From Bad to Worse

A person saying no to a joint

Written By Christine L.

Cannabis—at first harmless. A little flower lifted my mood, made me feel alive. My ex-husband and I partied, laughed, lived freely in the US. Later, alone, I used it spiritually, searching for God, the Goddess within me. I thought I’d found my true nature. I felt guided by spirit. Wrong.

My favourite plant revealed another side. When I smoked, my mood shifted. I did “irrsinnig” things—like undressing in public, thinking no one saw. I became paranoid, irrational. I hallucinated justifications: giving up my home without finding another, living on the streets for years, losing custody of my daughter, and still smoking despite the consequences.

In 2016, after my son was placed in foster care, I surrendered. Therapy in Germany confirmed it: cannabis-induced psychosis. I couldn’t nurse my son anymore. I was put on medication.

From that moment, I had to face the truth: I was addicted. Now, eight months clean, I accept every bit of help. I’m in a self-help group, have a sponsor from marijuana anonymous, private counselling, and an addiction therapist.

I’m proud to say: I never want to touch cannabis again.
My motto is: Clean until the end of my life.

“This piece was developed with the support of digital research tools to ensure accuracy and clarity.”

Published By A New Leaf – December 2025

More Articles

  • Surfing The Craving Waves

    Twenty-seven days clean, the ice is cracking and the body remembers how to come back.

    Surfing The Craving Waves
  • The Wisdom of the Tree

    The Divine Wisdom of the Tree Nature’s Lessons in Letting Go Written by, Melon W. I’m admiring the beauty of the pear tree in our yard. She’s in full bloom, strong petals cleaving tightly to their mother until it’s time to take flight and spread a light coating of perfumed snowflakes. As the wind whips…

    The Wisdom of the Tree
  • Heard in a Meeting

    “Change comes from desperation or inspiration.” Published in A New Leaf – October 2026

    Heard in a Meeting
  • Before You

    Written by, Elizabeth D. God, I lay my life before you, Grant me inner faith. Me, the denier, The exempt Serenity unknown. To You, I turn— Accept what you lay before me. The will of self-imposed pain… Things that will be relieved. I will learn a new freedom, Cannot fathom the light I will see.…

    Before You
  • Let Go and Let God

    Painted by, Tonya C. Caption: This is a painting I did on a pallet to remind me to let go and let God every day! Published in A New Leaf – October 2026

    Let Go and Let God
  • Life with Hope – MA Anthem

    Written and Performed by, Netta T. Listen to the song: ANLP12.org/Life-with-Hope-song I’m sick of suffering Kicked to death by a thousand bunnies Feels like my life is trash And every day’s the same Wake and bake And play another game Of hide and seek with my stash I need some help to clean this mess…

    Life with Hope – MA Anthem