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Quitting Weed: The Complete Guide
Just as there are responsible drinkers and alcoholics, there are those who can moderate their cannabis use and those who cannot. If you are struggling to quit and you want to learn how to quit successfully, this book is for you – you'll never look at cannabis the same way again. Life is too short to be a slave to a plant. Begin your recovery journey today. Quitting The Complete Guide is the definitive book on overcoming cannabis addiction. A former addict himself, Matthew Clarke provides an easy-to-follow, comprehensive guide for understanding how cannabis addiction works, and most importantly, detailed advice on how to conquer addiction – permanently.
- GenresSelf Help
157 pages, Paperback
Published March 4, 2018
125 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 10, 2021
I actually haven't finished reading this book yet, but I've garnered success for what I needed the book to do: help me quit smoking cannabis. I've quit. It's been 61 days since I last blazed, and I feel really grateful for having the wherewithal to make this happen. It needed to happen. So much of my life had me floating through in a haze, withdrawn and apprehensive to be and express myself as I truly enjoy doing. Cannabis makes one feel good without one necessarily having any reason to feel good.
This book is an extremely comprehensive guide that discusses the science behind addiction – the dopamine response of a habit is just as much responsible for our actions as our enjoyment of the chemical itself – and it served as the foundation on which my ability to stop consuming cannabis stands. I cannot recommend this book enough for anyone that struggles with cannabis addiction. I got to a point where I was recording videos of myself talking while super stoned so that I could review them when sober in the morning, and I hated the person I was watching... but I couldn't stop being that person.
Coupling this book with something like Atomic Habits is a great call because the two books are both very based in the psychology of habits, and how we can approach habit change as a matter of identity and context change.
Absolute beauty of a book, though it's really geared towards cannabis and cannabis addiction recovery. People that have experienced cannabis withdrawal syndrome know that this is a drug like any other. Going through a week of insomnia because of the withdrawals is painful, aggravating, frustrating, and upsetting. Not only that, but I was getting cold sweats, anxiousness (exacerbated by the insomnia, no doubt), and feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness.
I'm a happy-go-lucky guy and to see myself go through such horrible shit just because of the consumable plant that I found enjoyable was not an experience I ever want to go through again. This book has helped me see that I am not the type that can have a casual relationship with weed, for me it is all-or-nothing and if I do it at all, I do it all the time.
It is over. Thank you to Matthew Clarke for writing this book, it's an important one in my life and I credit it with helping me construct the intellectual foundation on which my addiction recovery stands.
This book is an extremely comprehensive guide that discusses the science behind addiction – the dopamine response of a habit is just as much responsible for our actions as our enjoyment of the chemical itself – and it served as the foundation on which my ability to stop consuming cannabis stands. I cannot recommend this book enough for anyone that struggles with cannabis addiction. I got to a point where I was recording videos of myself talking while super stoned so that I could review them when sober in the morning, and I hated the person I was watching... but I couldn't stop being that person.
Coupling this book with something like Atomic Habits is a great call because the two books are both very based in the psychology of habits, and how we can approach habit change as a matter of identity and context change.
Absolute beauty of a book, though it's really geared towards cannabis and cannabis addiction recovery. People that have experienced cannabis withdrawal syndrome know that this is a drug like any other. Going through a week of insomnia because of the withdrawals is painful, aggravating, frustrating, and upsetting. Not only that, but I was getting cold sweats, anxiousness (exacerbated by the insomnia, no doubt), and feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness.
I'm a happy-go-lucky guy and to see myself go through such horrible shit just because of the consumable plant that I found enjoyable was not an experience I ever want to go through again. This book has helped me see that I am not the type that can have a casual relationship with weed, for me it is all-or-nothing and if I do it at all, I do it all the time.
It is over. Thank you to Matthew Clarke for writing this book, it's an important one in my life and I credit it with helping me construct the intellectual foundation on which my addiction recovery stands.
May 25, 2019
Best book on addiction, EVER.
This book from the first few pages made me feel I wasn't alone.
Highly recommended by someone who thought they'd never escape the tyranny of the weed.
This book from the first few pages made me feel I wasn't alone.
Highly recommended by someone who thought they'd never escape the tyranny of the weed.
March 21, 2024
I've decided to quit cold turkey after using for about three years, nearly nonstop. The details are ugly so this review will highlight the biggest 'oh damn' moments I had while reading. They may seem obvious to someone who is sober, but for an addict – it's the difference between staying in the cycle, and breaking out of it.
