Going to concerts or house parties can pose a problem for someone who is sober. They may have to be around people who smoke marijuana especially now that legalization has occurred in more states around the country. Even though marijuana is meant to be smoked privately and not in public, there are still people who are going to do what they want.

This means that some people who do not smoke pot and wish to attend these functions might come across what is known as a “contact high”. Someone who breathes in secondhand marijuana smoke and gets a buzz is what is considered to be a contact high. The question to ponder is if someone can actually get high from secondhand marijuana smoke? For someone who suffers with substance abuse, it is important to understand whether secondhand smoke from marijuana affects them or not because their recovery could depend on it.

Studies have revealed that very little THC, if any at all, gets exhaled back into the air through secondhand smoke. The research also shows that a person would have to be breathing in the smoke of least 16 marijuana joints lit all at once in closed off quarters before they would show signs of getting high off the effects of THC. The likelihood of getting stoned through breathing marijuana smoke is very low unless someone was really trying to get a contact high.

A person who is in recovery should really consider whether they wish to put themselves in a position of being in places where drugs or alcohol are being consumed. Sobriety can already be difficult to maintain, and if a person continues to have cravings and triggers which can be exacerbated through the smell of marijuana or by being around people who are smoking marijuana, they may need to decide if this is a good idea for them.

To best protect their sobriety, a person should run their plans by someone else, like a sponsor, to get a good indication of where they are in their recovery. Sometimes avoiding people, places, and things that may put an individual’s sobriety in jeopardy is a better idea. This does not mean that they will have to stay away forever. This only means that they should be cognizant of what could make them relapse to be safe.

Although one cannot get a “freelapse” through a contact high unless they try really hard, the environment that is being depicted may be something to bypass altogether. Using recovery tools can keep a person in check from doing something that may put their recovery in risk.  

If you or someone you know needs help with their drug or alcohol addiction, The Kimberly Center has a treatment plan that will work for you. We believe that successful recovery encompasses the improvements in your self-esteem, relationships, and vocational productivity that substance abuse took away from you.

Call us today to begin: 855-4-KCENTER (855-452-3683)