marijuana not addictive-right?
New Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 6
marijuana not addictive-right?
hello. I can't sleep looking on internet found this site. My husband uses marijuana, a lot. Says he will have to taper dow. I thought this stuff wasnt physically addictive. Is this just an excuse to keep on using
Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Stockport/Greater Manchester/Cheshire
Posts: 911
Is it getting in the way of your relationship with him?
Does he plan his day around having a smoke?
Does it effect his work?
These are traits of addiction. Along with many more.
Does he plan his day around having a smoke?
Does it effect his work?
These are traits of addiction. Along with many more.
Forum Leader
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 10,944
Hello donG and Welcome to SR!
Marijuana can be very addictive. One of my fellow moderators talks openly here about his struggle with MJ, and we even have a sub-forum specifically for those trying to quit.
I know the MJ proponents talk about how "harmless" it is, and it has somehow earned that reputation over the years, but for many, that couldn't be farther from the truth.
Now those states who have legalized recreational MJ are struggling with stoned driving--what is the limit? How do you field test someone for being stoned? Accidents are increasing.
IMHO, MJ is anything but a harmless substance.
Marijuana can be very addictive. One of my fellow moderators talks openly here about his struggle with MJ, and we even have a sub-forum specifically for those trying to quit.
I know the MJ proponents talk about how "harmless" it is, and it has somehow earned that reputation over the years, but for many, that couldn't be farther from the truth.
Now those states who have legalized recreational MJ are struggling with stoned driving--what is the limit? How do you field test someone for being stoned? Accidents are increasing.
IMHO, MJ is anything but a harmless substance.
Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: East Coast
Posts: 1,235
I'm on this board because my sister used MJ for years. She had an affair with another MJ smoker and broke up her marriage. Her children now live with my parents during the time she is supposed to have custody.
I can't say anything about MJ being physically addicting, but she was willing to sacrifice her marriage, time with her kids, and her economic stability to smoke it. People are addicted to gambling, even though it's physically impossible to consume card decks, slot machines, and poker chips. In my very unprofessional opinion, it's the inability to conceive a life without a certain coping mechanism, whether it is a drug, the bottle, a habit, or a partner, that defines addiction, even when there is proof that that coping mechanism is detrimental to you and the ones that you love.
I can't say anything about MJ being physically addicting, but she was willing to sacrifice her marriage, time with her kids, and her economic stability to smoke it. People are addicted to gambling, even though it's physically impossible to consume card decks, slot machines, and poker chips. In my very unprofessional opinion, it's the inability to conceive a life without a certain coping mechanism, whether it is a drug, the bottle, a habit, or a partner, that defines addiction, even when there is proof that that coping mechanism is detrimental to you and the ones that you love.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 471
I find that looking at some textbook definitions are often helpful. I have included some items from the DMS IV (the diagnostic manual) and APA. They mention some of the behaviors you observed.
But before you read all of that (or not) :-) One of the things I found myself doing is "bargaining" with the idea of my Addicts addiction. I saw so many signs, yet I kept asking - is she really addicted? Maybe its stress, maybe its not as bad as I think, etc.
Part of dealing with an addict is the grief process. Shock, denial, bargaining, depression, and hopefully at some point, acceptance.
I hop you get the answers you need - here are the entries I mentioned above:
From APA - American Psychological Association - What is addiction:
Addiction is a complex condition, a brain disease that is manifested by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequence. People with addiction (severe substance use disorder) have an intense focus on using a certain substance(s), such as alcohol or drugs, to the point that it takes over their life. They keep using alcohol or a drug even when they know it will causes problems.
People can develop an addiction to:
Alcohol
Marijuana
PCP, LSD and other hallucinogens
Inhalants, such as, paint thinners and glue
Opioid pain killers, such as codeine and oxycodone, heroin
Sedatives, hypnotics and anxiolytics (medicines for anxiety such as tranquilizers)
Cocaine, methamphetamine and other stimulants
Tobacco
DSM-IV Substance Dependence Criteria:
Addiction (termed substance dependence by the American Psychiatric Association) is defined as a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three (or more) of the following, occurring any time in the same 12-month period:
1. Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
(a) A need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or the desired effect or
(b) Markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance.
2. Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
(a) The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance
or
(b) The same (or closely related) substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
3. The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended.
4. There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use.
5. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance (such as visiting multiple doctors or driving long distances), use the substance (for example, chain-smoking), or recover from its effects.
6. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use.