"Quitting is a process, NOT a single event."
"If you believe that your experience during the first few weeks [of quitting] is how it normally feels to be sober, you are likely to relapse."
"The biggest danger is in confusing withdrawals with sobriety."
"Consider boredom as a sign of not knowing what to do, rather than having nothing to do."
"As an addict, moderation is myth."
"Be kind to yourself. Overcoming addiction is supposed to be difficult."
A question that made me sit back in my chair and say, 'Fuck.': "When was the last time you spent 6 months weed free?" I couldn't figure it out. It'd been years ago.
Strong recommend for anyone in need. Words of encouragement, no nonsense advice, and actual solutions to stay clean.
"Quitting is a process, NOT a single event."
"If you believe that your experience during the first few weeks [of quitting] is how it normally feels to be sober, you are likely to relapse."
"The biggest danger is in confusing withdrawals with sobriety."
"Consider boredom as a sign of not knowing what to do, rather than having nothing to do."
"As an addict, moderation is myth."
"Be kind to yourself. Overcoming addiction is supposed to be difficult."
A question that made me sit back in my chair and say, 'Fuck.': "When was the last time you spent 6 months weed free?" I couldn't figure it out. It'd been years ago.
Strong recommend for anyone in need. Words of encouragement, no nonsense advice, and actual solutions to stay clean.
August 27, 2021
I can thoroughly recommend Quitting Weed: The Complete Guide for those who struggle with cannabis addiction. Cannabis is a drug that is currently experiencing a huge renaissance around the world, with many countries legalising its use. While I think a health based approach to cannabis abuse is far more helpful to addicts than criminalising them, this liberalisation means many people think that cannabis use is without risk.
Cannabis is a treacherous and addictive drug for many people. It's true it is less harmful than many others, but its 'soft' reputation has meant that is is very difficult to find resources specifically written for those suffering ill health from its abuse. This book is especially written for cannabis abusers, and was created with compassion and optimism.
I abused cannabis for 29 years, 90% of my adult life. This book helped me through the acute withdrawal period and I have now achieved six weeks of sobriety, something I have never achieved before. It clearly sets out why cannabis addiction can harm the individual, while never demonising the substance across the board - it is clear that not everyone who uses it develops an addiction.
It is comprehensive, concise (you can easily read it in a day) and never condescending. Many books on addiction are too broadly focussed - a meth abuser, an alcoholic and a weed addict have some things in common, but often a weed addict can comfortably function without ever hitting 'rock bottom'. This book focuses on weed alone, and because of this, it is easy to digest and apply to the problem of cannabis addiction.
I re-read this book every day to strengthen my resolve, and it was totally worth the $11 NZ I paid for it. I would like to thank the author if he happens to read this review, as I never found anyone who took my accounts of cannabis withdrawal symptoms seriously, nor anyone who believed that you could get addicted to weed. Thank you so much Matthew!
Cannabis is a treacherous and addictive drug for many people. It's true it is less harmful than many others, but its 'soft' reputation has meant that is is very difficult to find resources specifically written for those suffering ill health from its abuse. This book is especially written for cannabis abusers, and was created with compassion and optimism.
I abused cannabis for 29 years, 90% of my adult life. This book helped me through the acute withdrawal period and I have now achieved six weeks of sobriety, something I have never achieved before. It clearly sets out why cannabis addiction can harm the individual, while never demonising the substance across the board - it is clear that not everyone who uses it develops an addiction.
It is comprehensive, concise (you can easily read it in a day) and never condescending. Many books on addiction are too broadly focussed - a meth abuser, an alcoholic and a weed addict have some things in common, but often a weed addict can comfortably function without ever hitting 'rock bottom'. This book focuses on weed alone, and because of this, it is easy to digest and apply to the problem of cannabis addiction.
I re-read this book every day to strengthen my resolve, and it was totally worth the $11 NZ I paid for it. I would like to thank the author if he happens to read this review, as I never found anyone who took my accounts of cannabis withdrawal symptoms seriously, nor anyone who believed that you could get addicted to weed. Thank you so much Matthew!
December 22, 2023
I think that it's a book that I will read again and again a couple of times.
July 7, 2022
Awsome book!
The structure of the book is strong and unlike other books I've tried in regards to this topic, the author brings up the bitter, ugly part of reality on once canvas and makes me feel that all the ugly things in my mind are indeed ugly, but there are other people who are really struggling with quitting weed experience those too.
