ZombieWife

Also, why is it acceptable for anyone to refuse to contribute to the household in terms of cleaning up, etc.? What would you tell your 17 year old if they refused to chip in, to be a functioning part of the family?

Let's say you go out on a first date and the guy tells you, "Just so we're clear, I never do housework, I just sit around all day and get stoned." Would that send your heart racing?

It sounds like you're alone in a relationship. Been there. It's no fun. Sorry you're having to go through this all.

Babyblue

I have friends that smoke pot, some are addicted I think. Anytime using a substance interferes with day to day life, your family, relationships and money, then there is a serious addiction problem.

Pot isn't as benign as it was once thought of. Also, the pot grown now is more potent than pot grown 30 years ago.

My sis in law is a pot head and she thinks it is good because it is natural. So are opium poppies (opiates) and coco plants (cocaine). But what do you expect coming from a pot head. Her mother was also a heavy pot smoker, drinker and she grew up in a dysfunctional household.

Recreational use is one thing but using all day or every day to me is no different than drinking daily or all day.

bluebelle

My mom has smoked pot forever, and she has other addictions, too. She also sold pot. My RABF also smoked pot for years. He got to where he could only work if he was smoking. It gave him energy and helped him concentrate. I believe that pot is an addictive drug. People can get emotionally dependent on it. They may no longer know how to relax or concentrate on their own. They can become addicted to the good feelings.

thequest

[QUOTE=Babyblue;2805690]... Anytime using a substance interferes with day to day life, your family, relationships and money, then there is a serious addiction problem...

I think that says it all. And just think of those who abuse prescription medications. I'd consider 'the card' a prescription.

johndelko408

You say he says its a way for him to relax. Well that could be true if he was just smoking a bowl after work. But like you say he smokes before work, at lunch and from that I gather he smokes all day. I used to be the same way, I would say its just weed. The reality of it though sounds very much how I was, consumed by pot. My life was centered around my pot smoking. I felt i couldn't go without it. I was very irritable when i wasn't stoned and when I didn't have it, I was like the incredible hulk. It may not be as bad of a drug like crack or heroin, but the psychological addictiveness of it is just as bad.

Babyblue

I am open minded and don't judge people who do things recreationally, but when it becomes a lifestyle, then I start to wonder.

This may be helpful...

Some info on THC/Marijuana

http://drugabuse.gov/PDF/RRMarijuana.pdf

Carol Star

It is all changing seats on the Titanic. I was addicted to pot for years. It has 50 kinds of tar in it. It cannot be good for your lungs. I would think a 17 yr. old would know what is going on. It would be a deal breaker for me. You get nothing done when you smoke pot. You stare at the wall for hours. It did stunt my anger though. I am an addict/alcoholic in recovery. Recovery is recovery from it all. It makes you stupid. I don't understand California but I'm in Va. Alcohol is legal but destroys families. That is why I am divorced. My XAH did it all.

yorkiegirl

My RAH's drug of choice was marijuana (& alcohol). Both are legal (he had his medical card) where we live. When he did his IOP after inpatient, one of the counselors at the IOP (a recovering heroine-addict) gave this lecture on how pot is "more dangerous" than heroin because pot addicts often don't hit bottom or take a long, long time *if* they even hit bottom, slowly dying a spiritual death. I don't care to debate which drug is "more or less" dangerous. If one is an addict,their subtance of choice will have a negative impact on their lives. I understand that some "drugs" aren't physiologically addictive but human beings get addicted to food, shopping, pornography, gambling, sex, etc. The body reacts with chemical releases regardless if one's addiction is substance-related or not. Of course, with "substances" that are physically addictive there may be added complications but addiction is addiction.

I have to work hard to "not engage" with pot-defenders. (BTW, I support legalization). Alcohol, various prescription drugs, etc. are all legal. (And "natural" things can be dangerous & unhealthy too!) What is challenging is to distinguish between recreation (social) consumers versus addicts but that would be true for alcohol drinkers too. I am trying to learn to not respond to those who minimize pot. . ."geez, relax! It's only pot!"