Former stoner struggles with new sobriety

DEAR AMY >> I am a 27-year-old guy.

For the better part of 10 years, I have smoked weed several times a day — every day. I don’t get goofy when I smoke, I actually become focused and am calm and mellow.

I can brush off little things, and for the larger issues I would smoke to remain calm and reassess.

I recently stopped smoking to pursue better employment opportunities.

I had some withdrawal symptoms the first few days, but they passed within the first week, except for the mood swings.

I am very irritable and aggravated. I am not violent, but I start almost ranting over small things.

I meditate several times a week and have tried using CBD, but it doesn’t seem to help.

I don’t have the extra money for a counselor, but I can hear myself being a total jerk, and I don’t like it.

I don’t like feeling like this and I know my friends are tired of me snapping over nothing. — Stoner — Trying to do

Better

DEAR STONER >> You would benefit from connecting with an addiction specialist, and also with other people who have chosen sobriety.

If you have been using pot to successfully modulate your mood swings, it is logical that these underlying challenges have resurfaced, after being suppressed for a decade.

Your instincts for how to treat your current challenges are obviously great — withdrawal from habitual use requires building up new habits to replace the old ones. With meditation, you are trying to get over the hump, and also trying to work on your underlying triggers.

You can read about addiction and connect with others in support meetings.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association (Samhsa.gov) includes a support group locator.

Their help line is (800) 662-4357.

Also, talk about it!

Ask your friends for their insight regarding your changing behavior.

DEAR AMY >> “Brokenhearted Old Friend” was hurt because her friend withdrew from contact toward the end of the friend’s life.

I’d like to share 40 years of nursing with your readers.

Every single patient that I cared for — at the end — appeared to withdraw.

It is how I knew that they accepted their path.

It is not personal and is not meant to hurt or reject others.

Perhaps it IS a way of leaving this life behind.

— Nurse

Thank you for sharing your wisdom.