It's so important of folks to discuss the spectrum that is recovery! My approach to recovery is this: There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Your recovery is none of my business and mine is none of anyone else's! Recovery does not equal abstinence. Recovery by definition is a process in which one gets back what they lost and builds on it, returning to and improving on a functional, "healthy" state of mind and body. That's it! Remembering this and focusing on my own recovery rather than comparing it to anyone else's is what has kept me in sustained recovery for 21 years. ❤️
“Recovery by definition is a process in which one gets back what they lost and builds on it, returning to and improving on a functional, "healthy" state of mind and body.”
This is so beautiful, Erin! Thanks for sharing and for being so inclusive in your recovery discussions. 🫶🏽
This is such a lovely comment and framing!! I spent 12 years steeped in AA rhetoric and as I’ve decided to medicate my ADHD with as-prescribed stimulants (Ritalin) and begun to consider whether I want to tiptoe back towards drinking it’s been really hard to shake the shame and narrative about how it would be relapse and almost certain death if I ever picked up anything again. Even though my logical brain knows that is not true and is a huge believer in the spectrum of recovery and in harm reduction approaches, that shit goes deeeep. Anyway, your words were affirming!
Also going to add that I know many folks who went back to casual use of cannabis or alcohol after long term recovery and they did not fall off the cliff. For some folks that would be detrimental. For others not. I think for so many of us, our addictions were symptoms of mental health issues and/or trauma. It’s such a personal thing. And no one should ever label or categorize how you recover!
I love that you added this. It’s 100% true. Some people can truly get to the root of their substance abuse, heal, then rebuild their relationships with substances from there. It’s still one day at a time, too.
I avoided meds for YEARS in recovery and treating my ADHD has made an enormous difference in my ability to function and quality of life. And I hear you, I had that 12-step speak in my head for a long time. And for some folks, maybe meds are not the answer. But for many of us, we need them. We shouldn’t suffer! ❤️
Your description of battling anxiety is enlightening. It sounds really scary and frustrating and gives me some insight into a people-pleaser from the past who used to frustrate me endlessly by always saying yes and then freaking out afterward. Reading this was such an aha moment. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing Tawny 🫶🏾 I have been a little THC curious lately, but also worried about the potential adverse effects it may have on my mental health (even in micro doses). I still have a lot of anxiety and find it hard to be present a lot of the times, but SSRIs don’t work for me. When I do occasionally have a 2.5MG THC seltzer, I do feel a relaxation that I haven’t been able to achieve on any other type of medication. You’ve inspired me to have a discussion with my psychiatrist about exploring micro dosing for medicinal purposes.
This is a fanFuckntastic read. Thank you for sharing. i have a lot of thoughts, and shared experiences like this. A brave, smart and totally entertaining write up!!! How the hell can you find a PCP that is weed-informed? Mine is not.
Thank you for this piece, and especially the explanation of anxiety. I am never able to articulate how it feels but this was helpful. I also am sitting with your two questions... "Why am I trying to squeeze into a box that may not fit me anymore? Why do I still care so much about what people think of my life choices?"
So proud of you! Thankful for this exploration and vulnerable piece— this is such a beautiful example of what using marijuana medicinally can look like. (Low doses, babyyyy !!)
As a marijuana addict, I often thought of my weed consumption as medicinal when it wasn’t at all. Your approach and your thoughtfulness is a testament to your dedication to delving into the truth, and I am thankful for a brilliant example of how marijuana CAN actually be used medicinally, rather than justification of addictive consumption.
Paulina! Your words mean the world to me. I truly appreciate how open-minded you are in your recovery, acknowledging that we all have different paths. And thanks for reading. I know it was a long one 🫶🏽
You battle the stigma of plant medicine head on. Thanks for sharing your personal vulnerability in recovery and seeking the best ways to manage your anxiety.
Thank you for sharing! This is very relatable. I don't drink anymore as you know, but recently I have been trying out a small dose of THC (had not used since pre-pandemic) to see if it might help with anxiety. I think it's important to do what works best fo you!
Wonderful piece. I can’t use cannabis like a normal person, so I am staying away for right now, one day at a time. But I really appreciate your perspective, and bonus points for the Khruangbin reference!
Thank you for sharing, Tawny. As you know, I too am sober from alcohol (and cocaine, etc.) but take a small does of edible THC as medicine - specifically to help reduce nighttime anxiety and, in that way, counter a life-long pattern of insomnia. It's the only drug (prescribed, OTC, or otherwise) that I take regularly (outside of morning coffee:), and I actually don't find TCH as personally effective as my evening meditation. Still, the combination feels supportive right now. And, similar to you, I'm proceeding with care and an eye towards how things (and we) are always changing.
It's so important of folks to discuss the spectrum that is recovery! My approach to recovery is this: There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Your recovery is none of my business and mine is none of anyone else's! Recovery does not equal abstinence. Recovery by definition is a process in which one gets back what they lost and builds on it, returning to and improving on a functional, "healthy" state of mind and body. That's it! Remembering this and focusing on my own recovery rather than comparing it to anyone else's is what has kept me in sustained recovery for 21 years. ❤️
“Recovery by definition is a process in which one gets back what they lost and builds on it, returning to and improving on a functional, "healthy" state of mind and body.”
