When people think of addiction, they probably think of hard drugs, alcohol or nicotine. There are so many people who are affected by addiction, and more than one million people have died from a drug overdose since 1999. But did you know that weed addiction is real too? Marijuana has the stigma of being a “gateway” drug, meaning it leads people to get comfortable with being under the influence and gives them an avenue to try even harder drugs. It’s time to realize that weed is a drug, and any drug can be addicting.
In fact, now that marijuana is legal in several states across the country it just means more people are being exposed to it. Studies show that 10% of people who consume weed will become addicted, while 30% meet the criteria for addiction. This shows that the drug can still be dangerous even though it seems to be the lesser of two evils.
Journalist and author Jim Hight proves this through his upcoming book, “Moon Over Humboldt.” Hight sheds light on his experience of being addicted to marijuana and how he overcame it through a 12-step recovery process. Just because people might not automatically think marijuana is addictive and poses a real health threat to consumers, does not mean that’s the reality. People should not be put down or not taken seriously just because they are not addicted to hard drugs or alcohol. Addiction is an addiction no matter what the substance is.
“When I first sought help for my marijuana addiction, I met hard drug addicts who scoffed at my plight. “You can’t quit that on your own?!” said an incredulous crack addict I met at an outpatient clinic. No, I could not, I told her, feeling embarrassed,” Hight said.
Weed addiction is real and it’s important to show some compassion and support to those who are searching for help. Research shows that consuming marijuana has both physical and mental effects on a person’s body. It can cause fertility issues, immune system damage, risk for lung infections, increased blood pressure, depression, anxiety and in super severe cases, suicidal thoughts. These are just a few of the impacts marijuana has on a person, so it’s more important than ever to take them seriously and get them the help they need to move forward.
Hight also highlights how there is no universal path of recovery. Each person’s body and experience is different, but the first step is seeking out that help. Finding a community of people who will show love and support makes all the difference.
“When I started going to Narcotics Anonymous meetings in Boston in the early 1990s, it was rare to meet others whose main addiction was to marijuana. But I met a few, and we were welcomed in that fellowship, which states that the only requirement for membership is “a desire to stop using”—without reference to what substance an addict uses,” said Hight.
Living with an addiction is already so hard for people who are experiencing it, that they do not need to feel worse about themselves. Shaming someone for being addicted to marijuana does not accomplish anything, and might set people back. There are thousands of people who are addicted to weed, and it’s important to realize they are in a vulnerable state. Instead of being a bystander to their addiction, take action and become a source of support and friendship for them.
Addiction is real, recovery is real and people need help to get back to their true selves. Jim Hight’s book, which hits the shelves in August, explores these themes and shows how recovery is possible for anyone who sets their mind to it.