Advice for quitting drinking for a month

ISU22CY

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Have you ever been diagnosed with anxiety or gone down the path of figuring that out via mental health professionals?
Oh yeah been down that road. Tried different medications and for whatever reason just don't sit well with me. Have done therapy before which has helped but unfortunately she moved onto a larger city and none of the local ones are good that I've found. So just raw dogging life as they say
 
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burn587

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My drinking habits have been starting to change over the last couple of years as I approach 40. Hangovers are definitely worse and harder to deal with. Beer ***** last longer and occur more regularly.

So I’ve started to move away from beer. I’ll still have a few with friends, but I’d rather have a couple of old fashioneds and call it good. I basically only drink socially at this point as well, and I’ve taken a hard line stance of not wanting to go out if the purpose is just to drink a bunch. You want to get together and hang out? Great I’m in, but let’s do something other than just sit at a brewery. Pretty sure the last time I went to a bar with the purpose of getting plastered was the day Roe v Wade got overturned and I did that alone.
 

Cfinnerty16

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60 hours since my last 2 beers. Yesterday wasn't the best, felt pretty tired and had some of the worst stomach discomfort I've had in awhile. Really gassy.

Today, I feel like I have a ton more energy. Any bloat that was on me seemed to disappear, don't know how to explain it but my body feels more firm.

This is exciting tbh
 

herbicide

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The problem is the “science” in no way backs it up, they have ice cream machines because they are stuck on a ship for long periods of time.

Suggesting ice cream as a solution to detoxing from alcohol, which by the way can be extremely dangerous without medical supervision, isn’t just misleading it’s outright harmful.
I’ve kept my mouth shut until now, and I don’t disagree. Suggesting to substitute one addictive and impairing substance (THC) to replace another is at least if not more dangerous, especially if the user doesn’t believe that substitute substance can be addictive and is indeed impairing along with bringing potential health risks.
 

Gunnerclone

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The problem is the “science” in no way backs it up, they have ice cream machines because they are stuck on a ship for long periods of time.

Suggesting ice cream as a solution to detoxing from alcohol, which by the way can be extremely dangerous without medical supervision, isn’t just misleading it’s outright harmful.

I mean I have more and different concerns after hearing that take than ice cream and science lol.
 
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FriendlySpartan

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Oh yeah been down that road. Tried different medications and for whatever reason just don't sit well with me. Have done therapy before which has helped but unfortunately she moved onto a larger city and none of the local ones are good that I've found. So just raw dogging life as they say
You might be able to still see it via video chat or telephonically even if she moved. Might not be what you’re looking for but if you had a great connection it could be worth exploring. Insurance should cover it the same way as in person unless she changed what panels she’s on.
 

Al_4_State

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I’ve kept my mouth shut until now, and I don’t disagree. Suggesting to substitute one addictive and impairing substance (THC) to replace another is at least if not more dangerous, especially if the user doesn’t believe that substitute substance can be addictive and is indeed impairing along with bringing potential health risks.
Yeah, I’m a huge advocate of legalizing cannabis recreationally, but there’s a major issue with how its medicinal use is wildly exaggerated. THC, in particular edibles, gives me much more acute anxiety than alcohol. I know people that are psychologically addicted to THC as well that have convinced themselves it’s better for their mental health than counseling and actual medication, as their life and mental health continue to get increasingly more dysfunctional.

THC is absolutely better for your body than alcohol. That’s not even a debate. But for a lot of people it is not some mental health miracle. It makes things worse, and many people claim that it’s therapeutic while they just become addicted, and that’s viewed as no big deal by a lot of people.

Cannabis is a drug, and that’s ok. Human beings are wired to enjoy inebriation, and on that front it’s one of the least physically dangerous ways to achieve that end. But let’s quit acting like it’s some kind of miracle. It’s chief medicinal value is being a much safer pain reliever than opioids. It doesn’t fix your brain.
 

FriendlySpartan

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I’ve kept my mouth shut until now, and I don’t disagree. Suggesting to substitute one addictive and impairing substance (THC) to replace another is at least if not more dangerous, especially if the user doesn’t believe that substitute substance can be addictive and is indeed impairing along with bringing potential health risks.
So this is a topic that I see brought up a lot, wanted to pass along my thoughts with a disclosure that I am a strong proponent of THC, spoke in Michigan to the state congress about it and everything.

