re: TM7 will remain at drug rehab center (in lieu of playing FB) for the near future

A few more words, then I am done with this thread.

Yes, you can in fact get addicted to cannabis. You can argue this if you feel compelled, but to do so just shows that you have little understanding of addiction, at least from a scientific standpoint. "Addiction" is the layman's term for dependence. Substance "dependence" is simply one of several disorders within the category of "substance abuse disorders" and is a more extreme form of abuse.

The key distinguishing criteria between abuse and dependence is that dependence involves one or more physiological responses that indicate some physical change in brain functioning that extends beyond the time of intoxication. Most people think this only includes withdrawal and ignorantly cite the absence of physical withdrawal as "proof" that marijuana is not addictive. However, most regular users of marijuana will admit to an increase in tolerance for the drug, a need for more of the substance to achieve the same effect. Tolerance is a sign of physiological change that extends beyond the period of intoxication, thus it us a marker of a physiological change that has occurred in response to chronic use of a substance.

Therefore, it is possible for someone to be "addicted" to a substance without displaying signs of physical withdrawal. Now,strong arguments can still be made that people withdraw from marijuana, that it just does not look the same as say alcohol or opiate withdrawal. I have seen many a pothead demonstrate clear signs of increased anxiety,restlessness, sleep disturbance, and stress sensitivity after discontinued regular use.

There is a reason that continued use of marijuana results in thousands of probation and parole revocations all over this country every day and it can't simply be explained away by "he was just stupid, apathetic, etc."

It is apparent to me that TM had a problem with marijuana. I don't know enough to say whether or not he may have been "addicted" to it, but he was at least abusing it. The consequences speak to that. I wish the kid the best, and if he needs help in quitting and making some needed changes to make that possible, then so be it. I hope he gets the help he needs and makes the best of it.