Sometimes it isn’t easy to see when we’re looking at ourselves. Denial is common among those who abuse drugs and alcohol and their friends and family may not want to see the problem either. If you think you may be developing a problem with drugs or alcohol, or if you know someone that may be, ask the following questions.

Do I use regularly? Or do I use more than other people?

Whether it’s several times a day or even just once daily, if you feel that you have to have this drug or drink on a regular basis, you may be dependent.

Can I stop using the drug on my own? Have I stopped using drugs or alcohol for extended periods of time in the past several months?

Failure to discontinue use on your own is a sign of trouble. Casual users can take it or leave it. Those who are addicted cannot stop using and using the drug occupies their thoughts almost constantly.

Do I spend money I don’t have on the drug?

If you’re behind on your rent and your bills are going to collection because you spend that money to obtain drugs or alcohol, you need help.

Am I engaging in behavior I never thought I would?

Addicts often steal, sell belongings and resort to degrading practices such as prostitution in order to purchase drugs.            

Do I feel anxious when my supply runs low?

Those who are dependent on drugs work hard to keep a constant supply available. Feelings of anxiety or panic and distress often occur when the user realizes that his supply is dwindling.

Do I resort to getting high every time I’m faced with a problem?

Self-medicating with drugs or alcohol at the slightest provocation may be a warning sign. Almost everyone at one time or another has “had a few too many” when something devastating has happened in their lives. But if you reach for drugs and alcohol every time a problem is the least bit distressing, it may be a sign of addiction.

Is all my time focused on getting and using drugs?

Typically a drug addict will spend most of his waking hours chasing down drugs so he can get high.

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may have a drug or alcohol dependency that needs to be treated. To find a quality drug and alcohol rehabilitation program contact a professional addiction counselor. Not all rehab programs are the same, there are many different methods of treatment and there is not one that is right for everyone.

To speak to a professional addiction counselor call 1-877-744-3536

         The threat associated with marijuana trafficking and abuse is rising, which is largely the result of a growing demand for high-potency marijuana and a related increase in the drug’s availability. An increase in domestic cannabis cultivation by drug trafficking organizations contributes to this threat, particularly the recent expansion of cultivation operations by Mexican, Asian and Cuban organizations.

         Most foreign-source marijuana smuggled into the United States enters through or between points of entry at the U.S.-Mexico border. During 2006, 1,115,710 kilograms of marijuana were seized along the Southwest Border. Pot cultivation in Mexico remains high and most of the marijuana produced in that country is destined for U.S. drug markets. A total of 5,231,658 marijuana plants were seized in the U.S. during 2006. This is up from 4,209,086 plants seized during 2005.

         The recent increases in marijuana cultivation and  production within the United States coincide with the continued flow of marijuana from foreign sources, which may lead to market saturation in major markets. This saturation could reduce the price of the drug significantly.

         According to combined 2002, 2003 and 2004 NSDUH data, more than three fourths (78.2%) of the past year marijuana users aged 18 to 25 bought their most recently used marijuana from a friend.

If you or someone you know has a problem with marijuana or any drug we can help, for drug or alcohol rehabilitation please call 1-877-744-3536

Many of us have smoked pot back in high school and maybe in collage, at some point in time we just kind of grew out of it and moved on with our lives. This is the way most drugs are, some can use them for awhile and walk away and others can not get out of the grip of the drug and become addicted.

I know Pot or marijuana is considered the gate way drug and not something people really have a problem or become addicted to but everyone is different and many people do develop a strong addiction to marijuana. The stats below show the increasing amount  of people going in for treatment for marijuana addiction and the increase over the last 10 years.

From 1996–2006, the number of admissions to treatment in which marijuana was the primary drug of abuse increased from 192,918 in 1996 to 289,988 in 2006. The marijuana admissions represented 11.7% of the total drug/alcohol admissions to treatment during 1996 and 16.1% of the treatment admissions in 2006. The average age of those admitted to treatment for marijuana during 2006 was 24 years.

^Source Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration,  February 2008.

The reason for the increase has been speculated to the increased potency of the drug. Several new varieties of marijuana have come into the market in these years and the potency is as much as 100% stronger then it was back in the 70s and 80s. With this increased potency the possible addictive qualities and also increased.

For help with Marijuana addiction call 1-877-744-3536

 For help finding a Long Term Rehabilitation Center please call today 1-877-744-3536