According to the DEA, marijuana is the most
commonly used illegal substance in the
United States by far and has been for years.
This is because, for most users, marijuana
causes pleasurable feelings and a sense of
wellbeing.
This could make a huge difference in a meth
addict's recovery, especially if he/she has
fallen into a deep depression.
Medical marijuana could also improve
irritability and reduce cravings for meth.
Because a user will not be suffering with the
belief that no other activity could make
him/her feel as good as methamphetamine
did, withdrawal could potentially be much
easier.
While this is not a magic cure, it could make
withdrawal less of a challenge, which would
hopefully help more addicts make a full
recovery.
The Possible Disadvantages of Using
Medical Marijuana to Cure Serious
Addiction
The problem the many people have with using
medical marijuana to treat crystal meth
addiction is that they fear it would allow
addicts to trade one addiction for another.
While marijuana is not physically addicting, it
can be psychologically habit forming.
Even if the addiction to marijuana is less
physically damaging, drug dependence is still
problematic.
To break free of addiction and truly make a
change, many feel that meth users must learn
to live life as a completely sober individual.
No one can argue that marijuana can be a
mind-altering substance.
This leads many people to question whether
an individual would be able to effectively go
through treatment while in a different state of
mind. Treatment for substance abuse
generally includes extensive counselling.
Many experts also believe that marijuana use
leads to increased interest in alternative
substances.
Studies have shown that people who have
tried other illegal substances first used
marijuana.
The idea that marijuana leads to another drug
use is known as the "Gateway Theory.”
However, this theory has been disproven over
and over again.
Many people that are addicted to crystal
methamphetamine are already experiencing
significant paranoia.
The use of medical marijuana could
potentially worsen an addict's paranoia or
cause him/her to behave erratically.
Methamphetamine alters the way one thinks
and behaves. These changes in thinking and
behaviour can take a long time to reverse.
Should Medical Marijuana Be Used to Treat
Addiction to Methamphetamine?
There are many benefits to using medical
marijuana in certain situations, which is
evident in patients going through
chemotherapy, suffering from chronic pain,
and dealing with other debilitating medical
conditions.
There is the possibility that marijuana could
be very effective in treating the symptoms of
meth withdrawal, if used under careful
supervision. Recovering from a meth
addiction is a delicate and challenging
process. Whether medical marijuana should
be used to help meth users overcome their
drug use depends on the treatment program,
their will to succeed, and their personality.
If you or someone you love is thinking about
seeking treatment for an addiction to
methamphetamine, the use of medical
marijuana should be carefully considered,
before determining if this could be the key to
their recovery.