Thanks so much for reaching out. Any time we have a habit that we’d like to change, it can be helpful to think about what need is being met by the habit, and then work on finding a way to meet that need in another (read: healthier) way. For example, if you are using cannabis to relax, think about what other activities can provide relaxation (walking, yoga, meditation, reading, tai-chi, socializing, doing a puzzle, etc.) and implement them regularly into your life. Or, if you are using cannabis because you’re bored or lonely, start doing some new activities that will inspire you to learn new things and meet new people (take a class or join a group to learn a new language, cooking, art, writing, etc.). These ideas may sound far-fetched at first, but you’d be surprised how much easier it is to stay away from something we are trying to avoid if we have something else meeting our need in its place.

Additionally, the act of literally diverting ourselves from habitual activities (even in small ways) can be very helpful. Consider what your routine is around cannabis use. For example, if you typically come home from work and go immediately to vaping, try changing your routine by doing something else when you first get home, or even going somewhere different before coming home (as getting home likely triggers the habit). Changing our physical location, whether a different room, or a different place altogether, can help us consider new ways of doing things and keeps us from falling into the ingrained routine of habits we want to change.

Let us know how you are doing as you continue to work on this!

Best!

Zoe