r/capetown • u/EnvironmentalBat3954 • 13h ago
Vent / Complaint Anyone struggling? Depression and cannabis recovery in Cape Town
I’ve been sober from cannabis for basically 2 months now, after smoking for 8 years, and I am struggling a bit. I thought things would get better by now but there are so many things “going wrong”. I don’t have anyone to really talk to, so I thought I’d make this post.
Friends and family have been really distant during this time and I honestly feel so lost.
If anyone is going through this and just wants to talk about it, here’s a space for that. Any advice would be appreciated too.
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u/Independent-Plane503 5h ago
What broke me the most was being clean for a year, realising cannabis wasn’t the reason I was sucking at life and realising it was really the only thing brining me joy in this mundane existence. Sometimes depression isn’t at all related to cannabis abuse and sometimes that Friday afternoon bake after work as the weekend starts is the only thing worth living for. Goodluck out there, I hope your outcomes provide a different more colourful life for you, it didn’t for me
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u/cape_soundboy 12h ago
There's a great community on this site that can help with support r/leaves
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u/JessBobb 5h ago
Congratulations on your sobriety. I went through a similar journey and almost two years later (after over 10 years of daily smoking) I can’t say I physically benefited that much, other than getting my dreams back which is great.
What helped me, and which is maybe more difficult than quitting, was simultaneously changing my sleeping and eating habits. I haven’t quite kept it up, but it drastically changed my quality of life.
I also was advised to make a “dopamine menu”, a list on your phone of fun activities. Play a video game, walk around the block, watch your favourite creator, cook something nice. Whenever you’re feeling down or lost, referring to the menu removed some cognitive load in making a decision on what to do. And keep growing your menu!
You’re past the worst, withdrawal wise, by the chart.
Good luck!
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u/ididwhaaat 5h ago
I was using cannabis and other things to escape for many years. I quit cold turkey and things didn't pick up for two months, it actually got worse. I saw a psychiatrist and was prescribed Concerta for ADHD. It really helped in the short term but caused some problems in the long term. I now use it a few times a month when needed. It gives me the motivation to do some things I don't feel capable of doing. It also made the cravings to do other substances lessen. The lowest dose of Concerta the better. At higher doses I felt a bit cracked out, especially when mixed with coffee.
Sometimes we need a bit of a boost. I recommend speaking to a professional, keeping a journal (or any kind of record) and being honest with yourself (and a friend/family member) about your journey so you can make sure you're on the right path. I also recommend setting some goals, learning a new skill or studying a topic. It made me feel intellectually stimulated and gave me some pride back.
Good luck OP. Things do get better.
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u/Ancient-Demand3590 Sorrie, nêh? 8h ago
Hey OP, I understand 100%. THC was my drug of choice and it gave me insane psychosis that nobody took seriously until it landed me in the ER after a major breakdown. I went to NA meetings in my area, and I was surprised to see how many people I could relate and talk to over there.
Currently just over 4 months clean after about 7 years of smoking. It took me about 3 months to begin feeling human again.
Getting off THC is not easy, but it is worth it :)
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u/beneath_reality 1h ago
A couple of points:
- I would highly recommend seeing a clinical psychologist and/or psychiatrist who can assist with dealing with what you are going through. You could be facing other issues that are compounding your mental health at the moment.
- Cannabis withdrawal is increasingly being recognised as significant, and while the withdrawal process typically does not have to be done with admission and not life-threatening, it still presents a number of symptoms that can impact your daily functioning. The insomnia and mood swings hit me the worst. Your endocannabinoid receptors are still adjusting back to your baseline.
- The length of potential withdrawal is linked to how long you have used cannabis, the frequency, and the potency of cannabis products.
- Congratulations on making it to the two month mark! Honestly the most hardcore part is over. While some symptoms of withdrawal can linger for some time, the worst of it is over.
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u/benevolent-badger 2h ago
You were self medicating without realizing. Your main problem wasn't the Cannabis, but it was making the issue. You have depression. Pills can help with that, but it takes time. Go see a psychiatrist/psychologist.
I'm not qualified to diagnose. I just have a similar experience
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u/pupperinpredicament 44m ago
I was a chronic cannabis user for 10 years. In that time I managed to stop for 6 months and 1 year and relapsed with both. Now I’ve stopped for 3 months and I feel I’ve got it this time.
One thing I’ve learnt every single time is that cannabis is not the cause of your problems. Every time I’ve gotten sober I’ve been frustrated that everything didn’t magically fix itself. Cannabis helps you in some ways and holds you back in others.
The rest of the advice on this post is really solid so I don’t really have much to add. Two months also really isn’t that long. Your brain is still adjusting to 8 years of use so this is definitely not the end point. I’d emphasise good sleep, exercise, seeking pleasure in things you enjoy, social connections and possibly medication if needed.
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u/Daddy_COol_ZA 12h ago
Are you speaking to a therapist to get to the root of these feelings? Or tried journaling? Sounds like you may have used cannabis as an escape, you might need to figure out what from and confront it. Put in the work and the rest will follow, that's my 2 cents and experience at least. Most importantly, go outside and do things. Stay strong, it gets better.
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u/EnvironmentalBat3954 12h ago
I went to therapy during Covid and unpacked a lot of my past. That definitely is the root of what I’m feeling now and cannabis numbed all of those feelings. Sobriety has opened my mind up a lot and I just have thought after thought. “What ifs” and “what could’ve been”. I feel like I’ve also lost a sense of myself as I don’t enjoy much of anything I used to enjoy. Perhaps it’s time for therapy again. I’ll try and go out and do more things but even that has become difficult at this moment. I appreciate your comment though, thank you.
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u/ShipMysterious7602 4h ago
Friends and family have been really distant during this time and I honestly feel so lost.
How does that saying go: 'When days are dark, friends are few'
All I can say is hang in there. Went through a very tough time myself, not with any addition but just as bad. One thing I learned is that you need to bank the 'small victories' and build on them. That's what pulled me through. Bank those small positive moments and chase after more of them to balance out the dips.
Best of luck.
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u/BuilderSuper6212 12h ago
Currently on my first day of being sober again and im dreading these next few weeks, its always the most difficult time. I always take a tolerance break for a few months and to also give my mind a bit of a reset. Quitting for good this time though.
Keep yourself busy when the cravings hit, what I usually do is replace smoking with a healthier habit whether thats exercising, meditating or going for walks (ik boring af)
You should feel proud you've lasted this long, 8 years leaves your body and mind with a lot of readjusting. Give yourself more time. I cant give advice in regards to the depression but im certain it'll get easier for you.