Why It's So Difficult To ACCEPT You're ADDICTED To WEED | Starts With Me

It can feel so shameful, and so difficult to accept. Once we do, we have the opportunity to change. I speak from personal and professional experience. I lived with addiction and mental illness for 17+ years before entering recovery and healing.
Addiction is a horrible illness. I hope you find this helpful, there are no shortcuts, but there are many solutions!!!
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Why it's so hard to accept you're addicted to weed.
This is pathetic. I'm a joke. What's wrong with me? Those are some things you may say. Other things you might say are wow. One day I'll be able to use it like all those normal people one day. I'll be different. Chances are if you're saying that to yourself you're you are already in the grips of the addiction you are ensnared in the insidious grip of marijuana. You are living in denial. Don't even notice. I am lying. I feel for you. I have been there. It's torture.
So hopefully if you're on this journey. If you're watching this video you care or you are aware of the fact that something in your life needs to change. And that cannabis is probably that thing. It's so hard to. It's hard to see why it is such a problem for us. It's not like we're drunk and driving and crashing cars. We're not beating people up.
We're not getting arrested. Being in public, all these other things so it's so easy to just point on all those other worse addicts and say, oh, I'm not like that. I'm OK I don't have a problem.
Which compounds that sense of shame and pathetic-ness that I have somehow succumbed to the trap. Of marijuana and why am I so pathetic not deserving of the like other addicts are deserving of help but me.
No, it's just weed. I'm such a loser that. I should be able to figure. This out on my own. If we take the. The sort of. Definition of addiction that I like most from Doctor Gabor mate. It generally goes like this. We have internal pain, trauma, discomfort, fear, worry, whatever it is. We don't know how to deal with that. So, then we reach for substances or behavioral addictions like sex or eating. That brings us temporary relief from that pain.
But it obviously doesn't last, so once that goes away, we're back with the pain back with the trauma and we continue with that behavior regardless of the negative consequences of our actions. We can't stop. On our own. If that is at all your case, chances are you are in the grips of weed addiction. Although that sucks.
To be in any situation like that at the same time, it's OK. There is an answer. There is a solution. And hopefully, if you've watched any of my other videos about. Feed you got some insight there? I'm going to keep building. It's been five years since I've made videos on weed, cause I went back to school, became a psychotherapist and now I try to help people in every possible way I can as a therapist.
As someone who is in recovery or is in long-term recovery from addiction, anything I can do to help? I will do that if you've made it this far. You're open to the idea of smashing this illusion that you can control what you're using or that being a weed addict is not a big deal.
We really have to pick this apart and see it for the that it is. A lot of people again hold on to this idea. Maybe one day I can smoke a joint like a normal person, but that is your illness. Lying to you trying to keep you sick, trying to keep you in the grips of addiction. So if we can smash the denial.
We may be able to squeeze a tiny little bit of self-compassion out of that. Maybe a tiny bit of forgiveness. Towards ourselves and then. The next step is that you have to ask for help. You cannot do this alone. Human beings are tribal communal animals.
We need each other. Johann Hari says the opposite of addiction is connection. Now that in some sense is true. It's not an encompassing definition, but it's a good one and it's a good reminder here that you can't do this alone. You need help and you need to ask for help.
There are lots of places to go. 12-step groups. There are treatment centers, there are therapists, there could be trusted friends, family members, whoever it is. You can't do it alone. You need to ask for help if you want to send me a message right in the comments here. If you think we can be helpful or I can be helpful, please get in touch with us and let us know and we'll go from there.
#weedaddiction #mentalhealth #addictionrecovery #startswithme

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

Why do you find it difficult to accept your addiction to weed? If you have, how did you do it?

[@Godisfirst21]

I went to NA and stayed off weed for 30 days. After 30 days, I told my addiction that I can just do it a little bit. Nope, I was right back to all day long. Day 3 now. Never touching it again.

[@Fuzzmo147]

A little fella for bed, that’s all I need x

[@springerlena]

I was addicted for like 5 years. Overcame it for about half a year and 1.5 months ago I fell into the addiction so hard again. Yesterday I was so high I drooled on myself. It makes me emotionally unstable and takes away my ambition to even get out of my room. With everything in life there is pros and cons, people need to stop glorifying it because at the end of the day it's a drug.

