Bulletin Board Post

Addiction

I Smoke Weed On A Daily Basis

<div class="ExternalClass8B69045C54BB4082B1496C4D06DEE9CB">Before I explain what happened I want to let whoever know that I am not a bad person. I make good grades. I am very loving and caring. I am a loyal friend. I have always had a past with drugs and alcohol, and it used to be worse than it is now. I used to take pills and drink liquor and smoke pot. Although I do not do much of this anymore, I still drink beer every now and then and I smoke a decent amount of weed on a daily basis. I feel like the weed isn't that bad anymore because I don't let it affect me how it used to (it would make me lazy, etc). Last night I got pulled over for speeding, and I had to go to juvi for the possession of marijuana. I know this situation isn't good, but I feel like it is not the worst. my parents act like I am going off the deep end but I am happier than I have been in a while and I don't feel like I do anything more than someone my age does. My parents definitely grew up around different types of people and my mom never got in any kind of trouble like this when she was my age. But I still feel like it's not the end of the world. This has happened at least once to pretty much everyone I know. I just don't know what to do because I feel like they think I'm just a punk or that I am not any better than I used to be but I am. I am happy. I know what I want to do next year once I graduate, and I am working harder at my hobbies. I just like to smoke weed and they don't agree with that decision. I just don't know how to let them know that I am not a punk and that I am happy and I'm not a drug addict. </div>

<div class="ExternalClassC69C0BA79E27403DBBE0B4C524831926"><div><div class="ExternalClass8B69045C54BB4082B1496C4D06DEE9CB">We are glad you have discovered our website and are reaching out today. We can hear the frustration and confusion you conveyed in your email about the relationship with your parents, and the conflict you described about how you and they perceive your lifestyle. While not making any judgements, let us make some observations based on what you relayed in your email. It is not about being a “bad” or “good” person, it is about behavior, which will either be self-enhancing, or self-defeating. It sounds like you have made some positive steps in relation to your use of drugs and alcohol. That is great. The result of that seems to be you having more of a sense of connection and confidence about yourself and your future. Congratulations. While drugs and alcohol can temporarily precipitate good feelings, and a release of stress and inhibitions that may lead to fun and good times; the brain can grow accustomed to their use and form reactionary patterns that develop dependency, even addiction. The dependency makes it much harder to address the stresses of life without the aid of the drugs and alcohol, and creates emotional strain, which drives us to more drugs and alcohol. Regardless of the popular sentiment concerning marijuana, it is still an active element that impacts the brain. Since a human being’s brain is not fully developed until the mid-twenties, drugs and alcohol can have a significant impact on brain development, which can have a major impact on how we perceive life around us as we get older. We suggest doing some serious research in this area in order to make informed decisions as to your continued, heavy use of marijuana. Given the history you relayed, it is easy to see where your parents would be concerned, and afraid. Any activity and behavior that touches that fear and concern will likely trigger a reaction associated with the past. While you feel you are in a much better place, there is still a gap in perception. The best way to close the gap is through communication, and remember your actions will speak much louder than words. We want you to know we are here for you. If you would like to talk, our counselors are here to talk 24/7. Sincerely, Larry – Counselor </div></div> </div>

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