Marijuana / Question
Published: August 9, 2001
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I smoke Cannabis. I cannot stop! How can I do it?
Signed: Smoking Cannabis - Can't Stop
Dear Smoking Cannabis - Can't Stop,
Recognizing you cannot stop alone is a good first step. Congratulations - now keep going.
The first thing you must do is talk to someone who can get you the help you need. Talk to your parents/guardian or an adult. TeenHealthFX knows, this is the last thing you want to do, but it really is necessary. Go to your parents and tell them what is happening and how you are feeling. Tell them you want help and need help in getting it. If you absolutely cannot talk to your parents, try talking to a trusted adult, like your doctor or a teacher.
Your parents or an adult can hook you up with services that you need. They can get you into see a counselor and a group like Narcotics Anonymous. Addictions, like the one you described are something that people need professional help to overcome. A counselor can help you identify the reasons why you are smoking and help you work through them.
There is a lot of help out there for you! If you live in Northern New Jersey, please call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 889.6350. If you live outside Northern New Jersey, please call Marijuana Anonymous.
To be honest, this may not be an easy process, but recovery from cannabis use and any drug is possible. Good Luck on your road to recovery and get help immediately!
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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