How to Stop Using Marijuana

Summary

Tommy Rosen, founder of Recovery 2.0, shares his personal journey with marijuana addiction, highlighting its initial benefits like calming his hyperactive mind and later revealing its detrimental effects on his life. He emphasizes the importance of evaluating whether substances promote or demote personal growth. Tommy discusses the challenges of overcoming addiction, the role of community in recovery, and the transformative power of sobriety. He advocates for a holistic approach, including yoga and meditation, over substance use for mental and emotional well-being.

Takeaways

• 🌿 The founder's initial use of marijuana was at 13 and it served as a calming agent for his hyperactive mind and a means to avoid difficult emotions.
• 🍃 Marijuana initially increased his desire for play, appetite for life, and provided relief from anxiety and anger.
• 🌾 Over time, marijuana use became a regular part of his life, used in various activities, and he became irritable without it.
• 👥 He noticed that his social circle also smoked marijuana, creating a community of shared drug use.
• 🚫 A 30-day attempt to quit marijuana was successful until a thought of complacency led to a relapse on day 22.
• 💡 The realization that marijuana was an avoidance mechanism for deeper emotional issues led to a decision to quit for good.
• 🌟 The founder advocates for paths of healing like yoga and meditation as alternatives to marijuana for achieving peace and expanding consciousness.
• 🏥 Treatment for marijuana addiction is necessary, and the founder suggests inpatient or outpatient options depending on one's situation.
• 🤝 Community support, such as 12-step programs or Marijuana Anonymous, is crucial for overcoming addiction.
• 🌱 The founder emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and honesty in deciding whether marijuana is beneficial or detrimental to one's life.

Q & A

What is the Recovery 2.0 Protocol?

The Recovery 2.0 Protocol is a set of guidelines developed by Tommy Rosen, the founder of Recovery 2.0, to help people stop using marijuana. It is based on his personal experiences and what he learned from his relationship with marijuana.

At what age did Tommy Rosen start using marijuana?

Tommy Rosen began using marijuana at the age of 13.

How did marijuana initially serve Tommy Rosen?

Initially, marijuana served Tommy Rosen by calming his hyperactive mind, helping him move aside difficult emotions such as anxiety and anger, increasing his desire to be playful, and enhancing his appetite for life.

What was the turning point for Tommy Rosen to stop using marijuana?

The turning point for Tommy Rosen was when he realized that marijuana was not healing him but masking a series of issues that needed to be addressed. He also recognized that his life had become entirely about avoiding his feelings and recreating past pleasures or avoiding past pains.

What was Tommy's experience during his 30-day attempt to quit marijuana?

During his 30-day attempt to quit marijuana, Tommy experienced irritability and withdrawal symptoms initially. However, as he progressed, he started feeling better, more present in his life, and more attentive to his responsibilities.

Why did Tommy ultimately fail his 30-day marijuana-free challenge?

Tommy failed his 30-day challenge because on the 22nd day, he had a thought that since he knew he could make it to 30 days, he didn't actually have to complete the 30 days, which led him back to using marijuana.

What role did treatment play in Tommy Rosen's recovery from marijuana addiction?

Treatment was crucial for Tommy Rosen's recovery as it helped him understand the underlying reasons for his marijuana use and how it was affecting his life. It provided him with the tools to detox mentally, emotionally, and physically from marijuana.

What are some alternative practices Tommy suggests to marijuana for personal growth and healing?

Tommy suggests practices like yoga and meditation as alternatives to marijuana for personal growth and healing. These practices can open up the heart and mind, calm the mind, and bring ease to the body without the downsides of drug use.

How does Tommy feel about the legalization of marijuana and its impact on society?

Tommy does not wish to engage in political discussions about the legalization of marijuana. Instead, he wants people to make informed decisions based on good information and their direct experience. He also points out the potential confusion for kids and parents due to the changing legal status and marketing of marijuana.

What advice does Tommy give to someone who is considering stopping marijuana use?

Tommy advises those considering stopping marijuana use to seek community support, such as through 12-step programs or Marijuana Anonymous meetings, and to consider therapy or treatment programs to help with the mental and emotional aspects of addiction.

How long has Tommy Rosen been in recovery, and what is his current relationship with marijuana?

Tommy Rosen has been in recovery for 26 years, and for the last 25 years, he has not had a single thought about wanting to smoke marijuana again. His relationship with marijuana is completely in the past.