“Positive thinking is a healthy tonic.
Think well of yourself.
Think yourself well.”
-Steve Iig

Some of the more difficult cravings that seem to hang on for weeks after you’ve stopped are usually linked to certain situations or times of the day. You may find that some of the strongest cravings come around certain people, or places. It’s much more likely to be a problem if you are spending a lot of time around a friend who is a heavy user. You can still spend time with that person but make sure it is limited and not in any situation where you both used to get high together. Here are some other tips that may help with trigger situations:

• If you used to get high in your car, for example, try listening to a CD while you drive that relaxes or energizes you to help keep the focus off the craving. Stay away from music you associated with getting high. Sing like crazy to your favorite songs!
• Try taking a different route than usual.
• Chew on a straw or toothpick while driving.
• Explore new places to go that you will not associate with getting high.

What about alcohol? It’s led many former users back to getting high. You can go weeks without having a joint, have one drink and – wham – the craving to get high hits you out of nowhere. Remember, alcohol is also a drug and can weaken your will power, no matter what you do. Some cannabis users who never cared for alcohol can fool themselves into believing this won’t happen to them. If you see yourself as a recreational cannabis user, you may believe having a drink won’t hurt. This is not the time to experiment. Quitting is a process that requires patience in numerous ways, 30 days of abstinence from any substance is recommended.