[Stacey]

Hi Danni,

First of all, it's great that you've been able to acknowledge that your relationship with weed may be problematic. While weed isn't physically addictive, it can be psychologically addictive making it difficult to stop using.

By the sound of it, you may do best by slowly decreasing your usage. If you can't go a day without it at the moment, that's okay, try to cut down on how much or how often you use each day, then slowly taper your usage down from there - once a day, once every two days, once every three days, etc and reward yourself for meeting these milestones! Even small things like your favourite candy or treat, ordering in a takeout, etc.

On the topic of rewards, it often helps to have a "bigger" reward to look forward to - something you've been wanting to buy but haven't been able to justify, something you've really wanted to do, etc. You're going to be saving money not having to buy as much weed (and eventually any at all) so in the short term, while you're quitting but that extra cash towards saving for this big reward (if possible).

If weed is where you get most of your entertainment and enjoyment from you're going to have to plan out other activities and things to keep you occupied. Do this before you start to quit so you have ideas at the ready when you're feeling the urge to use. Like Sarah said, during spring break plan some fun activities for yourself - go for a hike, take yourself on a movie or dinner date, etc. If you have any old hobbies you no longer spend time on due to school or weed use then focus on bringing those back into your life. Try journaling, start a new craft or other skill-based activity like playing an instrument, baking, knitting, etc.

Work on scheduling more time in general for doing the hobbies and things you love and the things that are good for helping you get back to a more healthy lifestyle - like exercise, calling your friends and family more, hobbies. Exercise in particular does amazing things in terms of helping distract from cravings and improving overall mental health.

Quitting is going to be difficult, you recognize that which is a great start but if you set yourself up for success by planning things out beforehand you'll be better equipt to deal with any of the cravings or urges to use.

Most importantly, a slip-up does not mean you've messed up your entire plan to quit. Slip ups are a normal part of trying to quit or form any new habit. If you slip-up and use outside of the plan you set up for yourself, take a breath, remind yourself that this is all a part of the process, and continue with your plan. That slip-up doesn't mean you failed, it's hopeless, etc it means your human and you're doing something that is difficult. The important part is to keep trying and not let that get in the way of you continuing your plan to quit.

All the best!