recovery from cannabis addiction

[suzy123]

My 20 yr old son has recently come off cannabis. He made the decision overnight and suddenly when he realised he was out of control and asked us for help. It has been nearly six weeks now since he last used the drug and he has managed really well. I wonder tho if any ex users can advise me regarding his emotions now He is talking to me alot about his feelings - he has no confidence and struggles around his friends to make conversation. I understand how this can happen. Cannabis changed him greatly - and at times he was very aggressive verbally. At times tho he would withdraw from everyone.
He has opened up to his closest friends as well and they are supportive.
He does not want to see a counsellor but does have a strong support network with family and friends. Any advise from anyone here would be really appreciated.

[anneasquith]

i cant really help, but well done your son. i hope he knows how proud you are of him. i suppose like any addiction time will help him, its great he has a good support network around him.

[Mamyalynne]

He may still struggle with his friends if they are part of the crowd he was with when taking it, he will have to readjust without his crutch and seems as a family you are doing all the right things.

Just keep the channels of communication open and he will come through.

Mamya ♥

[anneasquith]

excuse me suzy. hi mamy. are you well ?

[Buenchico]

Perhaps if YOU get some support, you might be better placed to help your son?
This might be of interest:
http://www.famanon.org.uk/

Chris

[Mamyalynne]

Sorry Suzy, yes Anne am fine ta ♥

[suzy123]

Mamyalynne thank you for your response - u r right about his friends a couple of them are heavy users and for a while he was their smoking buddy - but the ones he is closer too gave up the stuff long ago. Cannabis use is so common these days so its not easy for anyone who gives up. He realises he needs to develop new interests and social activities and for me it is nice to hear him talk about getting a life because he has had none really for a long time.
Thanks for that link - I came across it weeks ago via this link........http://www.cannabisaddiction.co.u
k/
I gave my son a copy of these words that were written - and found families anon through this. It is an excellent site and I found some good advice on their - it helped me to understand better the issues involved and throgh this site I was able to share with his dad (we are divorced) the importance of making changes ourselves to support him better.

Anneasquith, thank you for your words - I am proud of him and so relieved to be having my son back again ( you dont realise how much cannabis changes them till they rid of it)

I have had a hellish couple of years because despite others opinions as to what to do I could not give up on him my heart would not let me - I guess you could say i am a recovering addicts recovering mum and i too need to pick up the pieces of my life.

[Mamyalynne]

He will get there Suzy will your help and determination, have seen others come from very deep and dark places.

[suzy123]

That is reassuring to hear mamyalynne - i think thats why i posted on here because I need that kind of reassurance.
I have been a member for a long time here and am wondering now why i never looked here for support through the bad times.

[Whoever]

Your son has done really well to go Cold Turkey, and also to open up to family and friends about his addiction. It sounds as if he may be shy and have low self-esteem and self-confidence, which is why perhaps he was so attracted to the drug in the first place.

Could you perhaps persuade him to develop some new hobbies which would increase his self confidence - joining a walking group, a drama group or even doing some volunteering (your local library or Council will probably have a list of opportunities) which would help increase his sense of self-worth. Some Rotary Clubs or the Lions have volunteers groups for younger people where he could mix with others of his age group in a social way. Try Googling "Volunteering opportunities + your post code" and see if any interesting ideas crop up.

Would he consider going to a cookery course , or could you give him and his friends some cookery lessons, concentrating on one dish which they all sit and eat together afterwards as a social occasion? Any hobby where he learns new skills would help increase his confidence.

Meanwhile, keep telling him how proud you are of him for kicking the habit. It probably wasn't easy

[woofgang]

No advice to offer but I just want to congratulate you and your son on this new beginning. I will add you both to my prayers.