Cannabis can help us see the beauty in every day, writes Casper James* who says the plant has helped him recover from alcohol addiction and embrace his creativity.
I am a recovering alcoholic and have found cannabis to be a huge help in my recovery.
Some people say that cannabis is a gateway drug but for me, it has been the opposite. It’s helped me stay sober and it’s helped me stay calm.
I haven’t had a drink in over three years and during that time I really struggled with my confidence and anxiety levels. After I began consuming cannabis it had a profound effect on my life. I felt more relaxed and confident and found it easier to talk to people.
You might wonder if cannabis is a safe and/or effective way to help you stay sober. While there’s no definitive answer, I’m aware that other people who have used cannabis to recover from alcoholism report feeling more confident and relaxed, with fewer cravings and a decreased desire to drink.
If you do choose to use cannabis as part of your recovery, start with small doses and increase gradually as needed. You should also avoid using cannabis if you’re feeling triggered or tempted to drink.
I can only speak from my experience but cannabis has helped immensely in my own recovery and in many other aspects of my life, too.
Cannabis and social anxiety
Cannabis has helped in managing my social anxiety and allowing me to enjoy social situations again.
Now I use cannabis when I go out and meet new people. I often find myself feeling nervous and unsure of what to say, so I end up talking too much in an attempt to fill the silence. I find that cannabis helps me to feel more comfortable in situations where I would otherwise feel anxious. I don’t feel like I need to force conversation, which is a huge relief.
I was never one for social situations. I always found them to be too loud, too chaotic. I preferred to be by myself, in my own little world. But ever since I started taking cannabis, I have found myself enjoying being around people more. It makes me more open to socialising.
The first time I tried cannabis I was nervous. I had heard all sorts of stories about how it would make me feel and I wasn’t sure if I was ready for that. But I instantly felt more relaxed. It was like all of my worries melted away and I was finally able to just be at peace.
Now I consume it often. It helps me to stay calm and collected and it makes me feel like everything is going to be alright. I’ve also started using cannabis before events and family gatherings. I find that I’m actually more talkative and engaging after I have consumed.
Cannabis and creativity
Cannabis has become part of my routine. It helps me to wind down at the end of the day and relaxes me so I can sleep better. It has never had any negative side effects for me, I’m able to function normally when using it and I find it a safe and effective way for me to improve my quality of life.
I like to write poems and stories and have found that my creative writing has been better since I’ve started consuming cannabis. I find that I am able to be more creative when I make use of this tool.
Cannabis and poetry may seem like an unlikely combination, but for many people, they go hand in hand. It can heighten the senses and make the world around us seem more vibrant and alive. For some, this can lead to a more profound appreciation of the form.
Poetry has a long history of being associated with mind-altering substances. Some of the most famous poets, including William Shakespeare, Maya Angelou, and Jack Kerouac, were known to enjoy cannabis. In fact, Angelou herself described it as: “From a natural stiffness, I melted into a grinning tolerance.”
Cannabis can help us see the beauty in everyday objects and experiences that we might otherwise take for granted. It can also make us more open to new ideas and ways of thinking. For these reasons, many people find that smoking cannabis enhances their enjoyment of poetry.
I know that I’m lucky to be alive. I know that I’m lucky to be sober. And I know that I’m lucky to have found something that helps me stay that way. I’m grateful for every day that I’m sober and I’m grateful for cannabis.
*Casper’s name has been changed at his request to protect his identity.
The post OPINION: ‘As a recovering alcoholic, cannabis has helped me immensely’ appeared first on Cannabis Health News.
