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Marijuana Anonymous does not endorse the author of "A Doctor's Opinion about Marijuana Addiction" or his employer. The medical opinion presented is based on the doctor's research and clinical experience as of 2015 and should not be construed as the last word on the subject of marijuana addiction. Marijuana Anonymous is not affiliated with any foundation, institution, or other organization and has no opinion on outside issues.

A Doctor's Opinion about Marijuana Addiction

Marvin D. Seppala, MD Chief Medical Officer Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

I hope that this brief writing may provide those who are seeking help a general understanding of the disease of addiction, and some specific aspects of marijuana addiction.

Many people say that marijuana is not addicting, but this is simply not accurate. People do become addicted to marijuana, just as they do to alcohol, opioids and stimulants. Marijuana addiction differs from these other types of addictions primarily by the outward or social manifestations, but internally, the same pain and anguish exist.

Marijuana addiction is much less socially visible than alcoholism or heroin addiction, in which one can easily witness problems such as driving under the influence or development of serious infections like HIV or hepatitis. The other drugs tend to cause more obvious problems when addiction takes hold.

Studies show that about 9% of those who use marijuana become addicted to it. The unfortunate truth is that the lack of serious, early consequences to marijuana addiction allow for a long, slow decline, often without recognition, resulting in later-stage addiction before the problem is confronted. An individual may wake up years into this chronic illness, without a reasonable understanding of how their life got so far off track. Often one has no major medical or legal problems, no sudden tragedy that drives the search for an answer. However, isolation from friends and family, loss of interest and lack of participation in those activities that used to bring joy, and the crushing weight of missed opportunities add up. If this is where you find yourself, you are reading the right book. . .

From the book Life with Hope - A Return to Living Through the 12 Steps and the 12 Traditions of Marijuana Anonymous (3rd Edition).

For a copy of our basic text and 12 Step Workbook: Life with Hope

• Stop Smoking Weed 

• Quit Smoking Pot 

• Cannabis/THC Addiction 

Full text of A Doctor's Opinion about Marijuana Addiction