Marijuana is not a Safe Drug Substitute for Harder Drugs

With marijuana becoming more accessible and popular due to changes in laws and social stigma, it's often viewed as a harmless alternative to other substances. Some even use it to help manage their withdrawal symptoms from drugs and manage their path to sobriety. Sometimes called being "California Sober," this "sobriety" lifestyle is based on the idea that cannabis is a safer, non-addictive option.

However, being "California Sober" isn't sobriety at all, and it downplays the true danger of using cannabis for any reason, let alone to manage an underlying substance use disorder. Substituting one substance for another does not address the underlying issues that cause the addiction, and heavy cannabis use can introduce a new set of physical and psychological problems.

True recovery involves inner-work, healing, and using newfound coping mechanisms to handle life's daily stressors. Being truly sober means having the tools (not substances) to help you maintain your physical and mental health for life.

Marijuana: Misconceptions vs. Reality

Marijuana is often seen as the lesser of two evils, if not the best choice outright. This belief is from years of myths that have seeped into drug-use culture. Let's separate fact from fiction.

Misconception 1: "Marijuana is not addictive."

Reality: Unfortunately, people point to the fact that Marijuana isn't as addictive as other substances like opiates and opioids. While not everyone who uses marijuana becomes addicted, it can have the potential of becoming a substance use disorder. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that about 30% of users experience some degree of marijuana use disorder.

In addition, people can also develop a tolerance to THC in cannabis. Tolerance means that more of the substance is required to achieve the same effects. Remember that tolerance, along with withdrawal symptoms, are two criteria for addiction, no matter the substance.

Misconception 2: "It's natural, so it must be safe."

Reality: Just because something is "natural" doesn't automatically mean it's "safe." Many potent and dangerous substances are derived from plants. Take opium, for example, which is processed into heroin, or coca leaves processed into cocaine.

Moreover, the potency of marijuana has increased significantly as cannabis dealers want their strain to be the most psychoactive. Higher concentrations of THC in different marijuana strains can cause negative side effects, including hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis.

Misconception 3: "Using marijuana is better than using other drugs."

Reality: While the immediate overdose risk of marijuana is lower than other substances, including opioids like heroin or fentanyl, this comparison is misleading. Trading one addiction for another is not a solution. All it does is delay the treatment someone needs to address addiction's core psychological and behavioral components.

The Risks of Substituting Marijuana

Switching to marijuana instead of actively participating in addiction treatment also halts your potential for recovery. On top of this, there are plenty of other risks people need to be wary of when using marijuana.

• Mental Health Issues: People who use cannabis have an increased risk of developing serious mental health conditions or making their existing mental health disorder worse. These include anxiety disorders, depression, and even psychosis.
• Addiction (Marijuana Use Disorder): As mentioned, marijuana can be addictive. Signs of addiction include using more than intended, being unable to cut down, and continuing use despite marijuana's negative effects on relationships, work, or health.
• "Amotivational Syndrome": Some long-term, heavy users experience what is known as amotivational syndrome, characterized by a lack of interest in daily activities, apathy, and reduced drive to set and achieve goals.
• Memory and Concentration: THC affects the hippocampus and orbitofrontal cortex, which are areas of the brain essential for creating new memories and attention span. Changes can lead to difficulties with learning, problem-solving, and retaining information.

Why Get Professional Help for Addiction?

Overcoming addiction isn't as easy as simply quitting a substance or replacing it with marijuana. Professional treatment centers provide structure, support, medical supervision, and therapy needed to help maintain a life-long recovery.

For instance, at Present Moments Recovery, we understand that addiction is a multifaceted disease that affects every aspect of a person's life. Our approach is not about finding a "safer" substitute but about healing the whole person. We provide a supportive, clinically driven program designed to help individuals achieve lasting sobriety and emotional balance.

Comprehensive Treatment Options

Addiction treatment often happens in stages, from detox to maintenance.

• Detoxification: The first step in addiction recovery is often a medically supervised detox process. This ensures safety and comfort as the body clears itself of substances. During detox, you might receive medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and medical monitoring to reduce the risk of complications from withdrawal.
• Residential Treatment: Following detox, inpatient treatment offers an immersive, structured environment free from triggers. Clients participate in individual and group therapy, learning coping skills and addressing the root causes of their addiction.
• Outpatient Programs: For those who live locally or have completed a residential program, outpatient treatment provides continued support while they reintegrate into daily life. There are multiple levels of outpatient care, including comprehensive Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP).
• Aftercare and Sober Living: Aftercare programs and sober living environments will provide an ongoing support system to help prevent relapse and also maintain sobriety.

Charting a Path to True Recovery

Substituting marijuana for other drugs is a dangerous gamble that trades one set of problems for another. It ignores the underlying reasons for addiction and can prevent you from achieving genuine, lasting freedom from substance abuse.

True recovery is possible, but it takes effort, courage, and professional support. Instead of seeking a temporary fix, enroll in an addiction treatment program that can help guide you on a path toward true sobriety. Nothing feels better than knowing you have the power to change your life and keep a positive, sober outlook, with or without substances like marijuana to interfere.

Contact Mark Today

Mark Gladden is a proud U.S. veteran who has been serving the recovery community of San Diego for a decade as founder and CEO of Present Moments Recovery. Present Moments Recovery is a leading addiction treatment program for adults in San Diego that also provides outpatient care and sober living. If you're looking for help to battle addiction and live a sober life, contact Mark directly at (619) 367-4767.