Quitting Day

"Whom should I tell? Finding support

Many of us find it hard enough to admit to ourselves that our dope smoking is causing us problems, therefore it’s understandable that when we are planning to quit we are careful about whom we tell. We might worry that our smoking buddies won’t understand what all the fuss is about; perhaps they might laugh at us or not take our concerns seriously. Actually, in my experience, it can be other smokers who are often, but not always, the most supportive. Why? Because only another addicted dope smoker truly understands the hold that weed can have over us. Even smokers who see no reason to quit themselves know that at different times their smoking has caused them problems. Many will support your efforts. There will be others, of course, who feel threatened by your decision, as it upsets their conception of who you are, and of course may force them to question their own relationship with cannabis.

The important thing is to find quality support from as many people as you can. I know some who, upon quitting, told everybody they knew – smokers and non-smokers alike. This approach works well for some people, but for others it piles on too much pressure at an early stage. Although you may feel you have the personality type that thrives on this sort of challenge, do you really want to be so open about your private life to all-comers? It could be better to sound people out, people you know and trust."