“I need to relate with other human beings who, like me, became hopelessly addicted to what most people say is a harmless, non-addictive herb. I need to hear how other hopeless dope fiends became dopeless hope fiends.”

– Freedom to Be Me, Life with Hope, second edition, page 131

For much of my using, I was surrounded by people who smoked like I did. Near the end, when I wanted to quit, I was around people who didn’t know how much I smoked, and didn’t believe marijuana could be addictive. It was hard having people not take marijuana addiction seriously. Once I finally made it to the rooms of recovery, I heard stories from other addicts that were just like me. In fact, there were a few stories that showed me I hadn’t hit the bottom that they did. I’ve also realized that not everyone gets addicted to pot.

After being restored to sanity, I realize I’m one of the lucky ones, because being an addict gave me the gift of the 12-Step program, and a fellowship of people working to make their lives better. Where once I was hopeless and didn’t think I’d ever be able to quit, now I am a dopeless hope fiend in recovery.

Final thought: Today, I am grateful for the worldwide fellowship of Marijuana Anonymous and the life recovery has given me.