What drug reduces cravings for weed?

[Bueler]

I used to be terribly dependent on smoking pot every day, wake and bake, during the day, after work, before sleep, sometimes even in the middle of the night if I woke up.

It was my mood stabilizer, anti-anxiety, depression medicine.

When I added Lithium, I was able to go off pot and have been off for almost a year. Now due to so many temptations, I've been smoking almost daily, and when I don't smoke I get intense cravings.

Is there some sort of drug that reduces these cravings? Klonopin? Lithium? Wellbutrin? I mean, obviously I'm already on these, but I just don't know if there's a good chemical way to help me along.

Then there's a part of me that says, why not stay dependent on a substance? I'm already dependent on my psych meds, what's one more?

[Inspired_Neurosis]

Well, marijuana isn't clinically addictive, so if you feel dependant upon it there are other problems at work and your cravings are a side effect. You probably need to manage your depression and/or anxiety issues more effectively so that you wouldn't feel the need for marijuana. There is no direct "cure" for weed cravings. No easy answer here.

Edited July 5, 2010 by Inspired_Neurosis

[Guest bueler]

I would disagree that its not addictive. Bit has physical withdraw ie difficulty sleeping, rage, even headaches.

[Inspired_Neurosis]

Marijuana is only addictive in extreme cases of heavy, prolonged use. And even in those cases, withdrawal symptoms are probably caused mostly due to psychological factors. Animals will not self-administer THC in controlled studies. Unlike other drugs of abuse, marijuana does not produce reinforcing effects. (According to research by the Office of Technology Assessment)

Still probably not a good idea to smoke it, and you probably need better meds. Just understand where these cravings are coming from.

Edited July 5, 2010 by Inspired_Neurosis

[Velvet Elvis]

It's not physically addictive. I know what physical addiction is and weed is not.

If you're using it for self medication, the best way to quit being dependent on it would be to get the symptoms you're using it treat properly medicated with something else. If you can stand it, consider rehab.

[rowen]

There isn't anything indicated for getting through the weed ordeal (So sayeth my Evidenced-Based Treatment of Alcohol and Drug Abuse book. Cool stuff. Go through the Crazystore if you're interested in a copy).

Why do you smoke weed? What does your therapist say? What do you think would help you stop smoking?

[Velvet Elvis]

Actually, that's not in the crazystore I don't think. Which one do you mean and I'll add it:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=evidence+based+treatment+of+drug+and+alchohol+abuse&x=0&y=0

[rowen]

Actually, that's not in the crazystore I don't think. Which one do you mean and I'll add it:

http://www.amazon.co...l+abuse&x=0&y=0

I meant go through the Crazystore to get to Amazon. But if you want to add it, I think it'd be worth it. It's pretty easy to follow, and it's very informative.

http://www.amazon.com/Evidence-Based-Treatments-Alcohol-Drug-Abuse/dp/0415952867/ref=tmm_pap_title_0

[Velvet Elvis]

Done. I'm presently working on removing old titles that are no longer listed w/ Amazon and adding new stuff so good timing.

It's harder to get to Amazon proper through the crazystore than it is by going through one of the freestanding links btw. Go through the deals link in the sidebar or one of my spam posts in the Amazon thread.

[null0trooper]

When I added Lithium, I was able to go off pot and have been off for almost a year. Now due to so many temptations, I've been smoking almost daily, and when I don't smoke I get intense cravings.

If you've been off for almost a year, I'd wonder if it's temptation driving the problem or something else, like added stressors, or a change in mood cycling. Either one could require addressing the underlying problem (therapy for coping with added SSDD, or a med adjustment of some sort) if you want any a good shot at kicking the weed.

[scatty]

I quit smoking weed for the most part when I started klonopin. Calms me down enough to not need mj anymore. Something you may want to talk to your pdoc about, in addition to ADs.

[Bueler]

Yeah, I already take Klonopin. The only reason I started up pot again is temptation. I'm now in the city and around people who smoke CONSTANTLY. And, I just can't avoid the temptation. Although I've gone 3 days (Weekend) without smoking, so I'm not a hopeless case, of course.

[Halluci_Nationwide]

I think its absolute bullshit how some people, are resorting to medical statistics and scientific opinions. weed can be addictive, and it cant be, depends on the type of person you are, life events and surroundings. You just cant say, 'its NOT addictive' because frankly, as i said, thats absolute bullshit

[Moil]

What I took from this conversation is that weed can most certainly be psychologically addicting, but no one has shown evidence that it is physically addicting.  Both are considered forms of addiction, but they are not the same thing.  Another thing, what is wrong with scientific opinions.  They are by definition evidence based and you can verify their data if you so choose.  Statistics on the other hand can be quite useful but can be easy to slant at times...but again you often can go lookup their methods and data should you be so inclined.

[Halluci_Nationwide]

What I took from this conversation is that weed can most certainly be psychologically addicting, but no one has shown evidence that it is physically addicting. Both are considered forms of addiction, but they are not the same thing. Another thing, what is wrong with scientific opinions. They are by definition evidence based and you can verify their data if you so choose. Statistics on the other hand can be quite useful but can be easy to slant at times...but again you often can go lookup their methods and data should you be so inclined.

I do agree with you, its just my selfish views from personal experiance really

[Bueler]

It's physical too, okay?

