Is it really “Just Marijuana?”

Between 1998 and 2008, addiction treatment admissions in the U.S. increased markedly for marijuana, among other drugs, reported the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Many people say, “I don’t do hard drugs, I just smoke marijuana.” It makes me wonder if they are trying to convince themselves or others, that a regular marijuana habit is part of a healthy and productive lifestyle.

There is a growing movement to legalize marijuana.  This would be another drug, like alcohol, that would be accessible to our children, as well as people with addictive personalities. It has been reported that 15 million Americans are dependent on alcohol, and we don’t look like we are winning that battle any time soon. There are the medical marijuana supporters, and studies show it can be helpful in certain circumstances. It can be a controversial and confusing issue.

I’ve watched someone close to me, spend many years smoking marijuana on a regular basis. Ambition and aspiration, went by the wayside.  It difficult to stand by and not try to help.  I finally began to let go and detach, and I believe their life is beginning to improve. Marijuana may not appear to be as harmful to your health as alcohol, and yet it can be very damaging.

When people are alcoholics, they talk about the things that they have done; DUI’s, out of control anger, and their  lives becoming unmanageable.

When someone consumes marijuana on a regular basis, what seems to become clear is what they haven’t done. They may get up in the morning, go to work or school, and appear to be functioning.  But are they really able to pursue their goals, or much less have any goals?  Reaching your full potential may not be an option.

Marijuana users may easily fool themselves into thinking they are in control, but when they take a look at their life, there may be many unfinished plans.  The lack of self esteem and depression may set in as they watch those around them accomplish things in their lives, which for some vague reason they are not able to do.

Smoking marijuana can be an insidious habit, which can last for decades. If and when the marijuana user realizes that his or her life is going nowhere, they may attempt to make a change, but I’m not sure it is all that easy.  They now need to make up for all the years they have lost, as well as rid themselves of their psychological attachment to the drug.  That is, of course, if they are willing to admit that their marijuana habit is part of the problem.

Road safety is also an issue. Many claim that there is little, or no risk when operating a motor vehicle.  Studies show that this is not true.

Not every person who uses marijuana, or any drug for that matter, will develop an addiction. It’s a misconception to argue that a drug isn’t addictive based on the fact that not everyone becomes hooked.  Marijuana addiction may be less severe, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less addictive.

Your health and well-being are two reasons to quit, but there are many more.

ForumMatters.com had a fabulous discussion entitled, “Great Reasons to Quit Marijuana.”  Here are some of their reasons for quitting.

• Increased lung capacity

• Decreased risk of lung cancer

• Better mental health and clarity

• Better social life

• Increased motivation

• Self respect

• Money saved

• More energy

• Whiter teeth

• More color in your skin

• More confidence

• Tidier house / flat / room

• More restful and regular sleep

• Increased motivation

• Ability to be more honest

• Ability to have a more open life

• No more unattractive five minute gagging in the morning.

• Not coughing up shit all the time

• Time to do more worthwhile things besides just sitting around and getting high

• Instead of saying you’ll do stuff, you will actually do them when you quit.

• How much pot you smoke, own, sell or buy will not become the center of your pride anymore.

• Friends will befriend you for who you are, not how much weed you supply.

• You may find yourself a soul mate and be able to keep them.

• Increase happiness and peace that comes from within

• Improved memory and cognitive abilities

• Less paranoia

• Ability to dream again

• Not having to worry about when you are going to have your next hit ~ not having to rush off to take it.

• Not having to panic when it goes dry

• Not having to wait around while picking up your pot. Not having to mix with drug dealers.

• Not living in fear of the law.

• Been able to drive without being under the influence.

• Not been viewed as a druggy.

• Not having to live a secret life.

• Ability to travel more easily

• Feeling in control of your life again.

• Being yourself again

• Real happiness

• Stronger willpower

• Remembering what you said and why

• Order in your life

• Being able to look people straight in the eye (nothing to hide)

• No munchies, thinner body, healthier eating habits

• Waking up early and feeling rested

• Caring for your personal appearance

• No burnt clothes or sofas, because of the lighted debris of pot

• Increased productivity

• Faster mental capacity

• Being able to stay focused

• You won’t feel so robotic

• You’ll have more money

• Your kids might respect you more.

• You will read books again.

• You will get out of the house occasionally.

• Perhaps you’ll be able to get a job!

• No more coughing

• Better memory

• You’ll rediscover yourself instead of being numb and high all the time.

• You’ll let emotions and other things surface so you can work through them and like life again.

• You’ll be able to attract worth while life partners and friends that won’t drag you down by also being stoners.

• You’ll get you damn memory back and not forget things even when you’re not high.

What are your reasons for quitting Marijuana, or your thoughts about the topic?  Write them in comments.