Dealing with Marijuana Addicts
The effects of marijuana are sometimes so subtle that it may be hard to distinguish if someone has an addiction.
Unlike many other drugs, marijuana usually does not make people hostile or violent, although it can. However, like other addicts, the obsession forms on getting, and using the drug and where to get the money to buy more.
Many people can smoke marijuana and then take it or leave it. Some people try marijuana once or twice and it becomes an addiction. The “high” is all they can think about. They will go to some great lengths to get the money to buy more.
* Dealing with a marijuana addiction is very much like dealing with any other addiction.
If it is an addiction, it must be stopped. Convincing the addict to stop is another story all together. Many marijuana addicts will deny addiction or say “it’s just a little weed”, but the signs of addiction are there. Since smoking weed is equally done in private and in social settings, the obvious signs may not always be present. Like other addicts, though, they will have their drug kit next to their beds for when they wake. The kit usually is a pipe or papers and the marijuana.
* Encouraging the addict to quit gets redundant, however, it is necessary.
Keeping a positive tone, let the addict know that you know they have a problem even if they deny it. Keep after them and most importantly, look after yourself. Loved ones often get so wrapped up in trying to help the addict that they neglect their own needs.
“Talking with a marijuana addict when they are high may or may not be effective. The addict may be more responsive to questions but they may not remember the whole conversation later. It is a good way to find out their thoughts though.“
* Start investigating rehab centers, especially those who offer holistic healing.
Residential centers are most successful because there is no temptation and because there is help available 24/7. Treatment programs which only treat part of the person and/or part of the problem are not going to be successful.
