Step 1

Quitting Marijuana – Making the Decision

The most important step you can make right now is the decision to quit smoking marijuana. It is not an easy decision, and therefore, should not be taken lightly. You need to understand that there will be many challenges along the way. Although some days may seem easy, the difficult ones will be silently lurking around the corner waiting to test your resolve.

This decision you are about to make will ultimately be the catapult to the life you have only been able to dream about until now. I am not talking about the dream of owning your own Ferrari or becoming the latest entrepreneur to rise to the pinnacles of success. If that is your dream, then I say, “Go for it!”

But, this is more about becoming more successful in all areas of your life. It is more about you becoming a better parent, friend or spouse. It is about your mental and physical health. We take for granted the small things in life that ultimately make us happy, or productive in life. It is the things that have true and lasting meaning which marijuana seems to rob us of when we remorsefully live in that cloud of smoke.

Making the decision to stop using can be a challenge. People smoke marijuana for different reasons: habit, social pressures, and/or psychological or physical dependence. Quitting is a very personal experience and the same methods don’t work for everyone. Maybe you have quit before and have slipped back.  The CAARE program is designed to support your choice to quit, and guide you through your very unique situation.

However, before moving forward, you need to be very honest with yourself. Are you willing to put forth the necessary effort it will take  for you to be successful? This is my advice to you…If you aren’t willing to do the things I ask of you, the things that I know are important to your success (and I mean EVERYTHING), then PLEASE do not move forward until you are ready to FULLY commit. This is crucial advice and should not be taken lightly.

If you can’t place a check by the following items, then you are not ready. If you can and are ready for this journey, then let’s get started by following The instructions on the following page.

  Evaluate the risks and benefits of continued marijuana use. Are you ready to sacrifice immediate gratification for more long-term benefits and goals?

  Overcome stubbornness. You need to be willing to admit that marijuana use is causing problems for you or you will keep yourself stuck.

  Get rid of any paraphernalia for smoking marijuana that you currently possess.

  Make a commitment to quitting. Make your decision public with someone who will support and respect you and your confidentiality.

  Drop any identity that you maintained for yourself as a marijuana user. The more you value yourself, the less likely you are to make excuses for using marijuana.

  Avoid the people, places, and playthings; that might trigger your use. If you find yourself in a risky environment, be prepared to respond assertively, don’t make excuses and be willing to leave immediately if necessary.

  Have confidence that you can deal effectively with the situations you face and that you can accomplish the goals that you pursue.