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Addiction (Expert Forum)
an overly abused body
Questions in the Addiction forum are answered by a medical expert.
an overly abused body
by Brian__0__0, Feb 12, 1999 12:00AM
Over the past few years I have used four drugs: alcohol, caugh syrup, nitrous oxide, and marijuana. Occasionally I would go into periods of heavy usage with the drugs and then stop realizing my stupidity in using them. Except marijuana. Paradoxically, marijuana has caused the most problems: colds, caughs, job-related drug testing problems, family problems, and of course the problem of addiction. Realizing that marijuana was the source of my problems, I stopped using it. Unfortunately, after "stopping" I frequently started days later. In fact, the longest I have ever quit has been seven weeks. Marijuana has caused so much harm to me that I would think quitting would be a reflex. It's not. I would like to know if I have done irrevocable damage, and, of course, advice for quitting or referrals.
Doctor's Answer
by RS,EdD,HVMA, Feb 12, 1999 12:00AM
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First of all, you deserve a lot of credit for the progress you've made so far in reducing your alcohol and drug use. I'm sure that has helped you feel better already. I'm not surprised, however, that you're having trouble stopping your marijuana use. Not only is it your last connection to "getting high" but it is probably your drug-of-choice (by that I mean the one that you are most attached to). Again, I'm impressed that you've gone without marijuana for as long as seven weeks. However, my guess is that you've made as much progress as you can without some help from an addictions specialist. A trained clinician can help you understand, for example, that using marijuana is a reflex for you despite all the trouble it has caused you. That is the essence of addiction. Recovery will involve un-learning that reflex and substituting new behavior that is part of a new lifestyle. For many people, that new lifestyle includes participation in self-help groups like AA, NA, or Smart Recovery as well as professional treatment..
Chronic marijuana use can cause a variety of physiological changes most of which return to normal with long-term abstinence. Probably the biggest concern is with the effect of the unfiltered smoke on one's lungs. As part of your recovery efforts, I would encourage you to see your physician for a check-up and bring up your concerns with him or her.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.
Keywords: marijuana, recovery
