[Pigo]

I'm definitely not trying to blame weed, if people can use it responsibly I say great! The problem is people who have conditions like anxiety who become dependent on it to get by. Some people become alcoholics because they have stuff going on that they can't deal with, and that doesn't mean I think alcohol should be illegal. But just like them, I wish the drug wasn't a numbing agent that prevents them from dealing with the underlying problem.

[Broken_Hippo]

I don't see an issue. I also don't see an issue with folks going to therapists, taking SSRI's or other medicines, and so on. So long as the weed isn't doing undue damage to their health, go for it. Psychiatric medications often come with their own health concerns, sometimes you get the concern and sometimes you don't. Unfortunately, many folks make a distinction between those prescriptions and weed, but rarely say a word if folks pour their anxieties into over-exercise. To me, none of it matters if it makes their life better, if it is worth the consequences, and it isn't harming others (within reason).

It isn't like alcohol where doing it daily will absolutely destroy your life (legal issues aside). It doesn't have the same destroying effects on the family, friends, and so on.

And to be fair, if there is an underlying problem, it doesn't really prevent folks from dealing with it either. Lots of folks go to therapy while smoking regularly. If it doesn't need therapy, then it probably takes care of the issue... since it keeps the anxiety attacks at bay.

[citruscomputing]

How do you feel about people becoming dependent on prescription ADHD medications?

[Pigo]

Oh, don't get me started on that. Not just ADHD, but antidepressants and anxiety medication as well. Of course there are people with legitimate needs, and boys who truly can't pay attention, but the over-prescription of these medications is negatively effecting way too many people.

Not working on your issues, and just masking them with a chemical should be a short term solution. These drugs are worse in my opinion, and I could ramble for a long time on my reasons.

The money they cost and dr's never having an exit strategy for the patient, are my biggest concerns. I've never heard of a dr informing a patient on how difficult getting off these things are. Presumably because they want you to take it forever, or they have no clue. And there are definitely too many boys who just don't get the attention they need, or have more energy than someone likes, so their behavior becomes a disease.

I drink sometimes, and have been known to do other things. But I feel like everyone should be striving for the ability to get through life without 'needing' chemicals. Sometimes people forget how wonderful you can feel when you are clean, eating right, and exercising. They start to think they are incomplete without some chemical. Of course we all fail at being perfect, but it's a goal worth struggling towards.