As stated in our third tradition, the only requirement for membership in Marijuana Anonymous is a desire to stop using marijuana. There is no mention of any other drugs or alcohol. This is to adhere to the “singleness of purpose” concept, but many of us have found that the only way that we can keep our sobriety is to abstain from all mind and mood altering chemicals, including alcohol.

When we give up the drug of our choice, a void is created. The initial struggle to abstain from marijuana use often leaves us vulnerable. To fill this void we may start to use, or increase the use of, other substances such as alcohol, cocaine, pills, or other self-prescribed drugs. Although we may not now be addicted to these substances, their use can lower our inhibitions, leaving us open to repeating old patterns of thinking and behaving that can lead back to marijuana use. The fact that we became addicted to marijuana reflects a tendency towards behavior that may lead to cross addiction or substitution addiction to these substances.

To reiterate, the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using marijuana. It is important, however, to recognize the potential to create one problem as we strive to recover from another.

From Marijuana Anonymous

The same can be said for any addiction. Any one addiction can be substituted for another.

The key question to ask yourself is; Am I using this drug or behaviour (gambling, sex, co-dependency) to change how I feel, to change my mood, to escape?

See also

Related Reading:

Emotional Freedom: Liberate Yourself from Negative Emotions and Transform Your Life
Marijuana Garden Saver: Handbook for Healthy Plants
Alcohol Lied to Me : The Intelligent Way to Escape Alcohol Addiction
Drugs, Society, and Human Behavior