News
December 01, 2025
More people are addicted to marijuana, but fewer seek help, experts say
The drug's widespread acceptance fueled a stigma about seeking treatment, said Dr. Jennifer Exo of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.
**More people are addicted to marijuana, but fewer seek help, experts say**
A growing number of individuals are struggling with marijuana addiction, yet alarmingly, fewer are seeking professional help, according to experts. This concerning trend is largely fueled by the increasing social acceptance of the drug, which ironically creates a stigma around admitting a problem and seeking treatment.
Dr. Jennifer Exo, a leading expert at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, explains that the widespread normalization of marijuana use has inadvertently made it more difficult for people to acknowledge their addiction and reach out for support. "As marijuana becomes more readily available and socially acceptable, the perception of it being harmless increases," Dr. Exo stated. "This makes it harder for individuals to recognize when their use has crossed the line into dependence and addiction, and even harder to admit they need help."
The cultural shift surrounding marijuana often downplays the potential for addiction, leading many to believe that seeking treatment is unnecessary or a sign of weakness. This perception can be particularly damaging, as untreated marijuana addiction can have significant consequences on a person's mental and physical health, relationships, and overall well-being.
While societal attitudes towards marijuana have evolved, the reality of addiction remains a serious issue for many. Experts emphasize that marijuana use can lead to dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and a range of negative consequences, including impaired cognitive function, anxiety, depression, and relationship problems.
The lack of awareness and the stigma surrounding treatment are significant barriers that need to be addressed. Public health campaigns and educational initiatives are crucial to dispel misconceptions about marijuana addiction and encourage individuals to seek help without shame or fear. It's important to remember that addiction is a medical condition, and seeking treatment is a sign of strength, not weakness. By fostering a more supportive and understanding environment, we can encourage more people struggling with marijuana addiction to take the first step towards recovery.
A growing number of individuals are struggling with marijuana addiction, yet alarmingly, fewer are seeking professional help, according to experts. This concerning trend is largely fueled by the increasing social acceptance of the drug, which ironically creates a stigma around admitting a problem and seeking treatment.
Dr. Jennifer Exo, a leading expert at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, explains that the widespread normalization of marijuana use has inadvertently made it more difficult for people to acknowledge their addiction and reach out for support. "As marijuana becomes more readily available and socially acceptable, the perception of it being harmless increases," Dr. Exo stated. "This makes it harder for individuals to recognize when their use has crossed the line into dependence and addiction, and even harder to admit they need help."
The cultural shift surrounding marijuana often downplays the potential for addiction, leading many to believe that seeking treatment is unnecessary or a sign of weakness. This perception can be particularly damaging, as untreated marijuana addiction can have significant consequences on a person's mental and physical health, relationships, and overall well-being.
While societal attitudes towards marijuana have evolved, the reality of addiction remains a serious issue for many. Experts emphasize that marijuana use can lead to dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and a range of negative consequences, including impaired cognitive function, anxiety, depression, and relationship problems.
The lack of awareness and the stigma surrounding treatment are significant barriers that need to be addressed. Public health campaigns and educational initiatives are crucial to dispel misconceptions about marijuana addiction and encourage individuals to seek help without shame or fear. It's important to remember that addiction is a medical condition, and seeking treatment is a sign of strength, not weakness. By fostering a more supportive and understanding environment, we can encourage more people struggling with marijuana addiction to take the first step towards recovery.
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World