One of the more common issues many face in recovery is whether smoking marijuana is a safe or acceptable option during the healing process. Some people argue about its medical uses, others believe it’s harmless compared to harder substances, and some just avoid it. If you’re in recovery, you might be confused, especially with marijuana becoming widely accepted and legal in many places.
In this blog post, we’ll answer these questions to give you a better understanding of how weed affects you in addiction recovery. Consider this as a guide to help you make informed choices while staying sober and working toward a better version of yourself.
Is Weed Addictive?
The short answer is yes, weed can be addictive. While not everyone who has smoked marijuana develops a dependency, marijuana users can get hooked. Experts refer to this as Marijuana Use Disorder, which happens when it interferes with your daily life. You may find yourself needing more to get the same effect or smoking even though it’s causing problems in your relationships, job, or health.
Research shows that about 1 in 10 people who use weed will become addicted. And if you start young or use it every day, the risk increases to about 1 in 6. Just because marijuana is now legal in many places doesn’t mean it’s harmless or free from addiction risks. Like any substance, it’s important to know the effects it can have on your brain and body. If you’re in recovery, think carefully before assuming weed won’t pull you back into old habits.
Can I Smoke Weed in Addiction Recovery?
It’s not recommended. Take note that addiction isn’t only really about the specific substance but about the underlying issues that led to substance use disorders in the first place, such as mental health issues. Substituting one substance with another, even if it feels less addictive, doesn’t address these issues. Smoking weed could become a crutch, and instead of solving the problem, you risk creating a new one.
Recovery treatment is about breaking free from all harmful habits and finding healthier ways to cope with stress, chronic pain, or emotions. Using marijuana, even for what feels like harm reduction, may set you back in your efforts to stay in recovery.
If you’re tempted to smoke weed, it helps to ask yourself why. Are you using it to replace something else you miss? Are you using it as a way to numb yourself? Understanding your motives can help you avoid a decision that might make recovery harder.
Is Smoking Weed Considered Relapse?
Yes, smoking weed is generally considered a relapse if you’re serious about staying sober. It doesn’t matter if medical use of marijuana is legal or viewed as relatively harmless. Think about alcohol. Just because you can legally buy a drink doesn’t mean alcohol addiction isn’t real. Similarly, adding marijuana back into your life could mean slipping back into the cycle of addiction. You may tell yourself it’s not as dangerous as other drugs and alcohol, but recovery is about removing any substances that could stop your long-term progress.
Let’s say you’ve worked hard to stop using opioids. Turning to weed might seem like a safer or legal option, but in reality, it’s just swapping one addiction for another. This can slow down the progress you’ve made in your recovery.
Best Redlands, CA Addiction Treatment for Substance Use Disorders
Smoking weed might seem like a gray area when it comes to substances but it can complicate your path to health, stability, and emotional balance. Quitting drugs and alcohol can be tough, and no one would blame you for wondering if there’s an easier way. But substituting one substance with another, even if it feels easier, doesn’t lead to true freedom from addiction.
If you’re unsure about your next steps in recovery, it’s okay to ask for help. Liberty House Recovery offers specialized treatment programs designed to help you overcome addiction. Whether you’re struggling with opioid abuse, alcohol addiction or becoming dependent on marijuana, we can help you. Our recovery programs provide a safe and supportive environment to address the root causes of addiction and stay strong in recovery.
