But isn't marijuana addictive?
Substantial research exists regarding marijuana and addiction. While the scientific community has yet to achieve full consensus on this matter, the majority of epidemiological and animal data demonstrate that the reinforcing properties of marijuana in humans is low in comparison to other drugs of abuse, including alcohol and nicotine. According to the U.S. Institute of Medicine (IOM), fewer than one in 10 marijuana smokers become regular users of the drug, and most voluntary cease their use after 34 years of age. By comparison, 15 percent of alcohol consumers and 32 percent of tobacco smokers exhibit symptoms of drug dependence.

According to the IOM, observable cannabis withdrawal symptoms are rare and have only been identified under unique patient settings. These remain limited to adolescents in treatment facilities for substance abuse problems, and in a research setting where subjects were given marijuana or THC daily. Compared with the profound physical syndrome of alcohol or heroin withdrawal, marijuana-related withdrawal symptoms are mild and subtle. Symptoms may include restlessness, irritability, mild agitation and sleep disruption. However, for the overwhelming majority of marijuana smokers, these symptoms are not severe enough to re-initiate their use of cannabis.

I would never in a million years marry a guy who smokes pot. It makes you lazy, unambitious and dull and the big one, ON DRUGS! Who wants that? Not me.

I watched your show for the first time last night, and I have to say that it was meant for me to watch! I am blown away by Dr. Keith's approach to the smoking pot situation between the guy and gal on his show. What I don't think the Dr. understands is that the boyfriend is a drug addict. He can send him to rehab and have him spun dry and tested weekly all he wants but that isn't dealing with the whole problem. This boyfriend is an addict and if it isn't pot, he will be using alcohol, sex, food, gambling, etc... to deal with his emotions. The addiction itself needs to be looked at and treated. The only treatment that I know of for addiction is a 12 step program. This boyfriend needs to change his way of life and learn how to deal with the stresses and life issues without getting high! I believed this man when he said he loved this woman with all of his heart! He probably truly does, but he doesn't know how to or possibly can't stop using drugs. I am a recovering addict and I haven't used in three years and it hurt me to watch this poor guy be verbally degraded by the Dr. and his girlfriend. He was taught this way of life by his father and he needs help not ultimatums. This girlfriend seemed like she was willing to stand by the man she loves no matter what but she doesn't understand the disease of addiction itself. A support group similar to Alanon or Naranon should have been recommended. Having been in recovery myself for three years, I have seen this similar situation time and time again. I'm sure Dr. Keith is a fine Dr. but I personally think that he should do a little more research on this disease before he judges people on National TV like he did on this story. I am a recovering, hope to die dope fein that has found relief from active addiction through a 12 step program and I wanted to make sure you were aware of another solution besides the 2 week rehad and then throw them back into real life, solution. I would be willing to explain more if needed. Thank you.

My husband says that if he had sideburns like that, he'd smoke pot too.

Ha!

Kess

Jeremy my BF smokes pot he has been smoking ever since i met him and before that...It did bother me at first and i did let him know that and he don't smoke around me or the kids he does have respect for me and the kids that is why he don't do unless they r in school or if they not around...I was told that if u have a flaw that u can either ask for help or they just have to deal with it and i did...U don't have a cold u have with drawls i've seen it many time being a nurse i've seen it all...Tell ur GF this how i was when u met me and this is what i want to do and if she don't under stand it then i guess she'll have to deal or leave...

This is my first time posting regarding any show. I decided to post my thoughts because I could not get the couple of my mind concerning the Marijuana use. I agree with Chrystal (previous post). The girlfriend clearly displayed control issues. I was married to a man who had a drinking problem. After giving him an ultimatum about drinking I learned it really wasn't about drinking, drinking was only the symptom concerning all his inner demons and past experiences. I was totally blown away by Dr. Keith's lack of professional diagnosis of the underlying issues concerning his usage of Marijuana and his girlfriends lack of compassion and concern. It seemed to be all about her. Control!- The boyfriend couldn't get a word in edge-wise. The boyfriend should think twice about her and her big head. The whole segment was disheartening. Has she ever heard of the song "You're so Vain" you probably think this addiction is about you. YIKES!

I am watching the show with christine and mike. Take it from me and my family, christine has to let mike go. Mike will never change based on promises, he will only get worse. My daughter has gone through a terrible ordeal with her drug addicted husband. Her nightmare started long before she even knew and she was forced to see the truth the day she came home from her honeymoon. Now seven years later she is a young widow raising her two babies ages 3 and 2 alone. There were so many promises and even rehab on more than one occasion. One even lasted for 12 months before my son- in -law was kicked out with just 3 weeks to go. He never stopped his useage just learned to beat the system. Like Christine my daughter stuck with her husband through it all untill the day her daughter was born and she was left in the hospital while he went to get her a "hamburger". He wrecked her car that night and was arrested for his drug usage. This experience has taught us that you can not trust these people as they care more for their drugs than anything else. Michael will ruin Christines life and cause her more heart ache than she has ever imagined.

Jerrell's mother must be so proud because she has raised a fine man. It touched me to see him stand up for his wife-to- be in the midst of her pain. I'm sure it has been hard for him because of her emailing other men. He is what being a real man is all about. Jerrell I salute you!

After viewing the show today, I was bothered by the couple that is struggling with marijuana use. Although an illegal drug, I do not believe that was the problem and I was really surprised Dr. Keith Ablow didn't call the young lady out on her control issues as I have seen him do many times in past episodes. She clearly stressed that her problem originated from her insecurities. She found one thing that bothered her about him and gave him an utimatum. She needs the choice to be her simply because that is what would make her feel special not because she thinks that smoking marijuana is a big deal. It was so obvious. I think ultimatums are done in desperation and I think all that show did was tell people that they could spend the rest of thier lives with anyone as long as one side will be submissive enough to change thier lifestyle just because someone tells them they wont be with them unless. I say you should be more confident and self-supporting so if your mate holds habbits or characteristics that you don't see yourself being able to deal with you can find someone who does. Just my opinion.

Re:Christine & Mike
Mike should let her go, He's not going to quit smoking. It'll be one ultimatum after another.
She should look elsewere for a non-smoker.

love the show... great guests, great topics, great advice. Sensible and fun to watch. Watching Jerell and Tatiana right now, and I feel for both of them. Jerell has been so patient; what unconditional love! Tatiana needs self-esteem support. Hope they do an update in a year to follow up on what happened to these two!

I just want to say as a pot smoker, it's hard to quit. befor i met met my fiance i was smoking. it seems that my girl and the gil on t.v. and you have the same saying, your chosing it over me. but before i met you i was smoking and there wasn't you it was just me, like smoking cigeretts. But now we are together it's me chosing.how about steping away from that and deal with me.Not weed and you.just a thought.
the reason i write is I'm gong through the sae thing.It's been 3 days.I dont know if I have a cold or it's the withdraw. But thinks to he cold I dont want to smoke...for now, I keep praying to god for help.
thanks for picking thid topic. It lets me know there is more people with this prob. than just me.