May 13, 2010

Marijuana Addiction - Stoners Aren't Addicts

One thing that it's important to remember in the marijuana community is that some people have a problem with marijuana. That doesn't mean that pot is a problem, but it can become part of someone's self destructive behavior. Just like ice cream isn't a problem in itself, but for a person struggling with over eating it can become a tool they use to damage themselves.

Substance abuse and all forms of self destructive behavior are serious problems for people around the world. There are many reasons people get trapped or become addicted to behaving in a way that is bad for them. Marijuana is not physically addictive, thusly marijauna addiction is never really about pot. The real problem is usually a complex part of that person's life.

Drugs like cocaine, alcohol, and cigarettes are physically addictive. What that means is that our bodies and our brains become chemically dependent on those substances. If you try to stop using those types of drugs, your withdrawal can be accompanied with mild to serious health affects. The more toxic drugs can actually be fatal to quit without medical assistance.

Marijuana is not like that. Addiction to marijuana is more like addiction to things like, video games, food, gambling, etc. Unfotunately this doesn't mean that the addiction is any less damaging. It can still waste lives and ruin relationships.

"How do you know if you are addicted", is the most obvious question. The best way to tell is to take a second to examine your life. Is buying or smoking weed getting in the way of other important goals you have. Is being high all the time making it hard for you to accomplish important tasks. There isn't always an easy way to tell, but if you're honest with yourself you'll find an answer.

If you don't think that you can handle answering the question yourself, there are a few ways to find out. First try taking an extended break. If you can go for a month without smoking pot you're probably okay. If you can't you might want to think about looking for help. One way to get help is to get a psychiatrist. Unfortunately many psychiatrists today won't see patients who admit to smoking pot.

Another way to get help is to find a rehab center. Some of these places are a little too anti-pot, but if you need a break badly, they can get the job done.

Stoners aren't addicts. There are large numbers of very productive and happy people who smoke weed everyday, some multiple times a day. Remember there's nothing wrong with wanting to smoke pot, but if you're substituting important areas of your life with being high you might be missing out.


The 12 Step Program - 12step.org

Finding a Therapist - PsychologyToday.com




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5 thoughts:

  1. Excellent point.

    Today I read an applicable section in Dr. Charles Tart's book "On Being Stoned" (a report on the first federally supported research to explore what users gain from smoking marijuana).

    ***
    Much nonsense has been promulgated in the past by narcotics agencies and medical groups about the addicting properties of marijuana. There is no evidence of addiction. Emphasis today is laid on the fact that marijuana produces a "psychological dependence." This is a nonsensical use of the English language, for psychological dependence simply means that people tend to repeat enjoyable experiences.

    Experienced users can stop using marijuana at any time with no distress or physiological symptoms. Once they learn how to get intoxicated, they require less, not more, marijuana.
    ***

    It's been my experience that marijuana generally makes life more enjoyable. It's that childlike openness that makes the marijuana experience so engaging, for me.

    I've been plenty tempted to use pot as a crutch to make the everyday pains of the human experience more tolerable. When the discipline needed to go without pot for several weeks is more than I can muster, it's time for some sober self-reflection.

    Otherwise, I've found cannabis can be integrated into and promote a healthy, constructive and creative life practice.
    ReplyDelete
  2. Long long time stoner here.
    Recently went off pot for weeks while out of country.
    No withdrawl, no problem.

    I just prefer life "high." Why would I purposely stop something that is helpful to me, my spirit, my family and my community?
    ReplyDelete
  3. Depends.. most of the time it's not an addiction..
    but it really depends on the situation and the person.. anything can really be addictive.
    ReplyDelete
  5. Very interesting thoughts... I am one of these, for many decades now, that won´t be able to go on without the joint right after the morning´cereals. I am a wake and bake kind of guy.
    I might have a problem but... who does not?
    I would hate to have fellow smokers calling me a sick person. I bet is the same thing they have been called by those people who don´t smoke at all...
    ReplyDelete

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