The dangers of marijuana maintenance in recovery speak to the question, “Why induce a drug addiction to maintain sobriety from another drug addiction?” The ongoing legalization of marijuana tends to gloss over its dangers and create confusion. While it may be an effective treatment for the physical discomfort, marijuana is not appropriate for living a sober lifestyle. After all, marijuana is still a drug and can be addictive.
What is Marijuana Maintenance?
Marijuana maintenance in recovery introduces marijuana as a comfort measure for breaking an addiction to another substance. The dangers of marijuana maintenance in recovery lie in the misconceptions about maintaining recovery. Proponents of marijuana maintenance believe it is safe to smoke marijuana without the threat of addiction. This type of treatment is hazardous and invites the possibility of relapse to occur.
In addiction recovery, it is vital to reduce negative thoughts, negative thought processes, and bad habits to learn how to stay healthy and positive. Marijuana maintenance presents an extra, unnecessary challenge in this process. Simply put, if sobriety is the goal, introducing a new drug into one’s plan impedes progress made in treatment.
Marijuana’s Effects on the Brain
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psycho-stimulating substance that alters brain function. Also, THC is a drug with addictive qualities that affects people physically and emotionally. Smoking marijuana causes the THC and other chemicals in the plant to enter the lungs and into the bloodstream, then quickly carry the drug throughout the body and brain. Effects are immediate. Reported side effects include a pleasant euphoria, sense of relaxation, heightened sensory perception, laughter, altered perceptions of time, and increased appetite.
Why Marijuana Maintenance Can Be Dangerous
Sobriety is a lifelong practice. An actual treatment plan for addiction calls for full sobriety, one free of all drugs and alcohol. The dangers of marijuana maintenance in recovery exist through the possible development of another addiction.
Practically all licensed treatment professionals believe that exempting pot from the prohibited drug list is a huge mistake. Marijuana maintenance in recovery is similar alcoholics drinking “only beer and wine” while recovering. Edibles are the choice of some centers utilizing marijuana maintenance. But, again, these items contain the drug and are not keeping the user sober.
Those seeking sobriety and recovery from addiction are deluding themselves if they believe smoking marijuana is staying sober. In short, those seeking this alternative treatment should reconsider their desire to get sober.
Better Approaches to Recovery
The dangers of marijuana maintenance in recovery put those in recovery into a false sense of sobriety if they use marijuana maintenance. A sober lifestyle does not involve the use of any substance. Using marijuana to avoid discomfort while trying to stay sober only initiates another dependency. Also, recovery consists of learning to incorporate healthy and positive lifestyle choices with a treatment plan to understand unresolved issues involved in the past addiction. Developing a robust support system with family, friends, and others in recovery is crucial.
In addition, individual and group therapies help the addict realize important triggers, cope with them, and manage emotions and feelings while sober. After all, the prevention of relapse is vital, and one of the dangers of marijuana maintenance in recovery present a stepping stone for developing another addiction.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be difficult. Learning how to utilize healthy and positive coping mechanisms takes practice and time. Problems will occur in all aspects of life, and healthy coping habits are vital to sobriety. In conclusion, the dangers of marijuana maintenance in recovery involve sobriety, because marijuana is still a drug. Learning self-reliance is powerful and builds self-confidence. Exercise, hobbies, and volunteering are excellent ways to find support, create a sense of self, and leave drugs behind.
The Dangers of Marijuana Maintenance in Recovery in California
Launch Centers in Los Angeles, CA know the dangers of marijuana maintenance in recovery. If you are considering this option for addiction treatment, let us talk to you about it. We can explain the process, address any concerns and offer other alternatives. Contact us for compassionate services and professionals experienced in addiction treatment.
