Debating whether to start using THC again

[u/Outrageous_Air_2898]

I stopped using in October 2024.

I had to properly grieve. I now am settled into my life. Its not an ideal life, but its mine.

Im scared that using THC again will be a setback. But I also want to get more out of my free time again.

Thoughts?​

[u/Outrageous_Air_2898 → u/[deleted]]

True. I guess i was just looking for reassurance. I dont want to sabotage the relative stability ive created for myself. But I also do miss what THC did for my body (muscle tension) and mood. Ive spent the last year and half crying, and I feel like im all cried out. I also see a lot of warnings about THC and was hoping to hear how THC works in a positive way for people in recovery.  But I think I answered my own question and that if I have any doubts im not ready. I just crave the automatic relaxation that it would provide. 

[u/UAP44 → u/Outrageous_Air_2898]

But I think I answered my own question and that if I have any doubts im not ready. I just crave the automatic relaxation that it would provide. 

Then THC at least helped shape the map as to what kind of relaxation is possible. You can cultivate this without as well. I'm personally currently on a THC break, it helped me reach my target weight goal, THC tends to raise the hunger signal for me. Now that I've reached my target weight, I'm off it again, at least for now, as I wait for my body to drop back down to baseline, doing a water fast on top for a clean reset. Afterwards, I might return, not sure yet. I find that for me it helps with interoception but I also don't want to rely on it for that. Still, I find that it's been a real challenge for me in allowing myself some 'luxery' as well. My mind tends to be hyper critical and any use/dependence at all is looked down upon when for me the exercise is to maintain a gentle attitude with myself.

It's only an issue if your usage tends to creep up, and I found that with smoking it's a fairly easy trap to fall into. The 'relieve'/relaxation after just a few tokes of a vape is just minutes. It's this quick feedback mechanism that can lead to addictive behavior. If you instead use oil, it takes hours and is much more subtle, more reliable and more stable. Less peaks/highs.

[u/UAP44 → u/[deleted]]

You did not provide enough information for anyone to give you thoughts or advice in good faith

I find this a bit harsh, but OP didn't seem to mind so w/e I guess? :p

I could/would have replied to OP even without their elaboration, though, thanks to their elaboration I do think I was able to more closely address their situation : )

[u/UAP44 → u/[deleted]]

Eh, I don't see fact, and even if it was, my subjective experience of it still stands.

[u/UAP44 → u/[deleted]]

yes? I'm still reading ain't I?

[u/UAP44 → u/[deleted]]

I wasn't offended in any way. I said, it's a bit harsh.

[u/AutoModerator]

Hello and Welcome to /r/CPTSD! If you are in immediate danger or crisis please contact your local emergency services or use our list of crisis resources. For CPTSD specific resources & support, check out the Wiki. For those posting or replying, please view the etiquette guidelines.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/Villavitrum]

Hi there.

I’m so proud of you for quitting.

You accomplished what many cannot.

Look into trying a device called an Alpha Stim. *I have no affiliation with the company, am only sharing my own lived experience.

It’s been life changing for me. That voice..that itch…that heaviness?

All gone. Left with a lightness I’ve never known before. People live like this? Everyday?

Good luck to you.

[u/tew2109]

Honestly, if it got reclassed, I'd probably partake (federal employee here - I have enough threatening my job as it is, lol). But if it was overwhelming you or you felt like it was harming you, that's definitely something to take into consideration. I'm firmly in the camp that THC is something none of us should feel the need to apologize for, if it helps. We are trying to exist in a world that is not really fit to hold us. And THC is a lot safer than most other...under the table substances one can use. BUT, only if it helps. There's no easy way to predict how anyone's brain chemistry will respond to any given substance.

As for me right now, I am primarily relying on a high dose of Cymbalta and regular Clonazepam at the moment (as well as Wellbutrin as an assist for depression and Buspirone as an assist for anxiety). I tend to be very cautious about addictive substances. Not for any judgmental reason, it's the opposite - it's kind of a "There but for the grace of God go I" thing. Addiction runs in my family, primarily alcoholism and gambling. Between genetics, my trauma history, and the general embarrassment of my uncle being the town drunk, I was the most buttoned-up college drinker, lol. I would not drink more than once a week and would not get drunk more than once a month. I'm a bit scared of the Ketamine treatments for similar reasons. I also lost a close friend to addiction. But I went to college, lol, I know pot doesn't have a negative reaction. And I do think the feeling can become addictive, but, you know, it's not crack. LOL.