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

Hey, thank you so much for taking the time to watch the video and share your experience. What I think matters most as you say, is coming to terms with the pros/cons for ourselves, and trying to avoid comparing ourselves to others. I wish you the best in your journey and hope you can find some freedom again. I encourage you to check out marijuana anonymous and see if there's any meetings in your location or find a virtual meeting and see if it resonates with you. Take it easy, peace

[@Son_of_aesthetics]

Hey! You look beautiful! And got a cat by your name 😅

[@Fuzzmo147]

So is coffee, tea, sugar, booze, bad men etc etc etc…… I do it coz I love it, once at night for bed, mull over my day & sleep like a babe. What’s wrong with that?

[@user-57nueski]

Today is my first day of quitting weed, I understand theres gonna be challenges on the way to quitting, but Im dedicated to doing this for my own good, and the respect of my parents to see me do better as a person, other then being dependent on weed. The videos you’ve uploaded will help me on my journey to go back being sober. I hope I can recover from my old habits

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

Hey, thanks for your honest and sincere message! I hope your journey goes well and a suddle reminder to take it one day at a time. You can't do it alone, so I encourage you to seek some help and guidance as you go. peace out

[@FortheLoveofGamingYT]

It’s certainly an odd dilemma weed can put people in. There is a tendency for weed smokers to sort of dissociate cannabis with any sort of negative effects, like addiction. I have family that literally plan their lives around weed and have said they will not ever stop, generally. But my own experience has shown that weed can take on full drug addiction, negatively effecting my life for nearly two decades. I’m in recovery now and it is a lonely road when my friends and family are weed smokers still, but I know that staying sober is the path for me. Thanks for the informative video on cannabis addiction!

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

Hey, thanks for the note and honest comments! It is really difficult in these situations. I hope you find a community or at least some people/space for you to connect with to help guide you towards the life you want to be living. Great job!! I wish you the best.

[@petrac8143]

The reason of ending my relationship. My ex was lying about smoking and when I said you have a problem, let's fix it, he get angry and left. I pushed him to see a therapist, but still he doesn't want to stop, it's not a problem, it's just "weed", because all people around him smoke. I feel so sad and I'm still thinking how I can help

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

Hey, thanks for watching and sharing your experience. In situations like this, all you can do is share your perspective and let go of any expectation that the other person will respond. The only way someone will change is if they come to the realization themselves and make the decision to change. I would encourage you to check out some of the content/literature from alanon - al-anon.org/ Eventhough the focus is alcohol, all the ideas and ways of approaching the problem work the same with cannabis or any other addiction. I wish you the best of luck.

[@amyrrhbearer]

Hello Petra, I’m going through the exact thing right now 😞

[@fivestacks7691]

A lot of people are just scared to admit they have an addiction or are worried that people might think it’s silly to say you have a “weed addiction”. My wife has been trying to get me to stop for some time now but I always go smoking behind her back and she always catches me and now she’s at the point where she’s fed up. I knew if I kept smoking she would leave me. I never wanted her to leave me but I just couldn’t stop smoking. I really really want to stop because I’m not trying to lose her.

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

Hey, you’re definitely right. It does take some courage and humility to acknowledge these things. Good for you that you can see that for yourself. One really important thing to remember is that you can’t do it alone. We all need help and this is one of those aspects of our lives that call out for help and guidance. Depending on where you live, there’s lots of resources and places online/in person to get help. I wish you the best on your journey.

[@nsukutshabz7431]

You can never help a weed addict

[@Fuzzmo147]

I do it coz I love it, I’ve stopped & started coz I can

[@tansyvee3679]

Amen i want to be buried in it 😅

[@Godisfirst21]

Day 3. I have quit for life after a 13 year addiction. I am an addict....yes....of weed. I was a fool to think it was all natural and not addictive. Good bye weed. Hello God. I love you and im sorry i neglected you God.

[@redwhale4035]

You can't get addicted to weed, but you can be dependent on weed.

