Abstinence v Control

"Before we move on to the last two sections, perhaps it’s time to consider whether you have control over your dope smoking. For many of us, it can take quite a lot of trial and error to find this out; but for others, to simply notice they are smoking more than they are comfortable with can lead them to pull back and set strict personal limits on when they allow themselves to get stoned.

• You may find that you are smoking tobacco joints just to gain a nicotine hit.
• You may find that you are spending every hour when you are not smoking in discomfort, waiting to get home or to a safe place to get stoned.
• You may find that you are bored with smoking all the time but find it difficult to think of anything else you would rather be doing.
• You may find that all the usual things you like to do when you are stoned have absolutely no interest to you when you are straight.

Does agreement to these scenarios mean you are addicted to cannabis, or could you learn to control your use? This is for you to decide.

Some people instinctively know that they cannot smoke dope with any control. It’s all or nothing for them. As they say in the 12-Step Programme, ‘One joint/line/drink is never enough – one is too many.’

Maybe you have decided you are a heavy smoker and that’s the way you like it. I hold no judgement. As far as I’m concerned, it’s your mind and body, to do what you like with, but don’t rule out the possibility of change. Change is happening all the time. Circumstances change, our health changes, our responsibilities change along with our beliefs and attitudes. Leave the door open."