Getting started... Again

[dman0618]

Hello everyone. First post. Here's my story.

I'm a 24 year old male who is struggling with marijuana addiction and some strong anxiety issues that have been enhanced by the abuse. I used to consider myself a shy, "socially awkward" person, with difficulty getting new friends, let alone a partner. I guess it's because every time i'm having a conversation with someone, be it an acquaintance or a potential new "partner", I just get really REALLY nervous and my mind and body just tell me to run away from the scene (which most of the times I end up doing). So my addiction to weed has transformed this shyness into a full-scaled generalized / social anxiety disorder, and now I just feel like I'm in hell whenever i'm anywhere with people (parties, nightclubs, the university). The weed addiction started about 3 years ago (been getting stoned pretty much everyday for most of that time). MJ calms my anxiety when I'm alone, and most of my free time I spend locked up in my room watching TV or playing videogames while smoking, but whenever I'm high with someone i'm not close with... BAM! Panic attack. My group of friends smoke weed a lot (thanks to me - because by smoking everyday I set a high bar that is difficult for them to reach), but they don't have the need to do it every single day, nor does it affect them socially. The problem is I can't seem to be able to cope with the withdrawal anxiety, I've tried to quit several times but when I come across some weed at a party or with a friend (and all of my friends smoke), I just can't refuse. The main reason for trying to quit is that I really really want to find a partner (i've dated some guys and girls for a little bit, but never anything serious) and to do that you need to be a socially capable person and on good physical shape - two things that are particularly difficult to achieve when you are shy and under the effects of marijuana. I don't consider myself an ugly person - and thank God for that - cause if on top of all my mental fuckedupness I were ugly too, i'd be pretty much damned to live this long life alone. I just started trying to "quit" again, haven't smoked for 2 days now (I know, it seems like nothing but to me it's a LOT of time), but I would like to hear some tips or strategies to help cope with the withdrawal and anxiety.

[Peacewithin1]

I'm not really familiar with the withdrawal aspect of anxiety but my suggestion would be to try some distraction techniques like working out, breathing exercises, or trying to be social in a smaller setting so you can feel comfortable. Also, you can always seek medical attention for coping skills.

[blackcat64013]

Hi dman0618,

Thanks for sharing your insight into your current situation.

Last week I learned about "urge surfing" or "riding the wave" from a clinical health psychologist. I literally had an aha moment, the tool I was looking for to cope.

Dr Google comes up with lots of references if you type in the words in italics.

If you haven't tried it, go to the link below to check it out

portlandpsychotherapyclinic...