and I started to smoking weed around 21. Now, I have graduated school 2 years ago and still looking for a job. The problem is, I still do not speak English, I have no friends left, I am so afraid to go out and meet people in society. People dont expect that a young Korean guy is addicted to weed and I am actually frustrated to myself. I hope I can quit smoking it soon and get along with people here in Canada. By the way, thank you for sharing your story. I appreciate you dealing with this topic in this video. 👍👍🙂

[@meer9098]

everyone smokes in canada, you're just paranoid

[@kayleighjessicacornall6281]

Thank you for making these videos 🙏 As a recovering addict from heroin, meth and alcohol, I somehow let myself slip into a recent Marijuana addiction. I used tools that I learned to identify and deal with the problem. Today I'm 2 days sober off weed, 1 year off alcohol (I broke my ankle last year from jumping off a jungle gym, drunk) and almost 11 years off heroin and meth. I am married and blessed with a beautiful family. They are my reason for striving to be the best version of myself and my relationship with the Lord 🙏 Trust in the Lord and he will renew your strength and carry you through! Dont give up, pray 🙏

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

Thank you for this note! I wish you the best on your journey

[@anaszvvz9354]

Hello, my name is Anas, I am addicted to hashish and marijuana, I am 23 years old, I am high while writing this comment, the year 2022 was the alarm due to the addiction to hashish, I smoke every day of the year 2019 regularly and lost everything because of my stupidity and addiction, I entered the university and studied human medicine I used to smoke during my studies, and I did not lose my intelligence, but I became angry because of the most trivial reasons. I lost my friends and everyone who loved me because of addiction. I cannot change. I wish to be imprisoned in order to quit hashish. I feel that I am in a calamity and a deep hole that I cannot get out of. I am sad and scared, I lost everything my studies, my friends, I am scared and lonely.

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

Hey Anas, thank you for taking the time to watch and share your situation honestly. I'm not sure where you are in the world but there are many places you can go for help. I encourage you to seek professional help, maybe an addiction treatment centre? You can also check out marijuana-anonymous.org/ there are many excellent resources there. Let me know if I can direct you to other resources. Take it easy, peace

[@oonaghmolyneux7760]

I know a weed addict who tells me I should ‘be present, enjoy the present moment’, that ‘he could be dead tomorrow’. He convinces me of this. Then I think he has no future. Just a life of constant present ease, numbed by weed.

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

Hey, thanks so much for watching and sharing your experience. That is what we often call, rationalizing, justifying, and minimizing the reality of our situation. There is nothing about living in the present moment that involves getting high. It's an illusion/false sense of presence. You might really find this video helpful. Why it's so hard to accept you're addicted to weed? kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIW4YaODjN6DpKs

[@SStrippin503]

Fuck I needa Stop 🤦‍♂️🤣

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

Most likely ;)

[@killuaxxx315]

lately for the past year or so i’ve had some really bad stuff happen to me and weed has been my only comfort. i find myself smoking everyday and when i don’t it’s all i think abt. i don’t wanna be so reliant on it. but then i think more and i know that if i wasn’t smoking the past year idk if i’d even be here. feels like the weed is the only thing keeping me alive. i wanna change but it’s so hard. but as i’m writing this im 1 day sober i guess

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

Thanks for taking the time to watch and share your experience. Take it one day at a time. I encourage you to get some help if you really want to stop. The amazing thing about recovery/sobriety is that it brings all the things drugs and alcohol promised.

[@joshleverton9749]

I smoke from the time I wake up and go to sleep. I have severe anger and frustration issues and it helps me.. I think at least. I’ve been smoking so long I can’t even work right without smoking

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

Thanks for the comment and honesty. No doubt it’s a difficult transition and we can’t do alone. A helpful thought is…”sobriety brings all the things that getting high promises” You can do it.

[@eddykohlmann471]

Looking at it as a GM product could be helpful. I'll remind myself this next I feel tempted. I know that the natural stuff does nothing for me any more.

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

Thanks Eddy, I appreciate you taking the time to watch and share your thoughts. For me, it was all day everyday or nothing. I know for many others it can be take it or leave it. People have to figure that out for themselves and make the best decision from there. Take it easy, peace

[@eddykohlmann471]

@@StartsWithMeChannel was either stoned all the time. Or turned to drink (very messy). 4 days without weed now. 😁

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

I hope you’re doing well and taking care. Keep in touch and let me know if i can help.

[@mister-zen8491]

TRUE. Mewanna isnt going to kill you. BUT. It won't let ya live, either.

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

Hey, thanks for watching, yes you're right!! It won't let you live either!!

[@dannyboydeluxfromthebigitybay]

I realize I'm addicted when my sacks get low and I start freaking out cause I hate spending more money on it

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

Thanks for taking the time to watch and share your experience. Here's my vid talking about that! let me know your thoughts, it's about 5 years old but I think it still runs true. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h33HkHV_jNqtr7s

[@lovemusic158]

I smoke 6 out of 7 days a week but only at night after all my work is finished for the day. I wake up next day and I’m fine. Do u think I’m in control or I’m abusing it or to depend on it.

[@19MadMax98]

I would say your in control. If you can wake up and go to work and not think about it the entire day. Than your doing good. The minute I wake up I start thinking about it when using so that’s where it becomes a problem

[@TheCureForHumanity]

Try and stop .

[@Boog1e2998]

i am addicted to weed please help me i create music of gods when high

[@sondragonzalez6764]

My 19 year old son is addicted I believe. Do you have any advice? He’s married, and has a baby. She doesn’t smoke. I am at a loss and feel overwhelmed with it.

