Im wondering how others feel about this topic. Ive been clean for more than a few years now, and I now find myself with chronic, debilitating back pain. I am facing the harsh reality that I need to take SOMETHING for the pain in order to function at all. Ive spent a year trying every option that did not involve high doses of narcotic pain killers, but nothing has worked. The mild doses of pain killers that Ive allowed myself do not help and Ive finally reached my limit. I asked my doctor, and even knowing my entire history as a recovering addict, he agreed that at least TRYING medical MJ was prudent at this juncture. So here I am, testing the waters in a situation that Ive been conditioned to avoid at all costs, and it would really help to have the input of others in recovery. The medical MJ has taken my pain down from a 9 to a four with only two small hits. So far I am able to stop at that point, and function much better. I know that this is what I need to do, but that doesn't make it any easier to accept. I could really use some support right now. Thanks.
Medical MJ is not legal in my state.
Even if it were, I would not do it.
I know myself well and I know that 2 hits would lead to 4, 8, etc.
MJ was my drug of choice.
That really stinks. I wish there was some PT that could help. While I'm not going to co-sign a script for weed for you, if I were in your position I'd have to listen to all Dr's opinions.
May I suggest 1 stretch that has worked wonders for me. My back use to go out at least 1 a year for decades. I was told to stand in shower, let hot water from shower run over your mid to lower back put your hands on the wall ....and as the water cascades over your back and do 40 high steps slowly pulling your knees as high up as they go.
You've probably done something like this on the floor lying on your back. I haven't lost a day of work since starting this routine in the 90's. I do it every day
I have had back issues too since my 40s. I have managed my problems with: 1) exercises to strengthen my core muscles; 2) stretching; 3) swimming; 4) hot baths; 5) massage; 6) and when necessary NSAIDs, heating pads...
I was at a palliative care conference the other day,, there was an interesting presentation when an older, conservative looking fellow got up and presented on the benefits of MJ.... and yes ,, there is a growing bank of irrefutable evidence that medicinal MJ has great benefit in painful conditions.
from my notes,,, Cannibaloids have been used for ~15 years. Pharmaceutical extracts aren't that great.
Yes there IS a danger of getting 'hooked',, in fact the Doc doesn't recommend use with those with a history of addiction.
It's very important to note that high CBD/low THC strains max-out the healing properties/ lessen the 'high'.,,, and it was recommended to use extracts and tinctures of high CBD to get the most benefit, without the cache' and harm of smoking., (nor the allure of vaporizing equipment).
......here's some info on high CBD.... http://www.leafscience.com/2014/02/23/5-must-know-facts-cannabidiol-cbd/
CBD has a wide range of medical benefits... Although CBD and THC act on different pathways of the body, they seem to have many of the same medical benefits. According to a 2013 review published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, studies have found CBD to possess the following medical properties:
Medical Properties of CBD Effects Antiemetic Reduces nausea and vomiting Anticonvulsant Suppresses seizure activity Antipsychotic Combats psychosis disorders Anti-inflammatory Combats inflammatory disorders Anti-oxidant Combats neurodegenerative disorders Anti-tumoral/Anti-cancer Combats tumor and cancer cells Anxiolytic/Anti-depressant Combats anxiety and depression disorders
By using selective breeding techniques, cannabis breeders have managed to create varieties with high levels of CBD and next to zero levels of THC.
..some other notes from the doctor,,, MJ works well in combination with other meds, and reduces the overall amount needed., preventing the much dreaded 'pain spiral'.,augmenting opiates. High BD strains help maintain homeostasis(balance of body systems), immune system, memory, sleep, appetite, pain perception & modulation, fibromyalgia, anxiety, anti-inflammatory 10x the strength of aspirin without the risks to stomach.
...so yeh, there's growing proof of -many- benefits,, and doctors all over the place are prescribing not just to a stoner subculture,,, at the same time, as addicts we MUST be careful... and take the same precautions as we would with opiates
. ...............what does your sponsor think??
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...gawd,,,please don't let me -ever- forget why I came here in the first place!!(my 'senility' prayer)
Medical cannabis has evolved and there are strains now that are not nearly as psychoactive, higher CBD lower THC, that are highly effective for pain management and far better choice than opiates. If MJ was Not your drug of choice or wasn't used along with your drug of choice, it may not trigger your addiction. Last year I was diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer. I was looking for my best options for survival. I chose surgery and "Rick Simpson oil" which is medical cannabis in it's most potent form. I followed a protocol for 6 weeks and ceased on the last day. It was difficult to manage my obligations, not drive under the influence etc... After 26 years clean, it was not all that enjoyable not being in control of my mind and body. But not once did I feel like I relapsed, used... etc. Nor did I think about drinking or using. I would do it again if I had to, God forbid. Do your homework.
