Chapter 19 - Can I Compartmentalize?

Some users claim they can separate marijuana from real life - their "alter ego" smokes, not their true self. This is a myth that keeps you trapped. The brain changes from smoking don't compartmentalize neatly. Mr. Hyde always overpowers Dr. Jekyll eventually.

Marijuana trains you to constantly seek variety and novelty. You get used to modulating your mood instantly with a hit. Real life can't compete with always having your perfect strain available.

The powerful memories created from early marijuana use stick with you. Rewiring those neural pathways takes time and effort. But it's very possible.

Every session reinforces addiction's pathways in the brain, keeping them fresh and eager to be activated. Like fast food smells luring in customers, triggers spark cravings promise a dopamine rush. Nerve cells sprout new branches to strengthen these associations with drug-seeking.

Over time, you may feel like you NEED marijuana to relax, sleep, socialize, create, or enjoy activities. Tolerance builds until it ceases to fully satisfy, leaving you constantly hungry.

Inclination is to keep escalating dosage or frequency to recapture the high. But factors provide some forced moderation:

Money - marijuana is expensive.

Health - overuse has consequences.

Once freed, the awful insecurity of addiction lifts. Confidence and self-respect return. You feel empowered tackling other life problems. This is a major benefit of escaping any addiction.

Compartmentalization is one of the sneaky mental tricks that keeps you hooked and suffering.

Marijuana clouds reality, ensuring dissatisfaction. It makes it fun to do nothing meaningful. And marijuana becomes more desireable than doing something meaningful.

Make no mistake - Mr. Hyde always overpowers Dr. Jekyll over time, despite our best efforts and rationalizations. Wholeness comes from integrating compartments into alignment with your true values.