I know quite a lot of people who have done very well with twelve-step programs (NA, AA). Twelve-step programs get a certain amount of flak from cynics, but they're the way I'd go if it were my choice to make. I think people succeed in the program to the extent that they allow themselves to trust and believe in it.
I'd second that, and add the caveat to avoid Potsmokers Anonymous, which, despite the name, is unaffiliated with the other Anonymous programs and has a different approach.
The nice thing about NA is that even if the 12-step approach doesn't work for your friend, thir'll meet a lot of other people going through the same thing, and can get support and advice from them.
i think i third what other people said, but from a more general point of view. Having some support - someone to kick your ass when you fall back, and encourage you when you have a tought night - is really important.
People tend to fall back into bad habits during times of stress. Its useful to replace the bad behavior with good behavior (this is why so many ex-smokers chew gum) - could be anything that is less destructive than pot-smoking. One thing you could do for your friend is to be there for him to call when he's having a rough moment. Make sure he knows its okay to call you.
My first main piece of advice would be to avoid places where pot smoke is going to hang heavy in the air, or possibly even places where anyone might have a spliff at all.
1. Cold turkey 2. If possible, be with friends more often 3. BE ACTIVE. I cannot stress this one enough. If you fill your time with activities or work or ANYTHING, it'll leave less and less availibility for smoking. 4. Don't be around when smoking/selling/rolling/etc occurs. The more you talk and think about pot, the more you'll want to smoke. Trust me. 5. Last resort, find a harder drug and crawl into a gutter. Personally, I'd try the other four first.
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Date: 2006-11-20 06:04 am (UTC)Sending good thoughts to your friend.
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Date: 2006-11-20 12:12 pm (UTC)The nice thing about NA is that even if the 12-step approach doesn't work for your friend, thir'll meet a lot of other people going through the same thing, and can get support and advice from them.
no subject
Date: 2006-11-20 07:03 pm (UTC)People tend to fall back into bad habits during times of stress. Its useful to replace the bad behavior with good behavior (this is why so many ex-smokers chew gum) - could be anything that is less destructive than pot-smoking. One thing you could do for your friend is to be there for him to call when he's having a rough moment. Make sure he knows its okay to call you.
no subject
Date: 2006-11-20 10:15 pm (UTC)The second would be to keep busy.
no subject
Date: 2006-11-21 08:17 pm (UTC)2. If possible, be with friends more often
3. BE ACTIVE. I cannot stress this one enough. If you fill your time with activities or work or ANYTHING, it'll leave less and less availibility for smoking.
4. Don't be around when smoking/selling/rolling/etc occurs. The more you talk and think about pot, the more you'll want to smoke. Trust me.
5. Last resort, find a harder drug and crawl into a gutter. Personally, I'd try the other four first.