[@andyy9013]

@@redwhale4035thank youuuu

[@yellowcatcoding2520]

god created weed bro

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

Is there a difference? And yes you can absolutely get addicted to weed

[@yellowcatcoding2520]

@@StartsWithMeChannel i know it

[@mariemowling6121]

My son has been smoking weed since the age of 16 and he is now 27. It has ruined his life! He has no outlook, he is in a dead end job. He is an addict and the smell just drives me mad! He has lost all respect for himself and sleeps in a filthy dirty bedroom, with dirty food cartons etc. He doesn't brush his teeth, wont bathe, or wash or get his hair cut. he constantly wears a beanie so his hair is like a pile of grease! His teeth have now rotted! My once good looking, healthy son, has been ruined by this shit drug! He wont accept he has a problem, and has lost all respect for himself and me. I just need him to get off of it. He does work full-time but then he lives in filthy bedroom with his GF (she doesn't smoke it)! But when I say to her, how can you live in such filth, she just stares and me like its me that has the problem!! She like "Yeah but it keeps him calm"!! HAD ENOUGH!

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

I encourage you to check out the alanon literature and replace the word alcohol with cannabis. I think you’ll find it really helpful

[@internetpointsbank]

Kick them out of your house. You are the enabler.

[@quantumhelios6103]

Understandable but you know people live in filth all the time drugs or no drugs stuck in a dead end job description of the majority of the us population so weed jus makes whatever is going on more amplified

[@marosadesigns]

I’m 27 and have been smoking since 16 as well. I don’t live in a filth, exercise regularly, moved country by myself, am quickly getting promoted in my professional life. Sounds like you’re blaming all his issues on weed because it’s the easiest thing to do, but the problem runs much deeper.

[@quantumhelios6103]

@@marosadesigns your Logic is undeniable

[@lindalowry1513]

I can't have one drink or one smoke of weed. Because I will be stoned and drunk. I am 4 days sober. The nightmares are rotten. I accept I need help. I just got back from my first AA meeting. We need each others help. Thank you.

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

Hey, thank you for your honesty and for sharing. I wish you the best on your journey. One day at a time. Yes the nightmares/dreams are horrible. They usually pass and get easier over time. You are no longer alone. Take care and best on your journey.

[@Fuzzmo147]

Booze & weed is like pissing in an oncoming wind Freewheeling Franklin

[@jjeverson2269]

I could quit for months and then immediately relapse as soon as I have access to it. I realized in the months that I quit, I would get my “high” from other things like working out, surfing, or hiking but I feel like I’m not resolving my need get some sort of high. I have even gotten high of being a workaholic as a way to avoid weed.

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

Hey, thanks for your insightful experience! & for taking the time to watch the video. There’s an interesting concept called cross addiction in which we transfer our addictions to other behaviours or substances. Getting natural highs can be healthy and part of a meaningful life. I think it can be helpful to consider whether or not these other behaviours are causing you suffering and disrupting your life. If the general trend is positive, then that’s great! If you acknowledge a problem, then I think many of the meditative practices can be very helpful for you. There’s so much helpful content out there, one reference point is the concept of “non-striving”. That might help in your journey. Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions or comments!

[@daejanaycollins9737]

My boyfriend introduced me to weed in high school and 4-5 years later I still can’t stop. I have asthma and it’s always acting up I have no day where I don’t cough. I want to stop but it’s so hard

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

It is really hard no doubt. I hope you find these videos useful. Maybe you can find some help. No one does it alone and we all need help. 12-step programs, community services or any other group support can be really helpful. I wish you the best on your journey

[@chrysanthemum3065]

I appreciate your videos so very much. Today is Day 40 for me. You've helped so much.

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

Hey, good job! One day at a time. I wish you the best of luck on your journey. I’m glad you’ve found them helpful. Thank you for watching and for the encouraging words!

[@WuzoFilmProduction]

im quit this shit after 20 years of smoking.who help me? my self!

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

👍 well done

[@WuzoFilmProduction]

@@StartsWithMeChannel I recommend to everyone to live their lives soberly!

[@cristianacevedo178]

I'm on day 1. I really want to smoke but I'm trying not to.

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

Best of luck to you!! One day at a time. I hope you have some support and guidance as you move along the journey.

[@jackm4536]

Wise words thank you

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

🙏🙏 thank you for watching and your comments

[@elijahwilson1422]

It shouldn't be illegal BUT since the 60s people have gradually bought into the idea pushed by Marijuana advocates that it's harmless. Just because it's not as bad as most illegal drugs or as toxic as Alcohol hardly means it is totally harmless

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

I agree it shouldn’t be illegal, we have to remember that the weed we have today is 10X stronger than the relatively harmless weed people were smoking in the 60s.

