As stated in our third tradition, the only requirement for membership in Marijuana Anonymous is a desire to stop using marijuana. There is no mention of alcohol or any other substances. This is to adhere to the “singleness of purpose” concept. However, many of us have found that the only way that we can keep our sobriety is to also abstain from alcohol and all other mind-altering substances (unless those other substances are taken as prescribed by a healthcare provider).
When we give up the drug of our choice, a void is created. The initial struggle to abstain from marijuana use often leaves us vulnerable because cannabis no longer clouds our feelings, nor takes up time in our day… To fill this void, we may start to use or increase the use of other mind-altering substances, including alcohol, or indulge in addictive behaviors “to take the edge off” these powerful new feelings. Staying mindful of our sobriety at all times is necessary to achieve sustained recovery.
Recovering marijuana addicts may engage in behavioral (process) addictions related to food, sex and love, work, exercise, gambling, shopping, gaming, social media and technology, etc. Although we may not now be addicted to these behaviors, or substances, they can lower our inhibitions and lead us back to repeating old patterns of addictive thinking and behavior, including marijuana use. The fact that we became addicted to marijuana reflects a tendency toward behavior that may lead to cross addiction or substitution addiction.
To reiterate, the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using marijuana. It is important, however, to recognize the potential to create another problem as we strive to recover from this one.
Excerpt from the Dangers of Cross Addiction pamphlet, reprinted with permission of MA World Services. (Revised 2026)