Hi, my name is natasha. I am 27 years old. I smoked alot of pot for 3 years. I guess for the same reasons as you. To have fun, or just to relax, then I depended on it. I always felt I needed it to fall asleep. Anyways, One joint, turned into, 2, then 3, then 4 etc....a day. At first I had alot of fun smoking it, but then it turned out, not so fun. I started getting very bad panic attacks. I was rushed to the hospital twice. It was the scariest thing I have ever been through. ANyways, the bad thing about them is once they start, there is always a chance for them to come back. The good thing is, once you had one, you learn how to control them. My panick attacks were getting so bad. I was getting minor ones about 3 times a week. I ended up getting so sick of pot, that I completely quit. The bad thing was, my nerves were so shot, that the panic attacks continued. I realize I may always have them, but I also have them under control. I will never, smoke a joint in my life again. I can't believe I lived that way before. Its not life, its not reality. I am on medication now, and I don't regret it one bit. It keeps me calm, I deal with things much better, and I hardly ever feel nervous. I don't feel stoned either. I just feel like my mind is very clear. I think maybe you can control your panic attacks, without taking medication, but I believe it also depends on how far your nerves are shot. and there is nothing wrong with getting help. you just have to keep in mind, its a temporary thing, and you are helping yourself. Just make sure you ask your doctor for a medication that is not habit forming, and you will be fine. Anyways, I hope I was some help in anyway. Goodluck....and stay calm. :)