From a medical perspective if someone was going to abuse alcohol or THC I would want my patient to choose THC every time. Alcohol has so many more life threatening or altering negative effects than THC. While THC can be addictive and cause various problems they pale in comparison to alcohol.

As far as someone substituting one thing for another most of the posts on here have talked about taking an edible before bed (45-60mins) to help with sleep instead of a nightcap or two. I would also be an advocate of this due to the fact that you aren’t abusing alcohol in this scenario you’re just trying to fall asleep. Using THC this way at the right dosage would most likely result in zero to minimal bodily harm where as alcohol isn’t healthy in any dosage for a variety of reasons.
 

Gonzo

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Yeah, I’m a huge advocate of legalizing cannabis recreationally, but there’s a major issue with how its medicinal use is wildly exaggerated. THC, in particular edibles, gives me much more acute anxiety than alcohol. I know people that are psychologically addicted to THC as well that have convinced themselves it’s better for their mental health than counseling and actual medication, as their life and mental health continue to get increasingly more dysfunctional.

THC is absolutely better for your body than alcohol. That’s not even a debate. But for a lot of people it is not some mental health miracle. It makes things worse, and many people claim that it’s therapeutic while they just become addicted, and that’s viewed as no big deal by a lot of people.

Cannabis is a drug, and that’s ok. Human beings are wired to enjoy inebriation, and on that front it’s one of the least physically dangerous ways to achieve that end. But let’s quit acting like it’s some kind of miracle. It’s chief medicinal value is being a much safer pain reliever than opioids. It doesn’t fix your brain.
Agree. I also don't like how even a small dose lasts for well over 2-3 hours (for me). I'd much rather hit a pen or a pre-roll where I can control my intake and I know the effects won't last more than an hour or so after stopping.
 
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Al_4_State

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Agree. I also don't like how even a small dose lasts for well over 2-3 hours (for me). I'd much rather hit a pen or a pre-roll where I can control my intake and I know the effects won't last more than an hour or so after stopping.
I've never had a bad experience with a pen.

I doubt I'll ever take an edible (low level seltzers notwithstanding) again. Even for sleep, they're bad for me.
 

CloniesForLife

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I've never had a bad experience with a pen.

I doubt I'll ever take an edible (low level seltzers notwithstanding) again. Even for sleep, they're bad for me.
Smoking is by far and away the most enjoyable way to get high IMO. It's just the whole smoking is bad for you and it stinks everything up. A pen is a solid option
 

FriendlySpartan

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Yeah, I’m a huge advocate of legalizing cannabis recreationally, but there’s a major issue with how its medicinal use is wildly exaggerated. THC, in particular edibles, gives me much more acute anxiety than alcohol. I know people that are psychologically addicted to THC as well that have convinced themselves it’s better for their mental health than counseling and actual medication, as their life and mental health continue to get increasingly more dysfunctional.

THC is absolutely better for your body than alcohol. That’s not even a debate. But for a lot of people it is not some mental health miracle. It makes things worse, and many people claim that it’s therapeutic while they just become addicted, and that’s viewed as no big deal by a lot of people.

Cannabis is a drug, and that’s ok. Human beings are wired to enjoy inebriation, and on that front it’s one of the least physically dangerous ways to achieve that end. But let’s quit acting like it’s some kind of miracle. It’s chief medicinal value is being a much safer pain reliever than opioids. It doesn’t fix your brain.
I agree with a lot of this but just wanted to make a couple of additional points.

1. The increased anxiety is a personal thing and is often related to the strain/type of THC consumption. THC does have paranoia and anxiety as a potential side effect but that’s based on the individual. Many can use THC without those issues.

2. People that are using THC to replace traditional therapy or medication (if they have a serious diagnosed condition) are idiots but that’s also a personal thing, not something that is promoted or encouraged. That’s just morons being morons.

3. For many the don’t consider themselves addicted to THC and while you can become addicted to THC the process of “going clean” does not have the physical ramifications as other drugs such as alcohol, opioids, amphetamines, etc.

4. Totally agree it’s not a miracle but weirdly enough the studies show it’s not a replacement for pain relief and that’s part of the problem. THC is not as widely studied as most other “drugs” due to its continued placements as a schedule 1 drug.

5. Correct it doesn’t fix your brain but for many it has helped with anxiety and other stress related disorders. Also can help stimulate appetite for better/worse.
 

Al_4_State

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I agree with a lot of this but just wanted to make a couple of additional points.

