'Legal' and 'natural' highs

Today's world~12 minRelapse prevention

Hemp THC drinks and gummies, kratom, 7-OH, kava, phenibut and more — an honest check on whether they're a loophole in your recovery.

Why this helps

Products sold in gas stations, smoke shops and online can change how you feel — and some, like kratom, 7-OH and phenibut, can cause dependence and hard withdrawal. The laws about them keep changing, but the recovery question stays the same: am I using something to change how I feel, and would I be comfortable telling my sponsor or counselor?

Some of these — including kratom, 7-OH, phenibut and tianeptine — can cause serious withdrawal. If you use them daily, talk to a doctor before stopping.

1. Products I use or have thought about

Check any that apply

Hemp THC drinks or gummies (delta-8, delta-9, THCA)
Kratom
7-OH tablets or shots
Kava
Phenibut
Tianeptine
Nitrous oxide
CBD
Cannabis from a dispensary
'Herbal' or 'natural' mood or energy products
Something else

2. Why — what I'm hoping it does for me

3. What I tell myself about it

"It's legal." "It's natural." "It's not my drug."

4. Honest check — have I…

Check any that apply

Used it to change how I feel
Needed more to get the same effect
Felt off or sick without it
Hidden it or played it down
Spent more than I meant to
Used it instead of calling someone or using a skill
Found myself thinking about my old drug while using it

5. Would I be comfortable telling my sponsor or counselor? What would they say?

6. My decision, and my plan

'Legal' and 'natural' highs

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