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Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States. It has had its ups and downs in the history of our country, causing a lot of confusion and controversy about its benefits or risks. It was used extensively in our country by the 1920s, but then in 1937 Congress passed the Marijuana Tax Act, which criminalized marijuana. Research minimizing the risks in the 1940s, as well as World War II, led to the Hemp for Victory campaign. This is when the U.S. Department of Agriculture encouraged farmers to plant hemp and even handed out the seeds and draft deferments to those farmers that would grow hemp. It was common to see marijuana establishments in major cities for recreational use in the 1960s. At that time, marijuana was not seen as being a threat to society, and many people made use of it casually. But then the war on drugs in the 1980s made it again unlawful to possess marijuana.
Is it any wonder, given the history of marijuana, that there would be confusion and differing opinions about marijuana today? And how are people supposed to get help for an addiction to this drug when so many people don’t even acknowledge it as a problem?
Struggling to Get Help With Marijuana Addiction
Whether or not our government should say it is ok to use marijuana is a discussion for another day. What can’t be argued against is the fact that many people in our country are addicted to marijuana and wish they weren’t. It usually happens gradually, with a casual smoke here or there with friends. But it can quickly lead to an increased tolerance for the drug, depression, memory loss, loss of coordination, and many other problems. It is the most common drug used by young people, and it is often the drug kids start with. It is also often the drug that many people stay with, and after years of addiction, some people today are ready to quit and are looking for help to do so.
Few Marijuana Addiction Treatment Options
The problem is that with all the treatment facilities and programs out there, relatively few places specialize in marijuana addiction treatment. It simply isn’t seen as that big of a deal to use marijuana, and many people tend to focus on rehabilitation for those doing substances like cocaine, prescription painkillers, or even alcohol, instead of marijuana. That leaves millions of people left to suffer with this overlooked addiction in silence.
There are a few resources for those looking for help for marijuana addiction. Marijuana Anonymous is one resource that was created by those that were frustrated about the lack of support for marijuana treatment. It uses the 12 step recovery program that Alcoholics Anonymous uses, but it provides support for marijuana addicts. For those that prefer a less personal approach, Marijuana Anonymous Online was created to give support and resources via the internet. By contacting organizations like these, it is possible to get help for marijuana addiction, even in a country that doesn’t always see this addiction as a problem.
Sources
http://www.marijuana-anonymous.org
Chennell, Tom Adolescents and Marijuana
