I had both my lungs collapsed (2 years apart, not at the same time). The 2nd time, a CAT scan showed bubbles in my lungs. I had to quit all smoking right there, or I would probably develop emphysema in about 10 years, and wouldn't last 15. I had smoked cigarettes for 15 years (since I was 15 y.o.) and smoked pot everyday for 12 years, since I was 18. I tried pot with 15, but it only became a daily habit a couple of years later. The last 2 years before quitting, before the 2nd collapsed lung, my pot usage tripled (some shit happened, no need for details, that's how I coped with it). After that CAT scan, everything changed. I had my sister (who is a physician, was a smoker and is also pretty bad-ass and no-nonsense) in tears telling me I HAD to quit. Everything. The cigarettes, the pot, everything. That's when I knew I had no choice. That or being bed-ridden with an oxygen bottle by the time I hit 40. I'll never forget how I felt after that moment. It was awful. I can't even explain it with words. I knew what I had to do, but had no idea how. I just knew it would be harder than I could ever imagine it. On the hospital bed, full of sedatives was one thing. By the time I got home, it would be another, I knew it. All my habits would have to change. Everything I enjoyed doing, I used to enjoy it even better with a joint. I couldn't imagine doing it without smoking pot. It scared the shit out of me. Three days later, I got sent home. First thing I did was get rid of all the tobacco and pot. That was easy. Then came what I feared, changing habits. It was as bad as I expected. I couldn't enjoy anything like before. Playing computer games, playing guitar, reading, walking. Something was missing. My brain was wired to pick that cigarette or rolling that joint every once in a while, and it was constantly reminding me of it. That first month was awful. But I coped. I started drinking hot tea, for some reason the hot sensation on my throat made it a tiny bit easier to cope. I drank a glass of wine when it felt really bad. I've never drank by myself before. It was a way of keeping my mouth busy. But I never liked it and was the first crutch I got rid of. Unlike pot, I've always been very responsible with my drinking. I get drunk when I go out with friends, but never drink at home. I've been like this since I was 16 or so. My liver is excellent, and it was put to the test (other unrelated story, no matter). After that first month, things slightly improved. I still craved, and couldn't go out at night with friends because of it. But there was ONE thing definitely better than I ever remembered. I was different. I was more clear headed. More social and well-spoken. My appearance also improved. Suddenly I realized lots of girls would look at me. I did look better than before, but maybe they looked even before and I was too stoned and paranoid to notice. I got much more confident because of it. Around that time I went out partying for the first time after quitting. It was hard, but I managed. The next time it was easier. And then it was easier...
I've been clean for 11 months now. On the 14th March it will be 1 year since I smoked my last joint and cigarette. It has been a while since I noticed it's much easier now. The people I go out with, most of them smoke cigarettes and pot. It doesn't bother me one bit now. I still roll their joints often because I've always been good at that, lol. But I don't ever want to smoke pot again. I don't want to be like I was. I like to be the person I am now.
So...in short (lol), QUIT. It will be hard. But it gets easier. And it's DEFINITELY worth it!