I can totally relate. Hang in there, you are stronger than you think!

A while ago I listened to the first episode of the Positive Head Podcast and it prompted sort of a breakthrough realization for me - we are here to enjoy being human! And we don’t need weed to do that (a much more recent realization).

I always thought I liked being alone but lately I’m discovering I actually just liked being high alone - it was an easy escape. I wasn’t taking advantage of all that this beautiful human world has to offer us. I’d suggest practicing mindfulness, presence, and gratitude. These practices have helped me learn to appreciate this world for what it is and how much it allows us to experience with our minds and bodies. It can be really uncomfortable to take a step back and try and find joy and miracles in what otherwise might be mundane aspects of life - but over time an effort to do so has helped change my perspective in so many positive ways and I think it could for you too. Admittedly I started getting into meditation, yoga, and running before I decided to quit weed, but they’re the things that have truly helped me keep strong when I have cravings and anxiety attacks. It’s really freaking hard, even with these tools, but they’re what have helped me the most.

There are a lot of great suggestions here on activities to occupy your time with. Things that have helped me learn to like being alone with myself and learn about the world: reading (nonfiction, fiction, magazines, whatever!), finding new podcasts, nature walks/runs/hikes, going to the gym and yoga classes, learning to cook for myself and try new recipes, crafts. When I watch tv it helps to have something to do with my hands as a distraction since this is when I’d smoke the most - knitting, needlepoint, adult coloring books etc. are all pretty affordable and there are tons of how-tos online. Knitting simple washcloth patterns are pretty mindless once you get the hang of it, and you can never have too many washcloths!

All you can do is keep pushing yourself out of your comfort zone until it’s replaced with new things that aren’t weed-related. It’ll be hard and weird. I’m at three weeks and it’s still getting weirder, but it’s worth it so far. You’ve got this!