Case studies
Sarah’s story
See Sarah's story in her own words
“ I’m a fourty one year old lady who’s been smoking cannabis since I was seventeen that 35 years. One Saturday I read an article on the Herald about the cannabis Clinic that helps people to kick the dependence to cannabis. I had tried previously and the article mentioned all the symtoms I had experienced. I wrote the phone number down hoping I’d get the courage to ring. It took a couple of weeks but I eventually rang and spoke to Barbra. Who was pleasant she then had Jo return my call she arranged for some information to be sent to me.
About a month later an appointment was made to attend the clinic. I found the first visit a bit intimating but I soon got over it. Barb made me feel comfortable and didn’t seem to judge. They gave me strategies to help me delay and cut back on my cannabis consumption the information was good and made a lot of sense when I first attended the clinic
I was smoking half an ounze a week (14grams) the clinic suggested that I start reducing the amount I smoked in the course of two months I’d reduced my consumption to 3.5grams per week. The clinic then asked me to pick a date to go abstinent which was a little confronting but my aim was to give up as the date approached I did increase my smoking somewhat but only slightly. The day came when I was to go abstinent I was surprised how I just expected the fact that I wasn’t going to smoke anymore I honestly didn’t recognise any cravings I reckon they prepared me mentally and had given me strategies to cope with most situations. I’m now in my twenty ninth day of abstinence and enjoying the extra money I’m saving I’m still experiencing night sweats and the dreaming can make sleeping difficult. I’ve choosen not to take any thing to help me sleep. I’m very proud of my self as there have been situation where people have said one cone won’t hurt but I just choose to ignore them and explain that they are not helping my situation. I’m so glad I read that article that day and would like to thank the staff for all their help.”
Sarah, 41.
