The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Student Wellness
Peer Chat

Let’s Clear the Air: T-Break 101

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If you use cannabis, a T-break can be a good opportunity to pause and find balance. It can reduce your tolerance to THC – the chemical in cannabis that causes a “high” feeling – and give you space to reflect on how cannabis use in your life.

Why Take a Break?

A mental reset.

A T-break gives your brain a chance to reset from the symptoms that regular cannabis use can sometimes cause, such as brain fog. T-breaks can help you feel more focused, alert, and sharp.

Boost physical wellbeing.

Regular cannabis use can take a toll on your body’s functions. After taking a break from cannabis, you might notice the following differences.

  • Energy. You might feel more energized or happy. Cannabis often causes mood changes.
  • Sleep. You could get a better night’s rest. Often, cannabis use disrupts sleep cycles, preventing you from entering REM sleep (the deepest and most important sleep cycle).
  • Zest. Cannabis can impact your motivation. You may feel inspired to pick up old hobbies or try new things.

How to Get Started

Taking a T-break can be hard. It can take about three weeks for THC to leave your system, and throughout the process, you may experience withdrawal symptoms like cravings and mood and appetite changes. Remember that you’re making a change to your routine, which can inherently be uncomfortable at first. Taking it one day at a time, tracking your progress, and surrounding yourself with support can make a big difference.

Assess Where You Are

Knowing your “why” when you start a T-break can help you stay motivated.

Try journaling or taking a self-assessment to begin exploring your relationship with cannabis. Below are questions to reflect on:

  • What am I getting from using cannabis?
  • Is it still supporting who I want to be/my goals/well-being?
  • How does cannabis affect my mood, sleep, energy, and relationships?
  • Do I notice any patterns for when I reach for this cannabis?
  • Are there other coping strategies I want to try or use?

Support Options

Whether it’s your first T-break or you’re restarting, Student Wellness is here to support you.

  • The University of Vermont’s T-Break Guide offers daily practices for reflection and coping with the changes you may encounter along the way. Physical copies are available in SASB North, Suite 0103.
View the T-Break Guide
t-break_guide_-_v4_-_bookletDownload

Spring Holiday Closure

Student Wellness will be closed on April 3 for the Spring Holiday. We will resume normal hours of operation on April 6.

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