Chemical addictions are a growing problem in this country despite continued efforts to reduce and control the problem. Tougher criminal consequences and strong social taboo placement as well as greater educational efforts may be part of the changing face of addiction, though they are not eliminating the problem. Street drugs continue to be used and abused though many people are turning toward prescription medications, which can be equally harmful when taken in an abusive manner though criminal charges are more difficult to file and society tends to be more lenient on prescription drug use versus street drug use. And while these changes may affect the amount of use for drugs like heroin or crystal meth, other drugs like marijuana continue to be extremely popular and part of common usage for many people.

In fact there is a growing interest in legalizing marijuana and it is already legal for medical use in places like California. With the continued popularity of this drug and regular use and exposure to it, problems of abuse and addiction to it are going to continue. With this in mind it is important to consider what addiction to marijuana entails and how you can find treatment for it if you are suffering from addiction to this or other drugs and medications. The addictive potential of marijuana has been debated and the effects of such an addiction are also considered in a different context than with the hard street drugs. However, this can lead to overlooking or denying problems when they exist and that is one of the dangers of marijuana abuse.

As with most drugs there are twelve step programs across the country and many times throughout the world that are available at all times during the day and in many different locations in cities. Marijuana Anonymous meetings are based on the same twelve step structure that Alcoholic Anonymous is based on. It is an extensive process and commitment to the journey and each step along the way is essential to recovery. There is good information on these programs as well as other treatment programs that are community specific available on the Internet as well as at many social service centers and hospitals. Schools will also have treatment referral resources available.