One of my best friends has been an avid pot smoker for years, but he hasn’t been the stereotypical stoner. Instead, he has stayed productive and kept himself involved in activities like surfing and snowboarding. I grew up with this friend, and even though I am never around him when he smokes, I know when he is high. Just a few weeks ago, however, I noticed that he was way more productive and energetic, and he was even getting involved in new endeavors. I had to ask him what was up, because for as long as I have known him, I never knew him to be as engaged in his surroundings as he had been recently. He just replied, “I stopped smoking weed,” and it all clicked.
The proof is in the pudding – he went from being a “functional pot smoker” to putting that part of his life behind him so he could be able to do even more. Since I have gotten sober, I have never condoned smoking weed recreationally, but I understand that this was his personal lifestyle decision. Needless to say, I am happy he quit, because I am seeing such an awesome transformation in him!
I understand that with all the news and controversy surrounding the legalization and decriminalization of pot that there are many different opinions out there – and rightfully so. Personally, I do not see any need for marijuana to be used recreationally. It is still a mood altering substance that changes your perception on things and encourages you to escape from reality. On the other hand, I do understand and agree with the medicinal benefits that this drug can have, especially since I have see it work wonders first hand.
I had a good friend whose father was losing his battle to pancreatic cancer. He could barely do anything, including eat. He was prescribed medicinal marijuana and because of it, he was able to get a good appetite going and get some pain relief that made his last days more comfortable.
My experience with weed was never for anything medicinal, as I just used it here and there. I never really liked it to be honest, because I liked uppers. Marijuana just made me either super lazy or extremely paranoid, and I would just be so uncomfortable after smoking that I would rarely do it.
The point I am trying to make is that there are so many angles to take when it comes to what is going on in the country with marijuana. My personal angle is that using this drug for recreational purposes is dangerous, as would be the abuse of any drug. I don’t care if it comes from a plant or not – so does cocaine, and so does opium. You cannot be nearly as productive and effective in your day-to-day life if you are constantly under the influence of weed for recreational use.
Author
-
Paul Alexander is the CEO, President & Founder of Northbound Treatment Network in Newport Beach, California. He believes wholeheartedly in transformational leadership, organizational health and effective, fully integrated substance use disorder and mental health treatment. With over 27 years of experience in behavioral healthcare, Paul has extensive knowledge of “in vivo” treatment modalities, clinical development, operations, strategy, marketing and financial planning. He has been widely recognized for his development of collegiate-based residential treatment programs for students in recovery and authored a research study at The University of California confirming this modality’s effectiveness.
Paul’s comprehensive professional experience, willingness to innovate, and emphasis on organizational health are vital factors in Northbound’s continued success. Paul received his Certified Addiction Treatment Specialist training at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA, and was awarded Outstanding Alumni Service Award in 2002. Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology, Law and Society, Summa Cum Laude, from University of California, Irvine, and a Juris Doctorate degree from Loyola Law School of Los Angeles. Paul currently serves on The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) board. In addition, he serves on The Family Recovery Foundation board and The CarePossible board in Orange County; both organizations are committed to raising funds for family recovery and treatment for former military personnel. Paul is in recovery himself and lives in Orange County with his wife Silvana and his two young sons, Noah and Dean.
