How do I explain to recovering addict that it’s not okay to use marijuana?

Question by Renee: How do I explain to recovering addict that it’s not okay to use marijuana?
My boyfriend is an opiate addict and has been recovering for quite some time but he thinks that he can start to smoke marijuana again. His reasons are “I can smoke pot and not have the urge to do other drugs. If I do then I’ll stop immediately but I haven’t had the urge.”

I’ve told him this is just his addiction talking. Studies show that marijuana is, in fact, a gateway drug. While he may not think that marijuana is addictive, it is. Withdrawal symptoms include irritability and anxiety. He tells me it helps him with his anxiety, but apparently his anxiety is from not being high. We were in a relationship long before he became addicted to opiates and I stood by him and did everything I could to help him when he was trying to get sober, but now, months later, he insists on smoking pot. He doesn’t consider using marijuana to be relapsing but it’s a drug and he IS a drug addict.

Can anyone help me explain this in a way he might understand? Or give me advice on what to do next

Best answer:

Answer by Kristina L
You can always threaten to leave him and say that you are not willing to stick by him and support him while he self destructs, and stick to your guns about it even though it might be hard. Eventually he will come back when he realizes that you are more important then a stupid drug. He got to find a reason to stay sober. Him smoking weed is just going to lead to one drug to the next like you already know. This is tough question girl! I’m a recovering addict. I have gone back and smoked weed a few times, but now i can’t stand the way it makes me feel so i don’t do it. Hopefully it will be the same for him. It is so hard to get through to an addict sometimes. It’s like nothing can come in between them and there drugs. I’m sorry that i can’t help you more but i wish you luck and take care.

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