[Velvet Elvis]

It's not physically addictive. You might be using it to self medicate a physical condition, but it's not physically addictive. This is a proven fact.

If you're using it to self-medicate you might even be physically dependent on it, but it's not physically addictive.

Addiction is a syndrome. Here are the symptoms:

• Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly — this can be daily or even several times a day
  
• Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug
  
• Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug
  
• Spending money on the drug even though you can't afford it
  
• Doing things to obtain the drug that you normally wouldn't do, such as stealing
  
• Feeling that you need the drug to deal with your problems
  
• Driving or doing other risky activities when you're under the influence of the drug
  
• Focusing more and more time and energy on getting and using the drug
  

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-addiction/DS00183/DSECTION=symptoms

That goes for physical and psychological addiction, you've got to have all of those.

You can become dependent on something without having all those symptoms.

It's an incontrovertible fact that weed is not physically addictive. It does not induce a physical addiction reaction in the brain. There is no illness with physical symptoms, etc.

[notfred]

Anticraving Medications for Relapse Prevention: A Possible New Class of Psychoactive Medications

Charles P. O’Brien, M.D., Ph.D.

Am J Psychiatry 162:1423-1431, August 2005

It does not speak directly about cannabis but it seems the meds that work for craving/relapse work with several illicit drugs.

Naltrexone is probably one of the better known anticraving med.

nf

[etkearne]

They are in the process of developing Cannabinoid receptor agonists that could be used for the psychological craving for Cannabis. Unfortunately, none are marketed, except Drobinal (sp?), which is just THC in a pill. Hopefully, someday, all substances will have a safe partner that reduces craving and obsession (and withdrawal with physically addictive drugs) in the way we have Buprenorphine for opioids and nicotine patches for smokers. Best of luck in your recovery.

I would say, for now, to work on psychotherapeutic approaches to ceasing your addiction, as they can be very helpful if taken seriously. Write me if you like. I deal with mild opioid dependence and am not yet on Buprenorphine.

[nibblerd]

The only times I crave marijuana anymore are when my moods break through the numerous medications I'm on -- and when I do indulge, it's all to clear to me why I don't and cannot smoke on my meds.. It doesn't feel right. Last time that happened was about 3 weeks ago, and now that I'm in a mixed state the urges are coming back. I know not to smoke it because it makes every single one of my meds ineffective, causes uncomfortable panic-like symptoms, and I spend the high waiting for it to end.

[Halluci_Nationwide]

It's physical too, okay?

Yay someone that agrees with me! I dunno about you but if i havnt smoked anything for a couple of days, i wont eat and my stomach shrinks, and if that isnt physical, then i dont know what is

[nibblerd]

It's physical too, okay?

Yay someone that agrees with me! I dunno about you but if i havnt smoked anything for a couple of days, i wont eat and my stomach shrinks, and if that isnt physical, then i dont know what is

It's a natural rebound effect, same as the effect on the large intestine. You've been pigging out on weed and now you're not hungry. OMG NO WAY. It's not like you're forced to smoke weed to feel better from that. The other thing is that poop goes faster. Oh well. Stop smoking weed and this stuff won't happen anymore.

[Moil]

Upon further reading:

DSM-IV 304.30

The Wiki of Pedias

World Health Organization ICD-10

NIH

Plus bunches of sites saying that it isn't addicting.

My conclusion:

It is not that common for one to become addicted to weed, but the Internet argues the specifics of said addiction.  It looks like this may be a fairly recent topic of study by those with the means.

Take that for specificity!

Edited November 6, 2010 by Moil

[Bueler]

It's physical too, okay?

Yay someone that agrees with me! I dunno about you but if i havnt smoked anything for a couple of days, i wont eat and my stomach shrinks, and if that isnt physical, then i dont know what is

I don't want to argue against the DSM, because I'd probably lose. I will say, however, that I have first hand experience with physical addictions to weed. When I quit, I can't sleep, I get manic, I get sweats, I have rage attacks. If nothing else, sweat is physical. Sweat is not in my head. I'm not saying it's as physically addicting as heroin, but I am saying it IS physically addicting. For me, I had to use Seroquel to get myself to sleep when I initially quit, and it also calmed some of the rage and mania.

So yes, sweat is physical. I don't care if you post links to studies and publications - I've experienced it, and you can't convince me I haven't experienced it with a link. That would make me psychotic perhaps, or at least delusional.

[nibblerd]

It's physical too, okay?

Yay someone that agrees with me! I dunno about you but if i havnt smoked anything for a couple of days, i wont eat and my stomach shrinks, and if that isnt physical, then i dont know what is

I don't want to argue against the DSM, because I'd probably lose. I will say, however, that I have first hand experience with physical addictions to weed. When I quit, I can't sleep, I get manic, I get sweats, I have rage attacks. If nothing else, sweat is physical. Sweat is not in my head. I'm not saying it's as physically addicting as heroin, but I am saying it IS physically addicting. For me, I had to use Seroquel to get myself to sleep when I initially quit, and it also calmed some of the rage and mania.

So yes, sweat is physical. I don't care if you post links to studies and publications - I've experienced it, and you can't convince me I haven't experienced it with a link. That would make me psychotic perhaps, or at least delusional.

Sweats can be related to anxiety which can come along with mania which is related to.. you guessed it, bipolar disorder. Man, please go see your psychiatrist and get this checked out, because he's really the only person that can help you.