But “experts have not historically used marijuana as a treatment to help users abstain from other drugs of abuse,” says Jason Levine, a Los Angeles-based psychotherapist who specializes in addiction. Of course, he says, it has also been illegal for decades and so there has been a dearth of research supporting its benefits. But even now, says Levine, “Research has actually shown that marijuana use can lead to addiction.” To be clear, Levine means that yes, you can form an addiction to cannabis. Being California sober — only smoking weed and taking psychedelics — may be all the rage, but it may not be a great option for people who struggle with addiction issues.
Do you have a problem with marijuana addiction?
- While AA is typically the first thing people think of when considering alcohol recovery programs, there are other sober communities and support groups that may be better suited to some people.
- But the Trump-voting exurban community isn’t as monolithic as the book banners thought.
- Recovery has to be about the outcomes and about saving and improving lives.
- You can join an AA meeting in any city, state, or country—especially if you live in a rural area with very few options for in-person meetings.
- The members of Marijuana Anonymous have developed 12 Questions for you to ask yourself.
In conversations about substance use, weed addiction is often overlooked. The reasons for this are the myth of non-addictiveness, social recognition, and widespread legalization. However, cannabis use disorder is one of the many types of substance use disorders that can injure your health and well-being. Blair Sharp Drug rehabilitation is a distinguished writer and advocate in the realms of sobriety, mental health, and parenting. Based in Rochester, Minnesota, Blair embarked on her alcohol-free journey in February 2018, a transformative decision that has since fueled her passion for writing and sharing her insights with a wider audience. With a professional background as a Psychometrist since 2014, Blair possesses a deep understanding of cognitive functions and psychology.
Can I count myself as sober if I still use cannabis?
Knowing these weak points means knowing you have them and beginning to transform your life in a way that is always going to keep you moving forward in recovery. This Course is packed full of valuable information and advice for overcoming addiction that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. In addition, try to keep an open mind and respect others’ choices.
Can smoking weed help you stay sober?
Another challenge for someone in the early stages of recovery is the pink cloud. This refers to the confidence gained from early success in your recovery journey. It can lead you to assume you can handle milder drugs because you stopped using harder drugs.
- Marijuana Anonymous meetings are free and can be attended all over the world virtually and by phone, with in-person meetings available in some areas as well.
- Whether or not you think smoking weed is OK in sobriety depends on your definition of what “sobriety” is.
- Aside from being sold differently, the difference is that recreational cannabis has more Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content, the component of cannabis that gives you a “high” feeling.
- “I was working as a bartender and this guy came in, I think he was on an internet date,” she wrote.
- Medication management services can also be provided for you in case of weed withdrawal symptoms and other reasons.
Bottom line: Can you be sober if you smoke weed?
Places like how to stay sober without aa Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, and Celebrate Recovery offer 12-step programs that can be very useful. They also offer online meetings and resources that can be beneficial to those who can’t travel to a meeting in person. Nonetheless, people smoking marijuana are generally doing so for recreational purposes – not medical ones. If you are aiming to quit abusing drugs recreationally, then smoking marijuana might be something you need to cut out of your life. Anytime I met someone in AA I could never be actually friends with them we only discussed meetings, going over steps, and sober fellowship.
Can You Smoke Weed While in Addiction Recovery Safely?
Even if you’ve been staying home for the past year and are more than a little sick of it, remind yourself that that’s worked for you so far. There are far more pros of being a regular member of AA than being a casual member of AA. However, it’s okay to be a casual member if you’ve managed to stay sober for a long time, have received education on how to manage stress and other triggers, and are highly motivated to continue to stay sober. Being a casual AA member may also be suitable for you if you have a healthy daily structure and routine, and have a strong support network of friends and family devoted to helping you stay abstinent. For example, those who recently recovered from severe, years-long alcohol addiction may attend AA meetings daily to surround themselves with sober peers as often as possible. On the other hand, those who have been sober for several years and who have busy work schedules may only need to attend AA meetings once per month for the sake of staying connected to the recovery community.