Drug Test Anxiety

[rucontent]

Good afternoon,

Yes. Drugs are not good for the mind. They clutter etc. Having said that I have smoked in the last 3-4 weeks but not sooner. I have taken some over the counter tests and i pass them. i.e they return a negative result for the presence of THC.

Even though my test is still next week. I still find myself worried about it a little. Incessant research, buying drug tests, etc..... Even though I am continuously getting a passing test result.

I was recently working on antidotes to the hindrances. And I am curious what issues I am dealing with. I want help with this. Specifically it seems like their is attachment to the result? but then again my wife mentioned that there could be some self-centered/pride involved as well due to the shame i might feel at not passing etc. I want some help about what antidotes or things to focus on so that i can just let things play out as they will. In some ways also i feel as if there is a false (or real) sense of karma going on to. Can anyone help with this?

thanks

[Ben]

The only antidote is to abstain completely from all intoxicants. Until then you'll continue to be a slave to your desires.
Sila conditions samadhi and both condition panna.
Wishing you all the best,

Ben

[Cittasanto]

Sila is for peace of mind, if you didn't do anything wrong, would you be worried... if you had not taken them?

[rucontent]

i understand about the points being made. But my question has to do with the resultant worry. Of course if I hadn't indulged, this would not be a problem. But that isnt really what I am asking. I am asking about the emotional turmoil and their antidotes. Or ways to work with it. What I have heard so far is dont do it next time or that that is why you should abstain. But I am talking about something else. Obviously there is something there to sit with. Sila. But beyond that, take the drug out of the equation.

I have issues with letting things go in general. It is as if I dont feel right if I am not worrying about something. Intellectually I can see that i cannot really control the consequences of the test. I know that i have abstained for some time, I have taken tests that I pass. But it's the what if's that get me. I want to learn how to deal with that.

[LonesomeYogurt]

I have issues with letting things go in general. It is as if I dont feel right if I am not worrying about something. Intellectually I can see that i cannot really control the consequences of the test. I know that i have abstained for some time, I have taken tests that I pass. But it's the what if's that get me. I want to learn how to deal with that.

When the fear or anxiety occurs, first mindfully note that it is there and view it without judgment. Try and separate yourself from the emotion; think, "I am not nervous. Nervousness has simply arisen within me." With these steps - recognition, acceptance, investigation and non-identification - you can rob the emotion of its power.

It's of course a lot harder than it sounds but I really would recommend it as a healthy way to deal with feelings that, when unwatched, are likely to cause suffering.