Chapter 26 - Should I Avoid Temptation?
Up until this point, the instructions and advice provided have been clear and direct do's and don'ts. However, on the question of whether or not a marijuana addict should actively try to avoid temptation situations in the early stages of a quit attempt, the answer is less black-and-white.
Ultimately, every individual will need to decide for themselves what feels appropriate and empowering. But two important perspectives can help guide you through this decision process:
It's critical to first understand exactly what mechanisms cause the ongoing fear of future withdrawal pangs that keeps marijuana addicts trapped indefinitely. This fear manifests in two distinct chronological phases:
SHORT-TERM: "How can I possibly survive or cope with life without marijuana?"
This speaks to the panicky, anxious feeling in early withdrawal about feeling emotionally or socially dependent on smoking marijuana in order to enjoy life or handle any source of stress or adversity.
Importantly, this acute fear isn't actually caused by physical withdrawal symptoms themselves, since those symptoms are mild, if at all.
Instead, it's the sheer psychological terror of dependency itself - the perception of being completely unable to relax, socialize, cope with challenging situations, or even get through an ordinary day without marijuana being available.
This short-term fear understandably tends to absolutely peak right when an addict is on the verge of committing to quit, and withdrawal discomforts are still at a minimum. Why? Because you're suddenly facing the great unknown void of existence without your longtime psychological and chemical crutch.
It's quite similar to the paralyzing fear and uncertainty someone who doesn't know how to swim feels when standing at the edge of the diving board for the very first time overlooking the deep end of the pool below.
The diving board itself may only be one foot off the ground in reality, but in your mind it appears to be a terrifying six feet high. The water might be six feet deep, but in your distorted perception right now, it looks like a shallow one foot puddle.
So it takes tremendous courage and faith to finally make that leap into the unknown, fully expecting to painfully smash your head. But the irony and beauty is that once you finally summon the guts to launch yourself off expecting disaster, you quickly realize the rest of the process is remarkably easy.
The fear was almost entirely an illusion of the mind, not reality. This explains why even strong-willed marijuana smokers with every resource to quit often go through life unable to take that first leap of permanently ending use. The idea of coping without their longtime psychological and emotional crutch is too frightening to even contemplate seriously. They wallow in quiet misery rather than facing the unknown.
In fact, some heavy daily users who finally work up the resolve to "quit" marijuana end up actually smoking MORE frequently or escalating to stronger strains in the days leading up to their quit date. Why? Because just the thought alone of forever losing marijuana sends their addicted minds into fight-or-flight panic mode. They compulsively overload the addiction while they still have easy access. But the irony is that once they firmly commit to quitting and get through the first 24-48 hours, the fear quickly fades as the world doesn't end. Don't fall for this trap - have courage and don't panic. The beautiful truth is that you are NOT actually emotionally or socially dependent on marijuana in order to function or find fulfillment in life, even when still in the grips of addiction.
LONGER-TERM: "I won't truly enjoy life or be able to handle stress or social situations sober."
This speaks to the lingering background fear that certain situations, activities, or experiences won't be as enjoyable or fulfilling without marijuana. Or that you won't be able to properly cope with sources of trauma, stress, or adversity without the ability to smoke.
This long-term fear persists because addiction convinces you marijuana is integral to relaxation, entertainment, sensuality, and creativity. It hijacks the natural joy in life.
But again, this is ultimately an illusion and false projection of the mind, not reality. In time, you'll find you can not only cope just as well but actually thrive even more fully 100% substance-free. Social events will feel more genuine and intimate. Relaxation will be deeper and revitalizing. Creativity will flow freely. The only thing missing will be the artificial chemical straightjacket of marijuana interfering with natural highs.
Now let's examine how this fear relates practically to the common question of whether marijuana addicts should avoid tempting situations in early recovery:
AVOIDANCE ITSELF FALLS INTO TWO MAIN FORMS:
"I'll only smoke marijuana once a week."
This style of approach seems sensible on the surface. You're still limiting use while allowing yourself occasional smoking as a safety valve when stressed. But the high failure rate reveals lack of true commitment change.
When you hit a rough patch during withdrawal, it becomes too easy to rationalize smoking "just this one time" since your arbitrary rules already account for slips. With absolute abstinence, you're more resolute knowing any use means starting over completely.
And if you had waited out the urge, it likely would've passed naturally anyway. Cold turkey has greater power because it forces you to find your inner strength.
But the core pitfall of this style is that one foot remains stuck in marijuana addiction. You aren't fully committed in your heart to terminating your relationship with marijuana forever. Remember: Certainty and joy about your decision are key.
"SHOULD I AVOID STRESSFUL SITUATIONS AND TEMPTATIONS?"
When phrased this way, the answer tends to be situational:
Avoiding unnecessary stresses and risks in early withdrawal is wise because willpower is depleted. Don't put yourself under needless duress. Withdrawal is challenging enough.
But also avoid isolation or limiting social interaction only to others in recovery. Go out and actively appreciate how much more genuine and enjoyable social connection feels completely substance-free. This quickly proves that you needn't rely on marijuana for fulfillment.
In conclusion: While avoiding temptations helps short-term, only facing triggers head-on builds real inner resilience and retrains your brain over time.
Last updated