The legalization of marijuana is quickly becoming a reality in many states and a hotly debated topic on ballots across the country. With the political climate around pot changing, it’s important to make choices about your own health and what is right for you when it comes to weed. Although it may be legal to possess or use in your area, think twice before getting stoned.
For those of us in recovery, use of any kind of mind-altering substance – whether it’s illegal or store bought – is a hardline “no”.
The science behind whether a glass of wine is good for the heart, or if weed impacts our cognitive skills really doesn’t matter. What matters is that when we knowingly ingest something to change our chemistry, we surrender our sobriety and we surrender to a cycle of addiction.
Not everyone is this way. For people unaffected by an addiction, the legalization of marijuana in their area may be of no more significance than the opening of a wine bar down the street. They can take it or leave it. Not so with the addict.
The challenge for those of us who have suffered at the hands of drug addiction or alcoholism is that once we take one toke, and we decide it wasn’t really that bad, that we can control things this time, the outcomes will never be good. Addiction is a progressive disease, one we can count on to ravage our lives if left untreated.
The good news is, is that we can treat our disease.
We can make a daily choice to live a sober and meaningful life. When we can admit to ourselves that we are powerless over drugs or alcohol, we can get the help we need. Resources such as the Pat Moore Foundation are available 24 hours a day to provide counseling and referrals. Your local 12 Step support groups are an invaluable source of help as well.
Marijuana may not have as obvious of an impact as narcotic drugs or alcohol, but it’s a fact that “marijuana maintenance” is no way to maintain sobriety. We are all free to walk our own path, but make a clear choice about what is best for your health!
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EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA”>As the legalization of marijuana becomes a reality in your area, remember that the legality of a substance is not what is at stake. What is at stake is your well-being. Whether you have just begun or are long a traveler on this journey of recovery, know that it is the most worthwhile trip you’ll ever take.
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