The he draws the beauty of reality after quiting on a huge canvas. The more he goes, there are more benefits he can go with on and on.
Thank you Matthew,
Fuad
Then he
The structure of the book is strong and unlike other books I've tried in regards to this topic, the author brings up the bitter, ugly part of reality on once canvas and makes me feel that all the ugly things in my mind are indeed ugly, but there are other people who are really struggling with quitting weed experience those too.
The he draws the beauty of reality after quiting on a huge canvas. The more he goes, there are more benefits he can go with on and on.
Thank you Matthew,
Fuad
Then he
March 30, 2023
Finally, a book about weed addiction that resonates
Over 30 years of cannabis addiction from my mid teens. Countless attempts to quit over the years but always ending up back under the emotional blanket. I used to believe that weed created insight and enhanced life experiences. Everything was better while high. Except it wasn’t, weed showed me the life I could live but removed any ambition or motivation to make it a reality. 90 days sobre and my life is unrecognisable. A truly life changing book!
Over 30 years of cannabis addiction from my mid teens. Countless attempts to quit over the years but always ending up back under the emotional blanket. I used to believe that weed created insight and enhanced life experiences. Everything was better while high. Except it wasn’t, weed showed me the life I could live but removed any ambition or motivation to make it a reality. 90 days sobre and my life is unrecognisable. A truly life changing book!
November 28, 2019
A helpful kick up the bum!
Found this book really helpful. Currently 3 weeks without weed; I won’t lie and say it’s been easy, it hasn’t. But what’s in the book is so informative that understanding where your cravings come from and how your brain tricks you have been instrumental in my progress. 1000% worth the £4! Good luck!
Found this book really helpful. Currently 3 weeks without weed; I won’t lie and say it’s been easy, it hasn’t. But what’s in the book is so informative that understanding where your cravings come from and how your brain tricks you have been instrumental in my progress. 1000% worth the £4! Good luck!
June 29, 2025
Pretty good, literature on cannabis addiction is pretty scarce. This is the first one out of three I’ve recently purchased. (Started with this one as it was the shortest) I had quit a few months prior to reading this and was hoping for a bit more information but overall I could relate to a lot of it.
Two things that I would say are a) Snoop Dogg is a terrible example of a celebrity who has quit weed 😅 and I didn’t like how the author compared smoking weed to being *mentally handicapped (*he used the R****rd word multiple times, I’d spell it out but I don’t think it’s allowed)
Besides that it was a good basic book on cannabis addiction that is helpful as a starting point.
Two things that I would say are a) Snoop Dogg is a terrible example of a celebrity who has quit weed 😅 and I didn’t like how the author compared smoking weed to being *mentally handicapped (*he used the R****rd word multiple times, I’d spell it out but I don’t think it’s allowed)
Besides that it was a good basic book on cannabis addiction that is helpful as a starting point.
October 29, 2022
Couldn't ask for a better book.
There were so many parts of this book that I highlighted that spoke directly to my situation. It felt like the author knew my dilemma. This book boosted my motivation to keep staying sober. I understand fully now the tricks of the minds weed plays on one's psyche. I realize now that I was losing way more than I thought that I was gaining by indulging daily. Screw instant gratification, it's time to get up and create the life that I fantasize about while high!
There were so many parts of this book that I highlighted that spoke directly to my situation. It felt like the author knew my dilemma. This book boosted my motivation to keep staying sober. I understand fully now the tricks of the minds weed plays on one's psyche. I realize now that I was losing way more than I thought that I was gaining by indulging daily. Screw instant gratification, it's time to get up and create the life that I fantasize about while high!
December 28, 2023
It’s fine. Good if it’s your first foray into quitting weed. I’m not inspired to quit after reading it though. I took 5 months off from smoking this year to see how I liked sobriety. 24/7 sobriety isn’t for me any more than being high 24/7 is, so I went back to smoking and have been pretty happy with the decision. I read this book after seeing it suggested in r/leaves, thinking maybe it would have some new info I hadn’t seen before, but it just condenses a lot of addiction info into one place. Honestly wanted to give it two stars, but that felt too harsh.
January 20, 2022
This book helped me finally quit weed. I read it once before quitting, once right after quitting and since then I've probably read it a dozen times, mainly the highlights I found particularly eye-opening. I sincerely recommend this to anyone who thinks he might have a problematic weed consumption. I've been sober for over two months now and I haven't been in over seven years. Thank you, Matthew Clarke.
