I’m trying to cut back on weed, but I’m worried my anxiety will spike when I use less. I usually reach for it when my thoughts get loud or I’m having trouble sleeping, so stopping suddenly doesn’t feel realistic.
I’m thinking of reducing slowly and keeping track of when I use it, instead of relying on it automatically. I’ve also been trying things like walking, showering, and putting on something familiar when the urge hits. Sleep is the part I’m most concerned about.
Has tapering slowly helped anyone avoid making their anxiety worse?
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Keeping track of when you use it sounds like a smart way to notice patterns without making the process feel all-or-nothing. I’ve found that having a replacement ready helps, especially for the times when it’s more of a habit than something I actually want.
Sleep can be rough at first, so I’d try changing only one part of your routine at a time. A boring podcast, dim lights, and getting out of bed briefly if your thoughts start spiraling might help. If anxiety or insomnia gets intense, talking with a doctor would be worth it, since tapering can still feel difficult even when done gradually.
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The distinction between wanting it and reaching for it out of habit seems really useful. I’ve noticed the automatic times are often the easiest to interrupt if I pause and do something else first, even for ten minutes.
I like the idea of changing only one part of the bedtime routine too. I tend to overcorrect when I’m trying to make a change, then get frustrated when sleep gets worse. Have you found a particular replacement that works better for the late-night urges?
@David_Gallegos, tracking the times you use it seems like a good way to catch the automatic reach before it happens. I’ve found that waiting even 10 or 15 minutes can make the urge feel less urgent, especially if I get out of the room where I usually smoke.
Sleep was the hardest part for me too. Keeping the same bedtime and having something low-key ready, like a familiar show or quiet podcast, helped more than trying to force myself to fall asleep. I’d take the taper slowly and check in with a doctor if your anxiety or sleep gets significantly worse.