Experts: Marijuana now more addictive than ever

Some people think smoking pot is not addictive, but in fact it is just the opposite. Experts say marijuana is now more addictive than ever before.

Substance abuse counselors say marijuana growers and sellers are making the drug stronger, so people will keep coming back for more. Pam Morrison sees first hand what the increase in THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, does to users.

Coastal Horizons Program Director, Pam Morrison, says "We have youth as well as adults that are seeking substance abuse treatment because their lives are completely unmanageable as a result to an addiction to marijuana alone."

Morrison says marijuana users spend a lot of time trying to find the drug and even more time dealing with its effects.

She says some of the effects are "hangovers, not being able to go to work or school in the morning, dropping out of school, quitting their job, getting in trouble with the law, getting involved with gangs." Morrison goes on to say many people believe only hard drugs like heroin and cocaine can impact their life, but that is not the case.

Morrison says, "marijuana is a very addictive drug and people's lives have been destroyed because of marijuana.” Smoking marijuana even a few times can lead to a downward spiral. "Smoking something on the weekends or using occasionally is still a warning sign because that indicates that someone's choices and lifestyle is harmful,” says Morrison.

She recommends never trying the drug, but if you are already addicted, there is help. The program director says "there is treatment available and there is recovery available.

"There is hope, people don't have to be addicted."

One place to find treatment is at the Coastal Horizon Center.

For more information go to http://www.coastalhorizons.org/