Lance B. On M.A.A.

"I'm ____ and I'm a marijuana addict" "Hi _____" the group choruses in response.

Avoiding the weed is a preoccupation that brings as a consequence the dealing with emotional issues nakedly instead of with the help of that mild sedative that cuts down the fear and anger reactions. Everything goes along OK until something goes wrong and then without thinking a joint is rolled and smoked. Back to square one.

Trying to interpose the detached less reactive marijuana-stoned self unfortunately has the consequence of emotionally distancing one from others with resulting problems with family and friends. Additionally, the sedation and spaciness from the weed cuts into concentration that causes problems on the job with the secondary worries from the impaired performance.

There were no horror stories of broken homes, violence, writhing-on-the-floor withdrawal but minor irritability, nightmares during the first week and then the yearnings for the herb in a social situation when it was offered by friends. The biggest factor in relapse was some stressful event.

As the hour and a half drew to a close the secretary of the meeting called for business announcements before all joined hands in a circle and recited the closing prayer.