--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I started smoking cannabis and drinking…" description: "\"“I started smoking cannabis and drinking alcohol for the same reason I would sometimes tell self aggrandizing lies; I was wanting in courage. The only ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/83c/cory-duchesne-229283_alcohol_i-started-smoking-cannabis-and-drinking_2395927.jpg" --- # I started smoking cannabis and drinking alcohol for the… ![“I started smoking cannabis and drinking alcohol for the same reason I would sometimes tell self aggrandizing lies; I was wanting in courage. The only intimacy I could find was through drinking, smoking, lying and taking short cuts. A good brain needs the courage to maintain it's health, and if you…” quote by Cory Duchesne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/83c/cory-duchesne-229283_alcohol_i-started-smoking-cannabis-and-drinking_2395927.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/83c/cory-duchesne-229283_alcohol_i-started-smoking-cannabis-and-drinking_2395927.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/83c/cory-duchesne-229283_alcohol_i-started-smoking-cannabis-and-drinking_2395927.jpg) > ““I started smoking cannabis and drinking alcohol for the same reason I would sometimes tell self aggrandizing lies; I was wanting in courage. The only intimacy I could find was through drinking, smoking, lying and taking short cuts. A good brain needs the courage to maintain it's health, and if you don't have courage, you fall prey to a type of intimacy that gradually degrades not only the brain, but it degrades the meaning of friendship.”” Cory Duchesne ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. I used cannabis and alcohol to feel courage, but this false intimacy harms brain and friendships. **In simple terms:** Substance use for confidence leads to deteriorating mental health and relationships. Key Takeaway Seek healthy courage, avoid toxic coping. Themes substance use mental health friendship courage intimacy Mood reflective concerned hopeful Type Alcohol:1 Brain:1 Cannabis:1 Courage:1 Drinking alcohol:0 Intimacy:1 Love:0 Marijuana:0 Romance:0 Truth:0 Wisdom:0 Courage Intimacy:0 Intimacy Drinking:0 Intimacy Gradually:0 Alcohol Reason:0 When to use this quote - therapy - mindfulness - support groups Key Concepts psychology addiction self‑esteem Questions to Reflect On - What healthier alternatives exist? - How can you build true confidence? A Different Perspective Temporary relief may become dependency. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Alcohol](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/alcohol/) [Brain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/brain/) [Cannabis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cannabis/) [Courage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/courage/) [Drinking alcohol](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/drinking-alcohol/) [Intimacy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intimacy/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Marijuana](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/marijuana/) [Romance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/romance/) [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/) [Wisdom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wisdom/) ## Related quotes > [Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house unless they have a well-stocked bar.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/w-c-fields/thou-shalt-not-covet-thy-neighbor-s-house-unless-they-have-a-well/) [W. C. 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