How to Make Somebody Stop Smoking Pot

Basic Information about Pot

Pot is a recreational drug. Technically pot is called marijuana which is the dried flowers, leaves and stems of the Cannabis sativa plant. Most pot that people use contains from one to thirty percent THC. THC is a much easier way to say Tetrahydrocannabinol; the main psychoactive substance in pot. People smoke it using various methods such as a tobacco pipe, rolling paper, water pipes, and more homemade methods. It can also be ingested in foods or drinks.

Side Effects and Symptoms of Pot

Pot has fewer serious side effects and symptoms than other drugs but still has some that can cause problems for people using it including:

• Altered awareness
• Euphoria – but usually mild
• Reduced inhibitions
• Relaxation to sleepiness
• Red and dry eyes
• Dry mouth and cough
• Increased pulse
• Decreased reflexes; which makes pot users dangerous drivers (and bad decision makers)
• Sometimes a panic reaction will occur
• Pulmonary issues can occur with long-term use

Pot can affect both male and female reproductive systems, and some think it might cause fetal abnormalities; although, more conclusive research is needed regarding reproductive issues.

Pot has two major things going for it. It’s almost clinically impossible to overdose and pot won’t cause a clinical physical dependence. Pot can cause a psychological dependence but many drugs result in both; in this respect it may be easier to figure out how to make someone stop smoking pot than another drug.

Need to Know How to Make Someone Stop Smoking Pot

You can’t in all honesty ‘make’ anyone do anything they don’t want. When it comes to illnesses and addiction you can offer help and suggestions – even large amounts of persuasion, but it will eventually come down to the person and their choice to seek treatment (or cooperate with treatment) and stop taking a particular drug.

The first thing to do is figure out, if you can, why someone is using pot.

Why People Smoke Pot

Most research shows that people say they use pot to relax. Pot brings on a feeling of relaxation and while it can’t honestly make problems go away, it can help people to feel at ease for a little while.

Other reasons people may use pot include:

• Peer pressure
• As a medical treatment
• To experience a hallucinogenic response or heightened awareness
• As part of religious ceremony

Ideas for Getting People to Stop

If someone is taking pot based on peer pressure there are many reasons you can offer as to why someone might want to stop using.

A big motivation can be the basic fact that pot is illegal. Many people think it shouldn’t be but right now it simply is. Holding even a small amount can land you in jail or result in a hefty fine. Being convicted as someone holding a large amount of pot or selling pot can even make it impossible for someone to get financial aid for college or effect someone's employability later on.

Pot can cause an overall apathy and lack of energy. If a person enjoys art, jogging, or other hobbies, pot can effect those activities. Pot is also a huge determent to employment. Not only does it stifle concentration and productivity, but people can even lose their job based on pot use. More than ever companies; even small ones are using pre-employment drug screening and random urine drug tests to cut down on employees who use drugs.

Health risks can be a good way to get someone to quit smoking pot. While not physically addictive, the health risks are truly significant and akin to smoking tobacco. Some research show that smoking one joint (pot cigarette) can be as bad as smoking four regular cigarettes. The long term affects on someone’s lungs are extremely serious. All sorts of pulmonary conditions can result, as can lung cancer. Your risk for heart attack can quadruple if you smoke pot. All of these and other health risks of pot use can be used to try and stop people from using.

If you need just the basic facts about pot use to offer someone check out Tips for Teens; the Truth About Marijuana – meant for teens but really is a good fact page for adults as well.

Some People May Not Quit

People using pot for medical reasons may be unlikely to quit if the pot is helping them feel better. Pot has been shown effective at treating various conditions and symptoms of diseases. You can see research on medical pot at The American Alliance For Medical Cannabis. For some issues, like glaucoma, pot is an effective treatment, yet research shows that legal drugs are just as effective. In cases like this, it might be easier to get someone to quit smoking pot if you can help them to find another legal, and useful, alternative medication.

Since many pot smoker use it for relaxation purposes, you should recognize this and suggest other techniques for relaxation. There’s yoga, reading, exercise, meditation, massage, and more. Often in correlation these are much less expensive relaxation techniques.

If you have a teenager it is your responsibility to set guidelines before they start using drugs – studies show that teens with parents who have open conversations with them about drug use and disapprove are those less likely to start using.

If you’re dealing with an adult user, they may not quit in spite of your best efforts. What you need to remember is that how to make someone stop smoking pot is not your responsibility and no matter what someone may say it’s their fault, not yours.

To learn more about finding help for very serious pot users take a look at one of these helpful articles:

• Drug Rehab Programs
• Drug Treatment Programs
• Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers