237. Bart | Mar-Anon237. Bart | Mar-Anon
High Truths on Drugs and Addiction
Mar-Anon is an important support group for people who have loved ones addicted to marijuana. Mar-Anon is based on the same concept of Al-Anon for alcohol. While AA and MA are for people with a substance use disorder, Al-Anon and Mar-Anon are for families. In keeping with the anonymous aspect of the organization, I am just using Bart's first name. Bart was a summer camp counselor, camp director and teacher, earning his Teaching credential from Chapman University. After retiring from teaching he started volunteering with Mar-Anon, Every Brain Matters and other educational non-profits. Bart used to think marijuana was harmless. “When I was smoking weed in my 20’s I used to say stuff like, “it’s just pot, it’s not a big deal.” Marijuana was a very big deal for his son, Kevin. Bart witnessed his son experience many episodes of Cannabis Induced Psychosis. Kevin died by suicide in 2018 at 29 years old. The last articulate words Bart heard him speak were, “Cannabis has ruined my life.” Resources: Mar-Anon - for supportive meetings Every Brain Matters - for facilitated meeting
55:42•7 Jul 2025
237. Bart | Mar-Anon
Episode Overview
- Mar-Anon provides support for families of cannabis users.
- Addiction affects the entire family, not just the individual.
- Anagnosia is a common symptom in addiction cases.
- High-potency THC can lead to cannabis-induced psychosis.
- Community support is vital for recovery and prevention.
“Addiction is a family disease. We often focus on the individual, but the entire family circle is affected by someone with addiction.”
In this insightful episode of High Truths on Drugs and Addiction, Dr. Roneet Lev leads a discussion on the importance of supporting families affected by addiction, particularly focusing on cannabis use disorder. The episode highlights Mar-Anon, a support group modeled after Al-Anon, specifically designed for relatives of individuals addicted to marijuana. Bart, a former summer camp counselor and teacher, shares his journey from perceiving marijuana as harmless to actively volunteering to support families through Mar-Anon and other organizations.
Bart's story is a testament to the profound impact addiction has not only on individuals but also on their families. Dr. Lev emphasizes that addiction is a family disease, affecting spouses, parents, siblings, and children. Often, it is the family members who first recognize the signs of addiction, as individuals suffering from addiction may experience anagnosia—a lack of awareness of their own condition. This can be seen in cases of dementia and is prevalent among those with substance use disorders.
The episode delves into the dangers of high-potency THC products, which are increasingly leading to cannabis-induced psychosis. Bart recounts personal experiences and stories from others who have faced such challenges, including the tragic loss of his son to suicide, attributed in part to cannabis-induced psychosis. Listeners are encouraged to seek community support through groups like Mar-Anon and Al-Anon and to recognize the need for consistent messaging about the risks associated with substance use. Dr.
Lev and Bart advocate for greater awareness and preventive measures to address the growing issue of cannabis addiction, especially among young people. This episode serves as both a call to action and a source of hope, highlighting the importance of collective efforts to support affected families and promote recovery. It is a reminder that addiction is a multifaceted issue requiring a compassionate and informed response from the community.
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