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

Hey, that sounds really difficult. The simplest advice I can give you is to check out Alanon, I know you’re saying it’s about weed, but you will learn a lot about addiction, about how to navigate it, and most importantly how to help yourself deal with your relationship to your son. 🙏🙏 I wish you the best of luck. You might also want to listen to our recent podcast with Travis Thompson on families and addiction recovery. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5fSq2SNnt15bacsi=xlfK9dpNkk6Ut1L2

[@arjmli]

YOU ARE GOD DAMN RIGHT. Weed addiction is just sooooo wierd. It's soooo hard to know it, to understand it... This make me really sad... weed ruined your life. weed addiction is so slow that you won't even feel it! it's untouchable. weed addiction is like hell, that time is so much slower than real life. you get into pain, and this pain, is realy sad. you suffer, and suffer, and suffer...when you high you say to your self I don't smoke it again. then every time you smoke weed and fall into sleep eventually, in the next morning, you can't remember a thing! tha's not fair... just not fairn...

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

Thanks for the note and for watching the video. You’re right, it’s horrible. The good thing is that there is a solution if you want to stop and change your life. Step 1 starts with surrender. 🙏

[@arjmli]

@@StartsWithMeChannel thanks

[@korrectvibes9445]

I'm really struggling with quitting, I can stop for a day or two or a week then I'll see myself going back to it, I feel like I'm struggling with life issues like finance and a good place to live and I feel like smoking weed always get my mind off those thought of struggles but I really need help cos I sincerely want to quit smoking completely

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

Hey @KorrectVibes thanks for the note! It's a difficult struggle no doubt, I admire your honesty and desire to stop getting high completely. if you want to email me, [e-mail], i'm happy to continue this discussion. Otherwise, I would check out a 12-step program, either AA or MA where you can find people who share your struggle and who also have overcome their addictions and help teach others how to do the same. Take it easy, peace

[@PinoGietermaai]

I don't know your situation but from my own experience i can tell you that when you're struggling with finding a good place to live and having a healthy financial situation, weed only makes things worse. It's difficult to quit but you can use the frustration and anger that comes from withdrawals as a fuel to start changing your life. Maybe it's possible for you to start doing a sport, i can recommand boxing for example. Sport will help you to get rid of negative thoughts and feelings and at the same time, because you're sweating, you'll get rid of toxins too which makes you sweat a lot less during the night.

[@anaszvvz9354]

@@PinoGietermaai Hello, my name is Anas, I am addicted to hashish and marijuana, I am 23 years old, I am high while writing this comment, the year 2022 was the alarm due to the addiction to hashish, I smoke every day of the year 2019 regularly and lost everything because of my stupidity and addiction, I entered the university and studied human medicine I used to smoke during my studies, and I did not lose my intelligence, but I became angry because of the most trivial reasons. I lost my friends and everyone who loved me because of addiction. I cannot change. I wish to be imprisoned in order to quit hashish. I feel that I am in a calamity and a deep hole that I cannot get out of. I am sad and scared, I lost everything my studies, my friends, I am scared and lonely.

[@chino_510]

I’ve been there😝😝

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

thanks for watching and sharing your experience!!

[@ARPGWARLORD]

Bro I love you for sharing your feeling we relate brother God Bless for confronting your demon its my last one

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

Hey, thanks for watching and sharing the encouraging words! Best to you on your journey

[@timjamesfit]

how did it end?

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

That’s a good question and also a reminder I never thoroughly answered that question. I’m going to make some follow up videos to go deeper. The simple answer is, 1. I can’t do it alone, 2. Asking for help, 3. Surrender to the illusion that I can control my use, 4. One day at a time, 5. Radical responsibility, That’s the simple, not easy or thoroughly explained answer

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

@carl bland, no, went back to school, got a masters and became a therapist, time flies and I got distracted from KZbin stuff. I stopped smoking on November 2, 2011. Coming up on 11 years.

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

No worries! Glad you asked because I know sometimes it’s difficult to be clear in the comments. Thanks for taking the time to watch and to ask and connect.

[@SentinelSeptim]

Marijuana is not physically addictive in general, but is addictive just like EVERYTHING in this world. Point blank. No matter what you do, have control over it and limit your use. I smoke marijuana but I use it occasionally like it should be used--not 24/7. Cannabis is an amazing plant and should not be shunned. It is the miracle crop that can make 25,000 different products, and you can smoke it/use the seeds for medical uses and downtimes. Live a normal life, not a high life, but using marijuana doesn't have to be addictive unless you yourself have a problem with addiction. It's the individual, not the plant.

[@SentinelSeptim]

Michael Stroh I am thankful that you understand that it is the individual. And I hope and pray that you find a solution to your problem to addiction. I want you to be able to enjoy the amazing properties of the cannabis plant. Granted, you can settle with Hemp and not get addicted, because of the high. It's an amazing plant that has been taken away from the people for the simple idea that business profit. Ever since our government had shifted to the idea that money is everything, the US started to fall apart, alongside the rest of the world, because the US was and is the role model for the world... With the Hemp plant, we can replace so many toxic chemicals and processes that we are taking part in, such as the clothes we wear, the houses we live in, the medicine we ingest... it's all harmful to our bodies, and hemp can make that with the total of 25,000 different kinds of products it can produce. Since the tobacco industry is dying out, our country will inevitably return to what we once were... the biggest industrial hemp crop growing country in the world... it will be a golden age for us, only if the federal government realizes that this war on drugs may be profitable, but not as potentially as profitable as what cannabis can provide in the long run.

[@DIRTYPLACCY]

@@SentinelSeptim shit no wonder the world is getting bad if America is the role model maybe it’s time for a new one 😂