[@elijahwilson1422]

@@StartsWithMeChannel the legendary stuff that was imported in the hippie era was legendary because of where it was grown and flowered in relation to the sun's angle across or close to the equator. That's WHY some of their stuff could be under 10% THCA and send them into space and at times literally have them tripping.

[@tedblgtn9430]

What are you saying?

[@tedblgtn9430]

Umm it kills no one, yet blisses out many, affliction with your dereliction of your euphoric loving addiction ?

[@elijahwilson1422]

@@tedblgtn9430 do you not know how to read?

[@captainflippers8294]

What if I want to do it alone? Is that justifiable in any way or should I consider it an excuse tied to ego/shame?

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

@CaptainFlippers Hey, such a great question. Thanks for watching and asking. I think the answer really lies in your honest self-reflection. If you enjoy it, and it doesn't get in the way of you living your life the way you want to, and it doesn't prevent you from doing things you know you want to do, then it's probably ok. It's hard to answer that in writing and do so properly. I'm not sure if you've watched the 12 questions video playlist, you might find that helps you answer your question. You can watch it here - kzbin.info/aero/PLo9XYec6Q6GdcrIjGHZ7FPD7S0pSYXeDz

[@jescossunglasses]

Are there any negative effects?

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

From cannabis use? I think there’s always potential negative effects of any substance. The problem with weed is that the negative effects differ between most people and many people don’t think there’s any negative effects. It also depends on your age and how much you smoke

[@tedblgtn9430]

I do not, why do you assume I do?

[@user-nc7xr8us7n]

Please quit that way theres more for me.

[@tedblgtn9430]

It needn't be shamefull... I suggest to never think about ever having any relationship, with anyone, unless they love weed too, else the relationship I doubt could thrive very happily...

[@brushcrawler8612]

I guess if being happy and productive are side effects of addiction

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

I guess so

[@tedblgtn9430]

Centrifugal force can trap the gold dust, if it's spin inside a larger pipe... For instance 2 foot diameter pipe, lined on the inside with 3 inch pipe, the kind with those large ruffles, riffles that will trap gold dust along each riffle, and who knows, maybe if I mount the spinning apperatus near the river bottom, maybe once in a while larger pieces of gold could be lodged into the pipe riffles, making the fun job of minding the spinning pipe that much more fun, and the spinning can ba achieved by using lawn edging, two pieces attached in the shape of an A, mounted in a spiral, their could be 4 spirals, mounted at 45 degrees, can make up a seasonal tax paying work, so who needs their pitiful pee cups

[@tedblgtn9430]

I'm addicted to the gift of CANNABIS euphoria, and LOVE EVERY SECOND OF IT :-)

[@jimf.]

BS. Why are you here?

[@tedblgtn9430]

@@jimf. It's just that a lot of comments are needlessly negative is my main point, and needlessly so too

[@tedblgtn9430]

I wish my depressed Grandmother, who suffered from depression, instead of pulling up, and depressing out, used the euphoria that only Cannabis can supply one with best... She missed out. The USA let her and many others down

[@tedblgtn9430]

Pulling up rather

[@tedblgtn9430]

Hmm auto correct won't allow me to type it correctly. Odd

[@tedblgtn9430]

Pill ing up is bad

[@tedblgtn9430]

Yay auto correct didn't get it's way

[@tedblgtn9430]

Why is it so hard to leave cannabis users alone, and not suggest anything negative about them? If you are jealous, just say so.

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

If it quacks like a 🦆 duck 🤔

[@cristianacevedo178]

For some people weed consumption is a problem. The world doesn't revolve around you

[@daopposition8571]

You have a face rash.

[@StartsWithMeChannel]

Yes. I see it all the time in the mirror when I don’t moisturize my skin. Very observant of you , thanks!

[@tedblgtn9430]

Why is it so hard for you people to stop being offensive to cannabis users? You don't like it, miss out, but don't demand that all should follow that did-eased thought, and suggest it should be the no, as lack of euphoria is this world's war loving problem, which is humans behaving badly, which you shouldn't ought