7. The substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance (for example, current cocaine use despite recognition of cocaine-induced depression or continued drinking despite recognition that an ulcer was made worse by alcohol consumption).
DSM-IV criteria for substance dependence include several specifiers, one of which outlines whether substance dependence is with physiologic dependence (evidence of tolerance or withdrawal) or without physiologic dependence (no evidence of tolerance or withdrawal). In addition, remission categories are classified into four subtypes: (1) full, (2) early partial, (3)
sustained, and (4) sustained partial; on the basis of whether any of the criteria for abuse or dependence have been met and over what time frame. The remission category can also be used for patients receiving agonist therapy (such as methadone maintenance) or for those living in a controlled, drug-free environment.
Source: American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Fourth Edition. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association, 2000.
But before you read all of that (or not) :-) One of the things I found myself doing is "bargaining" with the idea of my Addicts addiction. I saw so many signs, yet I kept asking - is she really addicted? Maybe its stress, maybe its not as bad as I think, etc.
Part of dealing with an addict is the grief process. Shock, denial, bargaining, depression, and hopefully at some point, acceptance.
I hop you get the answers you need - here are the entries I mentioned above:
From APA - American Psychological Association - What is addiction:
Addiction is a complex condition, a brain disease that is manifested by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequence. People with addiction (severe substance use disorder) have an intense focus on using a certain substance(s), such as alcohol or drugs, to the point that it takes over their life. They keep using alcohol or a drug even when they know it will causes problems.
People can develop an addiction to:
Alcohol
Marijuana
PCP, LSD and other hallucinogens
Inhalants, such as, paint thinners and glue
Opioid pain killers, such as codeine and oxycodone, heroin
Sedatives, hypnotics and anxiolytics (medicines for anxiety such as tranquilizers)
Cocaine, methamphetamine and other stimulants
Tobacco
DSM-IV Substance Dependence Criteria:
Addiction (termed substance dependence by the American Psychiatric Association) is defined as a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three (or more) of the following, occurring any time in the same 12-month period:
1. Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
(a) A need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or the desired effect or
(b) Markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance.
2. Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
(a) The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance
or
(b) The same (or closely related) substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
3. The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended.
4. There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use.
5. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance (such as visiting multiple doctors or driving long distances), use the substance (for example, chain-smoking), or recover from its effects.
6. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use.
7. The substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance (for example, current cocaine use despite recognition of cocaine-induced depression or continued drinking despite recognition that an ulcer was made worse by alcohol consumption).
DSM-IV criteria for substance dependence include several specifiers, one of which outlines whether substance dependence is with physiologic dependence (evidence of tolerance or withdrawal) or without physiologic dependence (no evidence of tolerance or withdrawal). In addition, remission categories are classified into four subtypes: (1) full, (2) early partial, (3)
sustained, and (4) sustained partial; on the basis of whether any of the criteria for abuse or dependence have been met and over what time frame. The remission category can also be used for patients receiving agonist therapy (such as methadone maintenance) or for those living in a controlled, drug-free environment.
Source: American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Fourth Edition. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association, 2000.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: northern michigan. not the U.P.
Posts: 15,281
Originally Posted by Troubledone 
People can develop an addiction to:
Alcohol
Marijuana
PCP, LSD and other hallucinogens
Inhalants, such as, paint thinners and glue
Opioid pain killers, such as codeine and oxycodone, heroin
Sedatives, hypnotics and anxiolytics (medicines for anxiety such as tranquilizers)
Cocaine, methamphetamine and other stimulants
Tobacco
Alcohol
Marijuana
PCP, LSD and other hallucinogens
Inhalants, such as, paint thinners and glue
Opioid pain killers, such as codeine and oxycodone, heroin
Sedatives, hypnotics and anxiolytics (medicines for anxiety such as tranquilizers)
Cocaine, methamphetamine and other stimulants
Tobacco
food
gambling
sex
porn
shopping
love
plastic surgery
internet gaming
exercise
caffeine
as far as this:
Is this just an excuse to keep on using
i dont think we can answer that. however, ive read quite a few times of people here tapering alcohol. the majority dont work out. it might be the same for pot.might not.
Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: USA
Posts: 2,684
To claims that smoking marijuana is harmless...an interesting read from a medical website: https://www.webmd.com/pain-managemen...ana-safe-web#1
Guest
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 92
Marijuana kills, and destroys families, as it has in my family.
To say that marijuana is harmless is false and a disservice.
The legalization of marijuana is a travesty,
and will cause many people to suffer substance abuse issues and even death.
