In the United States, there are many drugs that have found to be commonly abused. When people think of the drugs, they usually consider marijuana to be the most commonly abused drug in the US. This is a sentiment that is very true, and what is worse than the accessibility of this drug in most states, is the fact that not very many people think that it is a big deal for “recreational” use. While marijuana addiction may not be as serious as a heroin addiction, this still is a very addictive drug.

People have been smoking marijuana for years, and they naturally assume that they are partaking in an activity with no long-term side effects. Since a person does not hear about a marijuana related death, as people do with the other drugs, there is still the potential for side effects that no person generally wants to incur. For instance, it is a drug that is known to lead to other, “harder” drugs. While this may be debated, it should be known that over 70% of people who are in treatment centers for other drugs initially started with a marijuana addiction and then progressed from there.

Secondly, the drug in itself is one that is known to be addictive. Although marijuana may not be known to have a strong physical addiction, it is something that is very psychologically addictive. And this is what makes it a danger to the community. One of the biggest groups that are at risk when it comes to the abuse of marijuana is the teenage group, and it has been this way for decades. What doesn’t help is the way that it is portrayed, in most cases, as a drug that is seen more of a rite of passage than an illicit drug. This led to 14.4 million Americans who admitted to smoking marijuana in the past month, according to a study conducted by the NIDA. In the year of 2007, more than 2.1 people said that they have tried marijuana for the first time.

And more than likely, they will continue to use this drug, as people do not see it as a addictive drug.
Another disheartening figure to take into account, more than 29% of tenth graders surveyed in 2008 who say that they are dedicated marijuana smokers. This makes marijuana addiction more of a problem that many people once thought, if that large number of 16 year old children have this drug in their lives daily, furthering themselves down the spiral of abuse. For those who may think that they have an issue with marijuana abuse, it is in their best interest to get the best help that they can. This drug is to be treated similarly to other drugs that are known to be more habit-forming, because with its status as a “gateway drug,” it will normally lead to more serious substances. With there being many treatment facilities across the United States, early identification and treatment of this drug is in everyone’s best interest.