March 7, 2022
This book made me do something with a book I've never done before. Read it more than once. Also highlighted tons of it.
It's written very well, and leaves you feeling some hope. Still haven't gotten to sobriety myself, but fightin'.
Big shout out to the author, who put his email in the book and actually returned my email :)
It's written very well, and leaves you feeling some hope. Still haven't gotten to sobriety myself, but fightin'.
Big shout out to the author, who put his email in the book and actually returned my email :)
September 8, 2021
Solid Read
This book is primarily written for the full blown addict, although most users will relate and respond to the contents of this book, great read, and I’m quitting pot today!
This book is primarily written for the full blown addict, although most users will relate and respond to the contents of this book, great read, and I’m quitting pot today!
March 21, 2021
Excellent book
Being stuck in the weed cycle for 30 years, I was happy to read this book. It supplies hope and conviction to those who struggle with this silent addiction
Being stuck in the weed cycle for 30 years, I was happy to read this book. It supplies hope and conviction to those who struggle with this silent addiction
December 27, 2022
Very usefl
Read
January 29, 2024Amazing and insightful read
Gave me a very harsh self realization. Great read for anyone who has been looking to quit and has been having trouble doing so.
Gave me a very harsh self realization. Great read for anyone who has been looking to quit and has been having trouble doing so.
February 12, 2024
Very well written and organized. Confirmed many of my closely held beliefs. Ultimately could have gone much deeper, but definitely still worth a read.
July 11, 2024
Just what I needed to read
This book is straight forward, organized well, and has many helpful suggestions. I’ll be reading it over and over again.
This book is straight forward, organized well, and has many helpful suggestions. I’ll be reading it over and over again.
December 10, 2024
Persuasive, original, concise, impactful. A rare find in a crowded genre.
December 16, 2024
It worked , i have been sober for some time now . Worth to pick up if you just need a little push and have no one to talk to .
September 10, 2021
Surprisingly good book in its own genre. Easy to read, not too long, very simple and motivating. I just wish it was available as an audiobook, or on YouTube, to be more accessible for those who don’t like to read.
Here is the Table of Contents: 1. The Invisible Chains; 2. Analysing Your Habit; 3. The Science of Cannabis Addiction; 4. The Psychology of Cannabis Addiction; 5. The Quitting Process; 6. Quitting Advice and Strategies; 7. Relapses, Obstacles, and Mental Gymnastics; 8. The Quitting Mindset; 9. The Motivation Chapter; Appendix: Recovery Experiences.
Here is the Table of Contents: 1. The Invisible Chains; 2. Analysing Your Habit; 3. The Science of Cannabis Addiction; 4. The Psychology of Cannabis Addiction; 5. The Quitting Process; 6. Quitting Advice and Strategies; 7. Relapses, Obstacles, and Mental Gymnastics; 8. The Quitting Mindset; 9. The Motivation Chapter; Appendix: Recovery Experiences.
September 10, 2022
A good laugh —fruitful advice.
January 2, 2022
A great read
December 12, 2023
A must read for anyone specifically struggling with weed addiction. This book helped me get through some tough times and is something that will be continually re-read and sections memorised during your journey of recovery. Truly a gem. I'm so thankful I bought this book after trying almost everything else and almost giving up and accepting my fate as a lazy stoner that will amount to nothing.
This book provides a step by step guide, mental tricks and very persuasive reasonings on giving up weed. It's very reminiscent on Dale Carnegie's 'How to win friends and influence people'
Good luck to all struggled just like me. There is hope. You can change. Never give up.
This book provides a step by step guide, mental tricks and very persuasive reasonings on giving up weed. It's very reminiscent on Dale Carnegie's 'How to win friends and influence people'
Good luck to all struggled just like me. There is hope. You can change. Never give up.
February 7, 2023
This book helped me quit smoking weed. Put into perspective what I was really doing to my brain and how I was damaging my reward system. It talked about what to expect on this journey of getting off of weed, reflected on a lot of experiences I had trying for a long while and then convincing myself what I was doing was fine. This book really changed my life. Going on 5 months sober weed + alcohol thanks to this book.
March 10, 2022
Life changing
instead of paying thousands to a therapist in order to quit, I recommend this book. When you become aware of why weed is not good, yo will see weed completely different.
instead of paying thousands to a therapist in order to quit, I recommend this book. When you become aware of why weed is not good, yo will see weed completely different.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews