Relationships and AddictionWhether it's drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, pornography, or anything else, addictions can be detrimental to the health of a relationship.
As someone has already pointed out, there is a difference between psychological and physical (chemical) addiction. Marijuana falls into the former, not the latter. I forget the author, but there is a very informative academic book on pharmacology and addiction that you can read through google books. I know that mj has been demonised in the US, so we should all refrain from spreading misinformation based on anecdotal evidence. Posted via Mobile Device
I do drug testing for a living John so I am well aware of all the facts and figures involved, and if you could see all the people that come through our lab that throw away good jobs or a chance at a good job for WEED - you would be shocked! This indicates to me that they can't or won't stop smoking weed no matter what opportunities it costs them, and that is the same behavior patterns shown by those who are addicts and/or alchoholics.
Why is it that I think all the pot heads are the ones that INSIST that it's not physically addictive, and use words like "demonise?" (although I like the cool English spelling.) I'm all for legalizing MJ in the U.S. 'cause it's stupid to treat addictions or the use of recreational drugs as a crime, but addicts defend their drug, and having lived with an addict, it's tiresome.
I do drug testing for a living John so I am well aware of all the facts and figures involved, and if you could see all the people that come through our lab that throw away good jobs or a chance at a good job for WEED - you would be shocked! This indicates to me that they can't or won't stop smoking weed no matter what opportunities it costs them, and that is the same behavior patterns shown by those who are addicts and/or alchoholics.
Again, research psychological vs. physical addiction. I'm sure that everything that you are seeing is a consequence of abuse, no questions. However, that does not place marijuana on the same level of addiction as other drugs. Posted via Mobile Device
Why is it that I think all the pot heads are the ones that INSIST that it's not physically addictive, and use words like "demonise?" (although I like the cool English spelling.) I'm all for legalizing MJ in the U.S. 'cause it's stupid to treat addictions or the use of recreational drugs as a crime, but addicts defend their drug, and having lived with an addict, it's tiresome.
Ad hominem attacks are more tiresome. Once again, more facts and less conjecture. If I find the book link then I will post it. Posted via Mobile Device
Why is it that I think all the pot heads are the ones that INSIST that it's not physically addictive, and use words like "demonise?" (although I like the cool English spelling.) I'm all for legalizing MJ in the U.S. 'cause it's stupid to treat addictions or the use of recreational drugs as a crime, but addicts defend their drug, and having lived with an addict, it's tiresome.
Casual users also defend their drug too. I'm of the belief that pot can be used just like a social drinker drinks a beer. I can't be a social drinker, I can't just have one drink, my H can, my brother can, my friends can, why is that? What's wrong with me? On the flip side, I have known people who will sit there and smoke a joint every hour, why is that? I'd be useless myself if I did that.
Certainly a person CAN abuse pot (just like a person can abuse alcohol), but the occasional, recreational user should not be labeled an addict. Just like the occasional after dinner drink, or the occasional happy hour... Are all those people drunks? Of course not. So the same can be said for someone who smokes a joint to unwind.
I'm still out on whether it is physically addicting... I just haven't seen any concrete studies proving that, and it has not been my experience at all. Most often I see studies indicating "beliefs" that pot can be physically addicting, but nothing concrete... Like this one from WebMD...
As someone has already pointed out, there is a difference between psychological and physical (chemical) addiction. Marijuana falls into the former, not the latter. I forget the author, but there is a very informative academic book on pharmacology and addiction that you can read through google books. I know that mj has been demonised in the US, so we should all refrain from spreading misinformation based on anecdotal evidence. Posted via Mobile Device
Having worked in the federal government for a large sector of my life, I can attest to the fact that we had numerous bulletins from FDA, FBI, DOT, et. al. distributed to all federal employees exposing the great potential for addictiveness to weed as well as the other drugs. I can't say that any of us were never cognizant of the potential for being individually tested. The potential was always there!
We underwent random drug tests. No prior notice~ no nothing!
If you went in for an annual or bi-annual physical, then you were tested. If the agency chose to bring in a testing lab on site and you got tapped on the shoulder, you were tested.
And several times there were employees that summarily tested "positive" for marijuana in their system and were shortly thereafter escorted from the premises. Marijuana was just one of the many substances that were being looked for. Even if a trace element showed up, they were escorted out, but had the right to agency appeal prior to dismissal. Dismissal and firing, with extremely rare exception, was the norm. Appeal to the Federal Court System was almost useless, as they, as a matter of law, respected the agency's right to keep a safe workplace and it's image intact as opposed to the individuals right to smoke, enjoy and wait patiently for the refractory period of the drug to get out of their systems.
Another area where they would get you would be on your employment application when they would ask you if you ever used those substances. If a "no" answer was given, then a post employment investigation revealed countering information from other sources, then they were summarily fired for having lied on the employment application.
Until the laws change, I would strongly advocate that it's best to just leave the stuff alone, or at least seek employment in a sector that is byfar more sympathetic to it's usage!
Again saying pot isn't addictive is like saying that alchohol and cigarettes aren't either; because like I stated before it all depends on the USER of any of these things because alchohol has NO addictive forces over me and I can take it or leave it, but yet others with a different brain chemistry can't go anywhere near it or it will ruin their lives. I have met pot users back in my day who could smoke a joint or a couple bong hits - and then not touch it for 3 months, but I was one that had to have it everyday or I did not feel right and this went on for about 5-6 years in my case.
Casual users also defend their drug too. I'm of the belief that pot can be used just like a social drinker drinks a beer. I can't be a social drinker, I can't just have one drink, my H can, my brother can, my friends can, why is that? What's wrong with me? On the flip side, I have known people who will sit there and smoke a joint every hour, why is that? I'd be useless myself if I did that.
Certainly a person CAN abuse pot (just like a person can abuse alcohol), but the occasional, recreational user should not be labeled an addict. Just like the occasional after dinner drink, or the occasional happy hour... Are all those people drunks? Of course not. So the same can be said for someone who smokes a joint to unwind.
I'm still out on whether it is physically addicting... I just haven't seen any concrete studies proving that, and it has not been my experience at all. Most often I see studies indicating "beliefs" that pot can be physically addicting, but nothing concrete... Like this one from WebMD...
Yup, there is use and then there is abuse. Some people can take it or leave (weed) like me. My ex was thoroughly addicted, and it was another contributing factor in the breakdown of my marriage (she'd say, oh, I can quit when I am ready but I just need it right now...load of crap).
you keep saying that people are saying that pot can't be addictive, I haven't seen anyone make that claim in this thread
People(like you)keep trying to establish different types of addictions which is fine, but to me they're ALL bad and ALL have the potential to ruin people's lives & usually do.
People(like you)keep trying to establish different types of addictions which is fine, but to me they're ALL bad and ALL have the potential to ruin people's lives & usually do.
FYI, my H would be a prime candidate for medical MJ in a legal state. And quite frankly so would I. Would not have a problem getting a card.
That said, I'm wondering if you think everyone who is issued a medical MJ card in a legal state is headed for a life of addiction? Do you believe that? Or do you believe someone can smoke pot without ever getting addicted?
FYI, my H would be a prime candidate for medical MJ in a legal state. And quite frankly so would I. Would not have a problem getting a card.
That said, I'm wondering if you think everyone who is issued a medical MJ card in a legal state is headed for a life of addiction? Do you believe that? Or do you believe someone can smoke pot without ever getting addicted?
I've already stated a few times previously that I have come across some that can take a few hits here and there - and walk away, while others like myself craved it everyday and had to have it or we didn't feel normal. So wether it's medical or not there are always going to be those two scenarios walking around, much like alchohol is harmless to someone like me as far as addiction goes but with many others - it ruins their lives.
I've already stated a few times previously that I have come across some that can take a few hits here and there - and walk away, while others like myself craved it everyday and had to have it or we didn't feel normal. So wether it's medical or not there are always going to be those two scenarios walking around, much like alchohol is harmless to someone like me as far as addiction goes but with many others - it ruins their lives.
Yes, and I pointed that out with my own alcoholism, and I didn't see anyone dispute the fact that it affects people differently.
I am curious what your physical withdrawal symptoms were and how long they lasted. Do you consider it as severe as say heroin or oxycontin? I was in rehab with a lot of pill heads. Their physical withdrawals were horrendous. My physical withdrawal was nothing more than aggravation (after drinking more than 20 years, averaging 6 beers a night). I imagine physical weed withdrawal could be similar to coffee withdrawal? I don't know though, that's why I'm asking what your experience was.. I do think your withdrawal was much more psychological, mental.. like mine.
On a side note... I believe if something has control over someone (pot, alcohol, shopping, crack, gambling, exercising even, etc), it is unhealthy and needs to be addressed.
But you started this thread specific to pot being physically addicting and that is not something that has been proven either way at this point. Pot is a fairly new drug, as it relates to regulations and studies. It was squashed and made illegal before it ever had a chance to be fully studied. Many of the studies I have read about (and I've read a ton geared towards both sides of the argument) indicate it has potential, however the biases and regulations make it difficult to determine its full potential. Pot has been known to shrink cancerous tumors, pot has been known to alleviate fatal withdrawal symptoms for other drugs, pot is a natural pain reliever, an appetite stimulant, etc.. the list of potentials for this natural herb is endless. Of course, and with everything, it affects people differently.
Many Americans who come here end up buying or growing and smoking marijuana. It's only (for the most part) illegal, and rightfully so, when trafficking. Interestingly, if one were to look at Portugal's decriminalisation of personal drug use one would find a marked decrease in the amount of new users, an increase in the amount of people quitting and a an increase in those seeking help for addiction. The stigma and novelty are gone, and traffickers are being put out of business. They've done this over ten years ago and I'm sure that it hasn't been reported by any major news network in the US. Posted via Mobile Device
Many Americans who come here end up buying or growing and smoking marijuana. It's only (for the most part) illegal, and rightfully so, when trafficking. Interestingly, if one were to look at Portugal's decriminalisation of personal drug use one would find a marked decrease in the amount of new users, an increase in the amount of people quitting and a an increase in those seeking help for addiction. The stigma and novelty are gone, and traffickers are being put out of business. They've done this over ten years ago and I'm sure that it hasn't been reported by any major news network in the US. Posted via Mobile Device
Really? So you're saying that if it is decriminalized, eventually more people seek help for addiction to it? I wonder why that is. I advocate for medicinal purposes.. I struggle with outright legalizing. I also think there needs to be a higher age limit than there is for alcohol. I do not think it is healthy for younger, less emotionally mature individual. I also think someone has to have a strong motivated outlook on life, and be grounded in life, if they're going to be proscribed MJ for something... Maybe its one of those legal scripts that should have psych authorization too. I've read it can have horrible effects on schizophrenia patients, but positive affects on bipolar (something like that). I just wish they would do more studies on pot, related to medical, there just seems to be a whole list of pros related to health, and very few cons... And facing what might be cervical cancer myself, I have been studying pot closely. It certainly is more promising and less painful than radiation or chemo!!
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Re: Marijiuana IS addictive.....to some. 
