How to Help a Loved One Who is Addicted to Marijuana

Marijuana is a controversial drug. In many states, it is legalized for medicinal use, and it has helped many people improve their lives dramatically. It is legalized for medicinal and recreational use in other states, allowing anyone who wants to use marijuana to do so. However, it is still illegal on a federal level. The legality of marijuana isn't the only controversy behind it, though. Many people believe that because marijuana is natural or a plant, it is safe and not addictive. But the truth is, that any mood and mind-altering substance can be addictive. In fact, many prescription drugs are highly addictive--think of OxyContin, Adderall, or Xanax. 

If your loved one has become addicted to marijuana, he or she may not realize the severity of the problem. Your loved one may think that marijuana is safe or non-addictive, so there is no possible way they have a problem. Unfortunately, this kind of denial is common among people who struggle with all types of addictions. But there are steps you can take to make your loved one realize they are addicted and get the help they need. Here are 4 steps to take to help a loved one who is addicted to marijuana. 

1. Point Out Ways Their Marijuana Use Has Impacted Them Negatively

Try to make your loved one understand the ways their marijuana use affects their life (or their loved ones' lives) in a negative way. Examples of this could be spending too much money on marijuana, breaking the law, behavioral problems, or health issues. Sometimes, a simple conversation expressing your concern is enough to make your loved one realize that something is wrong with their drug use patterns.

2. Don't Enable Their Addiction

Loved ones of addicts often develop unhealthy behaviors that have healthy intentions but end up harming the struggling individual. These behaviors are known as enabling behaviors. Examples of enabling when it comes to addiction include:

- Lying to others to cover up for the person's behavior

- Lending the person money

- Providing the person with resources they could or should have themselves, but don't due to their addiction (housing, finances, etc.)

- Bailing the person out of jail

Rather than trying to "protect" your loved one or shield them from consequences, let them experience just how harmful their marijuana use can be. Exposing them to the consequences of their drug use can make them realize that they do in fact have a problem with marijuana.

3. Schedule a Routine Doctor's Visit

If your loved one hasn't been to the doctor in a while, suggest a routine doctor's visit. Let the doctor know beforehand that you are concerned about marijuana abuse issues. During the appointment, the doctor may assess whether or not he or she thinks your loved one needs treatment, and they can recommend a treatment method. When your loved one hears from a doctor that treatment is needed, they may take things more seriously. The doctor can also direct you toward the best possible treatment services to meet your loved one's needs.

4. Stage a Marijuana Intervention

A drug or alcohol intervention specialist can help you stage a marijuana addiction intervention. Interventions are planned meetings where a group of people works with an addiction specialist to convince a person to go to rehab. A planned intervention typically consists of the following steps:

- Consult with an addiction interventionist for professional advice and guidance

- Locate a nearby rehab facility that can admit your loved one for treatment

- Form a small intervention group (usually 3-6 people)

- Write impact statements that you will rehearse and read to your loved one. Impact statements should express why you are concerned and what you suggest for help.

- Rehearse the intervention and pick a time, day, and place to stage it

- Carry out the intervention under close guidance and mediation of an interventionist or mental health professional who can keep the intervention headed in the right direction.

Interventions can be extremely effective.

Don't Give Up Hope

Loving someone who battles addiction is never easy, but there is always hope, and millions of people are living in recovery right now. Your loved one can, too. Take these steps or speak with a counselor or physician whom you trust today about finding help for an addicted loved one.