This is so beautiful, Erin! Thanks for sharing and for being so inclusive in your recovery discussions. 🫶🏽
❤️
This is such a lovely comment and framing!! I spent 12 years steeped in AA rhetoric and as I’ve decided to medicate my ADHD with as-prescribed stimulants (Ritalin) and begun to consider whether I want to tiptoe back towards drinking it’s been really hard to shake the shame and narrative about how it would be relapse and almost certain death if I ever picked up anything again. Even though my logical brain knows that is not true and is a huge believer in the spectrum of recovery and in harm reduction approaches, that shit goes deeeep. Anyway, your words were affirming!
Shaking the shame and the relapse rhetoric are exactly why I wrote this piece. Thanks for reading!
Also going to add that I know many folks who went back to casual use of cannabis or alcohol after long term recovery and they did not fall off the cliff. For some folks that would be detrimental. For others not. I think for so many of us, our addictions were symptoms of mental health issues and/or trauma. It’s such a personal thing. And no one should ever label or categorize how you recover!
I love that you added this. It’s 100% true. Some people can truly get to the root of their substance abuse, heal, then rebuild their relationships with substances from there. It’s still one day at a time, too.
I avoided meds for YEARS in recovery and treating my ADHD has made an enormous difference in my ability to function and quality of life. And I hear you, I had that 12-step speak in my head for a long time. And for some folks, maybe meds are not the answer. But for many of us, we need them. We shouldn’t suffer! ❤️
ADHD meds have changed my life 😭
Mine too ❤️
Your description of battling anxiety is enlightening. It sounds really scary and frustrating and gives me some insight into a people-pleaser from the past who used to frustrate me endlessly by always saying yes and then freaking out afterward. Reading this was such an aha moment. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much for sharing how this piece helped you put some pieces together. Sending you lots of love!
Thank you for bravely sharing this new part of your journey 🫶🏼
Te amo!
Thank you for sharing Tawny 🫶🏾 I have been a little THC curious lately, but also worried about the potential adverse effects it may have on my mental health (even in micro doses). I still have a lot of anxiety and find it hard to be present a lot of the times, but SSRIs don’t work for me. When I do occasionally have a 2.5MG THC seltzer, I do feel a relaxation that I haven’t been able to achieve on any other type of medication. You’ve inspired me to have a discussion with my psychiatrist about exploring micro dosing for medicinal purposes.
LOVE THIS!
This is a fanFuckntastic read. Thank you for sharing. i have a lot of thoughts, and shared experiences like this. A brave, smart and totally entertaining write up!!! How the hell can you find a PCP that is weed-informed? Mine is not.
Ahhh, so glad to know you’re trusting yourself, and your team, to find what truly works for you. That’s all it’s really about, isn’t it?!
100%. Thanks for reading!
Your recovery is your recovery. Bottom line.
This right here: “my relationship with substances is such a small part of who I am”. Yes! 🙌🏻
You are evolving and isn’t that f’n awesome? Isn’t that why we are all here?
Thanks for trusting us with this piece. 🫶🫶
That’s one of my favorite lines! So glad someone else loved it. Thanks so much Allison!
It's such a great line. It really made me pause. In all the good ways.
Thank you for this piece, and especially the explanation of anxiety. I am never able to articulate how it feels but this was helpful. I also am sitting with your two questions... "Why am I trying to squeeze into a box that may not fit me anymore? Why do I still care so much about what people think of my life choices?"
Thank you so much Dawn. Glad to hear this piece resonated and helped you connect some dots 🫶🏽
So proud of you! Thankful for this exploration and vulnerable piece— this is such a beautiful example of what using marijuana medicinally can look like. (Low doses, babyyyy !!)
As a marijuana addict, I often thought of my weed consumption as medicinal when it wasn’t at all. Your approach and your thoughtfulness is a testament to your dedication to delving into the truth, and I am thankful for a brilliant example of how marijuana CAN actually be used medicinally, rather than justification of addictive consumption.
Paulina! Your words mean the world to me. I truly appreciate how open-minded you are in your recovery, acknowledging that we all have different paths. And thanks for reading. I know it was a long one 🫶🏽
You battle the stigma of plant medicine head on. Thanks for sharing your personal vulnerability in recovery and seeking the best ways to manage your anxiety.
Love you!
Thank you for sharing! This is very relatable. I don't drink anymore as you know, but recently I have been trying out a small dose of THC (had not used since pre-pandemic) to see if it might help with anxiety. I think it's important to do what works best fo you!
100%. We’re all on our own mental health journeys. Glad you found something that works for you 🫶🏽
Wonderful piece. I can’t use cannabis like a normal person, so I am staying away for right now, one day at a time. But I really appreciate your perspective, and bonus points for the Khruangbin reference!
Love that you said “for now,” acknowledging that we all evolve. And hell yes to Khruangbin! Saw them in concert last week 🤘🏽
Love this public sharing. Very similar journey. Appreciate your research and links. Here’s to doing what works for you!
Thank you so much!
the plant saves so many lives every day!!!! this was a phenomenal read and made me giggle lots 🩷
Thank youuuuuu. My goal is always to educate while making people laugh like our girl Amy Poehler!😎
Thank you for sharing, Tawny. As you know, I too am sober from alcohol (and cocaine, etc.) but take a small does of edible THC as medicine - specifically to help reduce nighttime anxiety and, in that way, counter a life-long pattern of insomnia. It's the only drug (prescribed, OTC, or otherwise) that I take regularly (outside of morning coffee:), and I actually don't find TCH as personally effective as my evening meditation. Still, the combination feels supportive right now. And, similar to you, I'm proceeding with care and an eye towards how things (and we) are always changing.
Thank you for reading, Dana!