Avoiding vulnerability is a common cannabis response that ultimately worsens it. Understanding the paradoxical relationship between vulnerability and cannabis opens new pathways for recovery.
How Avoiding Vulnerability Maintains Cannabis
- Concealing cannabis from others prevents the connection that would help
- The energy required to maintain a facade when cannabis is high is enormous
- Shame about cannabis thrives in secrecy — vulnerability interrupts this
- Authentic expression of cannabis often elicits the support that reduces it
Brené Brown's Research Relevance to Cannabis
Brown's research shows that people with high levels of shame (common in cannabis) avoid vulnerability — which paradoxically increases shame and cannabis. Courage to be vulnerable interrupts this cycle.
Practicing Vulnerability with Cannabis
Start small: share one authentic feeling with one trusted person. The feared negative response usually doesn't materialize — and when it doesn't, confidence in vulnerability builds.