With great fanfare last week, the White House drug czar, John Walters, announced a new study that marijuana can cause depression and addiction in teenage users.

In response, drug policy reformers argued Walters was blowing smoke again to scare people away from a substance that they claim is no more dangerous than alcohol and should be decriminalized if not outright legalized, just like alcohol.

Both sides are missing the fundamental point. Marijuana is a drug. People use it to relax, heighten the highs, and soften the lows. Most never suffer serious or lasting consequences such as depression or addiction. But some do, just as I did.

I first experimented with marijuana as a teenager. I also legally drank alcohol when I turned 18 in 1977. It's a moot point whether it was the marijuana or the alcohol that caused my addiction. One or both hijacked my brain. I developed a baffling inability to "Just Say No." And I almost died before treatment helped me to overcome my problems.

Dear Mr. Moyers: Never did we imagine that our eldest daughter would be an alcoholic. But by the time she was 16, that's what happened. Fortunately, the girl got counseling last year. Her grades improved. She cares how she looks again, stopped breaking curfew on weekends, and has been participating in family activities at home. In other words, she's been the joy of our lives again. The other day, I discovered a small pipe and a canister of pot tucked in an old sneaker at the back of her closet. The scent instantly reminded me that's what I thought I smelled last weekend after she came home from a party and kissed me good night. Should I be worried? Should I confront her about what I found? I am terrified that I'll derail her progress and cause her to drink again. — Elise L. in Waukesha, Wis.

Dear Elise: You're right to be concerned. Your daughter may have replaced one substance with another, hoping she can control her use and not suffer the same consequences. That almost never works, so you should monitor her behavior and demeanor carefully for signs of trouble. But for now, I would keep to yourself your concerns, and certainly avoid confronting her with what you found in her closet. It could be left over from her earlier troubles, as many teenagers use more than one substance at a time. It is possible she forgot about it. I suggest you put away the pot paraphernalia for safekeeping. Later on, if it turns out she's got a problem, the evidence may help to cut through her denial. In the meantime, remind your daughter that you are proud of her efforts to get better and are ready to help if asked. One more thing: Your daughter needs to trust you; don't be snooping in her room.

Dear Mr. Moyers: I've been smoking weed for almost 30 years, usually once or twice a week. It doesn't take much to get the desired relaxing, pleasant effect — never a hangover or a blackout or a beer belly, either. I'm 61 years old. My experiences prove I'm not a drug addict, no matter what others might believe. What do you think? — Winston P. in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Dear Winston: I don't know enough about your situation to offer my opinion. But your question hints that you aren't totally convinced you're really OK or just what it is that those "others might believe." Remember, too, that what you are doing is illegal. Consequences are still an option, as are the health problems that still could show up from smoking that weed. Try to quit. Then let me know what happens.

William C. Moyers is the vice president of external affairs for the Hazelden Foundation and the author of "Broken," a best-selling memoir. The paperback edition was released in August 2007. Please send your questions to William Moyers at William@WilliamMoyers.com. To find out more about William Moyers and read his past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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