And many young peoples' lives will be ruined.
To say that marijuana is harmless is false and a disservice.
The legalization of marijuana is a travesty,
and will cause many people to suffer substance abuse issues and even death.
And many young peoples' lives will be ruined.
Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 635
Very addictive, very destructive.
My brother could be the poster child for why NOT to smoke marijuana.
He used to be such a handsome, productive person. He looked just like Leonardo Dicaprio- people really used to stop him on the street to get his autograph! He had a good job, a nice girlfriend- he was going places.
Then he got totally absorbed in this new "lifestyle". He went to jail for it twice but that didn't stop him. Now he grows it and sells it to dispensaries (illegally). He looks terrible. He's overweight and has a long beard and long hair. He smells. When we get together for family functions and are all so happy and joyous to be together, he has to take breaks to get high. I don't think he knows how to be happy without it anymore.
I've basically cut him out of my life after I felt he jeopardized my custody battle by insisting to bring a huge jar of pot (way past legal limit) along with us on a car ride, even trying to bribe parking lot attendants with it when we were in Tahoe. It was embarrassing and reckless and he threw a hissy fit when I voiced my concerns. Now that pot is legal he's more out of control than ever because he feels his addiction (he'd never call it that, of course) has been justified.
My brother could be the poster child for why NOT to smoke marijuana.
He used to be such a handsome, productive person. He looked just like Leonardo Dicaprio- people really used to stop him on the street to get his autograph! He had a good job, a nice girlfriend- he was going places.
Then he got totally absorbed in this new "lifestyle". He went to jail for it twice but that didn't stop him. Now he grows it and sells it to dispensaries (illegally). He looks terrible. He's overweight and has a long beard and long hair. He smells. When we get together for family functions and are all so happy and joyous to be together, he has to take breaks to get high. I don't think he knows how to be happy without it anymore.
I've basically cut him out of my life after I felt he jeopardized my custody battle by insisting to bring a huge jar of pot (way past legal limit) along with us on a car ride, even trying to bribe parking lot attendants with it when we were in Tahoe. It was embarrassing and reckless and he threw a hissy fit when I voiced my concerns. Now that pot is legal he's more out of control than ever because he feels his addiction (he'd never call it that, of course) has been justified.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 219
In my unprofessional opinion, I do not believe MJ is any more addictive than most substances out there... rather it is the personality that is the issue. Some people are just more predisposed to addiction than others, whether it be drugs, sex, food, etc... All addictive behavior is damaging... financial, mental, emotional, physically. I know that i can use MJ without any issues... same for alcohol... but i know that if i let my wife have a single drink... she will not be able to stop there and progresses rapidly to her DOC.
Addiction is not necessarily the fault of the drug.. moreso as it is the issue of the user...
Please note that I understand that some drugs out there are extremely addictive/habit forming as they poses the ability to alter brain process very quickly. However, I do not believe MJ is one of those and that addiction is uncommon under most circumstances.
Addiction is not necessarily the fault of the drug.. moreso as it is the issue of the user...
Please note that I understand that some drugs out there are extremely addictive/habit forming as they poses the ability to alter brain process very quickly. However, I do not believe MJ is one of those and that addiction is uncommon under most circumstances.
Nature Girl
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: By The Lake
Posts: 60,328
Originally Posted by VioletKnight
Fact;
Marijuana is a drug.
Marijuana is a mind altering substance.
The end.
Marijuana is a drug.
Marijuana is a mind altering substance.
The end.
Sadly, it sounds like he is not ready to give it up. That leaves the decision with you....Do you want to live in a marriage where MJ rules?
Personally, my own boundary of zero tolerance for drugs in my home or my presence includes very specifically marijuana.
Welcome to SR.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 471
I guess no matter what the behavior is, we all have our deal-breakers.
It helps to know what yours is.
Maybe you know about the story of boiling a frog - if you put a frog in water and very gradually raise the heat, the frog will stay in there until he's dead and cooked. But, if you try to throw a frog in hot water he will jump out.
Question - is the MJ habit hot enough to cause you to jump out? If not, how will you know when you should jump before you're "cooked".
It helps to know what yours is.
Maybe you know about the story of boiling a frog - if you put a frog in water and very gradually raise the heat, the frog will stay in there until he's dead and cooked. But, if you try to throw a frog in hot water he will jump out.
Question - is the MJ habit hot enough to cause you to jump out? If not, how will you know when you should jump before you're "cooked".
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