1. The increased anxiety is a personal thing and is often related to the strain/type of THC consumption. THC does have paranoia and anxiety as a potential side effect but that’s based on the individual. Many can use THC without those issues.

2. People that are using THC to replace traditional therapy or medication (if they have a serious diagnosed condition) are idiots but that’s also a personal thing, not something that is promoted or encouraged. That’s just morons being morons.

3. For many the don’t consider themselves addicted to THC and while you can become addicted to THC the process of “going clean” does not have the physical ramifications as other drugs such as alcohol, opioids, amphetamines, etc.

4. Totally agree it’s not a miracle but weirdly enough the studies show it’s not a replacement for pain relief and that’s part of the problem. THC is not as widely studied as most other “drugs” due to its continued placements as a schedule 1 drug.

5. Correct it doesn’t fix your brain but for many it has helped with anxiety and other stress related disorders. Also can help stimulate appetite for better/worse.

That's why I used the term "psychologically addictive". It's not physically unsafe to detox. It's not a physical addiction.
 
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herbicide

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So this is a topic that I see brought up a lot, wanted to pass along my thoughts with a disclosure that I am a strong proponent of THC, spoke in Michigan to the state congress about it and everything.

From a medical perspective if someone was going to abuse alcohol or THC I would want my patient to choose THC every time. Alcohol has so many more life threatening or altering negative effects than THC. While THC can be addictive and cause various problems they pale in comparison to alcohol.

As far as someone substituting one thing for another most of the posts on here have talked about taking an edible before bed (45-60mins) to help with sleep instead of a nightcap or two. I would also be an advocate of this due to the fact that you aren’t abusing alcohol in this scenario you’re just trying to fall asleep. Using THC this way at the right dosage would most likely result in zero to minimal bodily harm where as alcohol isn’t healthy in any dosage for a variety of reasons.
Please consider the combination of these facts:

1. Many places of employment test for THC
2. Driving with ANY detectable amounts of THC and/or its metabolites are considered a DUI in many states including Iowa.
3. THC and especially its metabolites stay in one’s body for a very long time, measured in days and weeks.

The above is why any claim of THC being a “safer” choice than alcohol is extremely misleading and dangerous, even if we ignore potential health risks. Advice otherwise could be putting individuals at risk of job loss and serious legal consequences.
 

FriendlySpartan

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Please consider the combination of these facts:

1. Many places of employment test for THC
2. Driving with ANY detectable amounts of THC and/or its metabolites are considered a DUI in many states including Iowa.
3. THC and especially its metabolites stay in one’s body for a very long time, measured in days and weeks.

The above is why any claim of THC being a “safer” choice than alcohol is extremely misleading and dangerous, even if we ignore potential health risks. Advice otherwise could be putting individuals at risk of job loss and serious legal consequences.
Let’s break this down.
1. I expect you to know if your work place test for these things, in states where it is legal almost no one tests unless you have a govt job or operate heavy machinery.

2. While this is correct there is currently no breathalyzer type test to determine THC active use. This has also been argued several times in courts as you are correct it stays in your system. That’s why it’s extremely rare unless the suspect is obv impaired. It goes without saying but please do not use and drive.

THC is safer than alcohol and that isn’t even a debate. Yes you will have people that have negative reactions and side effects but any and all drugs (even the over the counter ones) have side effects.
 

herbicide

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Let’s break this down.
1. I expect you to know if your work place test for these things, in states where it is legal almost no one tests unless you have a govt job or operate heavy machinery.

2. While this is correct there is currently no breathalyzer type test to determine THC active use. This has also been argued several times in courts as you are correct it stays in your system. That’s why it’s extremely rare unless the suspect is obv impaired. It goes without saying but please do not use and drive.

THC is safer than alcohol and that isn’t even a debate. Yes you will have people that have negative reactions and side effects but any and all drugs (even the over the counter ones) have side effects.
The problem here is if you use once, and you are suspected or are in an accident that isn’t even your fault you could find yourself in legal troubles even if that one use was days or even weeks ago.

So by saying “do not use and drive” essentially is true, but you’d need to wait some days/weeks before driving.

Also, your comment about “almost no one tests” is very much debatable.
 

FriendlySpartan

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The problem here is if you use once, and you are suspected or are in an accident that isn’t even your fault you could find yourself in legal troubles even if that one use was days or even weeks ago.
This is extremely unlikely in states where recreational THC is legal.