Please can you help me? mh and addiction

[beezlebop]

Hello,
I would really like help and didn't know where to post hope this is right. I'm going to be honest I'm 40 and during the last few years in difficult circumstances I've become a Weed addict. It is affecting everything, it's the only thing that's kept my emotions in check Tbh. I haven't told my cpn and now feel like a fraud. No one would know apart from close friends. It stops flashbacks nightmares etc. But i now smoke All day every day. No one seems to take it seriously.

Thank you xxx

Well done for being honest, not least with yourself. That's the first step to addressing the issue.

I wonder why you haven't told your CPN though? They will have come across people self medicating many times before, and they won't judge you or be cross with you. It's best if you can be more open with them, that's the only way they will be able to properly help you.

You've clearly come to rely on weed as a prop and to mask how you feel, that's really common, but it can leave you feeling scared of experiencing the feelings you are trying to hide from. But we do need to be able to feel our feelings to be able to work through them. Maybe you are scared that you would be overwhelmed? I'd suggest the first step would be to gradually cut back on how much you're smoking, do it step by step.

I'd suggest seeing if you can get some support from your local drug and alcohol services. They can be very understanding and helpful. I'd really recommend that, as you yourself clearly want things to change somehow, but maybe you need a little support with that right now.

Best wishes for everything, and be kind to yourself.