Marijuana as a Safe Alternative?

As the world debates the medical uses of marijuana, certain facts still remain about the use of mind-altering substances by those in recovery from substance abuse

Marijuana, one of the most widely used illegal drugs, is one that faces great debate. For some, it provides relief of physical ailments and symptoms just as narcotics are used under medical supervision. Others may use the drug occasionally, and although it is illegal, have not suffered major consequence. They may imbibe in such a way that one might have a single glass of wine at the end of an evening.

But what of those with substance abuse issues? Doctors may agree that a glass of red wine is “good” for your heart, but surely an alcoholic would not risk sobriety to test this theory – perhaps he would choose to take up running instead. Where those who do not have chemical dependencies may indulge occasionally in a few extra beers, a joint or bong hit, or even a harder drug on occasion, for a person who struggles with any sort of addiction taking a mind-altering substance into their body is like playing Russian roulette with their life.

Even after sustained periods of abstinence, people with substance abuse histories will set the addictive process back in motion instantly once they introduce a mind altering chemical to their bodies, which is one reason those in recovery often seek a great deal of support when facing surgeries or other times when narcotics or other drugs are required, even if they were not their drug of choice. This concept may be very difficult to understand for those who have not experienced addiction firsthand, yet anyone who has experience with recovery will agree entirely.

Although there is no physical addiction or withdrawal to THC, the psychoactive chemical in marijuana, there is a strong psychological dependency that forms with continued use. As well as its potential for relieving physical symptoms, many feel that marijuana helps them relax mentally and relives them from the stresses and realities of everyday life, especially at first. Contrary to popular belief, both a physical and psychological tolerance to the drug does occur over time, requiring the user to use larger quantities and more frequently in order to feel the expected and perceived results and relief desired. This type of dependency, just as any other, does not happen in every person – chemical dependency is an individual phenomenon governed by many factors.

I strongly feel that it is unwise to say that marijuana is either bad or good; but I will share what I would ask myself as a recovering person (or a mother, a human being) before I spark up a joint:

-Am I willing to risk my family and freedom for a few hours high? (Are the potential consequences of possessing and illegal drug worth it?)

-Am I willing to risk reversing a path of successful recovery just to test a theory or make a political statement? (Is this really worth it?)

-If I am truly trying to solve a problem, are there any alternative solutions, and what other potential problems am I creating for myself and others by putting an illegal substance in my life and my body?