Problems with smoking.

Hello.
I have been smoking "weed" for over 10 years now. I started as a casual smoker from age 13-18 but from then on in it I have become dependant on it almost. From age 19-22 I would smoke anywhere between 50-100 joints a week with friends. Recently, I have cut down but it is now having serious affects on me.
I have started, for the first time, to suffer from paronia. This started around 3 months ago and have gone days without smoking to try and help this. The paronia happens only if I am still feeling the affects when I go to bed.
I am not scared of the dark, I am not scared of people breaking into my house and I do not believe in the paranormal but still find it hard to feel safe while sleeping. I jump at the smallest sound and will stare at the door for minutes after this.
I am keeping my partner awake at night due to my paranoia as she can sense that something is not right. We sleep with the door open as our cat likes to sleep in our room and sometimes I have to turn the bathroom light on so that I can "see" if anyone comes up the stairs. I have also recently started to sleep with a machette down the side of my bed.
As well as this, I realise that I am not as intresting as I used to be. I am finding it harder to interact with friends and family without forcing myself. It is putting a serious strain on my relationship.

I am NOT asking for a way to stop smoking, although I know I should be. I am asking for any advice on how to deal with the paranoia. Also, please note this does not happen every time I smoke, only every other time before I sleep.

 

Honestly, there's no need for the machete. For now, you don't have to stop smoking completely, but cut down on it gradually. Cut back more and more each week or so, and I guarantee you it'll be a lot easier. Try to find a mindset of complete confidence, where you don't have to feel powerless without smoking it. Tell yourself you don't need it, and encourage the opinion of others too for more motivation.

 

I prove to myself once every 3 months or so that I don't by going for a few weeks without. I just plane and simple enjoy getting high.
I know there is no need for the machete but it gives peace of mind.

 

Go to a therapist. That'd be my advice. It seems like EMDR treatment could help. I have some experience with the field.

 

Go to a doctor and you might get prescribed a Benzodiazepine, such as Xanax. Many people take Benzos for this same reason. In fact, both my dad and sister have to take Xanax before bed each night so they can sleep. There is no doubt that it will get rid of any paranoia you have, but of course you have to be careful considering Benzos can be very addictive. There are also a number of sleeping meds such as Ambien, Lunesta, Unisom, etc.

 

weed is bad for you.

Ever since ive watched the movie called "Requiem for a Dream"

You should watch it & see what can & might happen to you.

 

Its heroin in the movie not weed...

 

I'm no expert bud, but it's easy to see what is causing this.
I'd say just stop smoking weed but I know you'll never just completely stop, try and ween yourself off it, only smoke a little for a while, 50 spliffs a week is ALOT...

 

Sorry about that, I missed punctuation. I cut down to 5-10 a week tops now.

I think I will have to just stop smoking all together as I don't want to have to take medication for it.

 

I think that if you smoke before you go to sleep you'll be better. Do some research and see what strains will make you tired. Nothing better than natural medicine

 

@ Mantitz - My problem is the paranoia when smoking before bed. I have started to try and find a dealer who sells hash as I know that this is a lot milder on the mind.

 

The cat is probably one element of your paranoi.
You should try replacing it with a dog.

I'm serious

 

Ah right, fair enough.
Just keep trying to cut down, I wouldn't smoke before bed as someone has suggested, the cause of your problem was the weed, so smoking it to solve the problem isn't good.

 

Thats a good point. Try and make yourself feel calmer/safer


Install more house security, extra locks, and a dog.


You just have to quit, I don't know what to tell you