Marijuana is a plant that contains a chemical called THC, which is a psychoactive substance that can produce mind-altering effects. People use marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes. While marijuana can be helpful for some, others may develop a dependence to the “high” marijuana produces.
Understanding what marijuana addiction is and how it develops can help you uncover whether you, or a loved one, may be addicted to marijuana. With the right support and guidance, marijuana addiction recovery is possible.
Can You Get Addicted to Marijuana?
Marijuana addiction is a real phenomenon. THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, is a psychoactive substance that can lead to compulsive use and addiction. Even though the plant itself does not produce physical dependence, people often become emotionally dependent on the drug.
People abusing marijuana may feel powerful cravings for the drug and be unable to control their use. They may also develop a tolerance, meaning they need to use more and more of the substance to get the same effects.
Causes and Risk Factors of Marijuana Addiction
Marijuana addiction can develop in anyone who uses the drug, regardless of why they are using it. For some people, marijuana use may start out as recreational. They may use it occasionally and not think much about it. For others, marijuana use can become more frequent. It can become a way to cope with stressors in life or to numb negative emotions. As marijuana use increases, so does the risk for developing an addiction.
People who have a family history of addiction or mental illness may also be more susceptible to developing an addiction to marijuana, as well as those who start using marijuana at a young age.
Signs and Symptoms of Marijuana Addiction
There are some common signs and symptoms that may indicate someone is addicted to marijuana. These may include:
- Using marijuana more frequently or in higher quantities than intended
- Struggling to cut back on or stop using marijuana
- Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of marijuana
- Giving up important activities in order to use marijuana like work, school, or family commitments
- Continuing to use marijuana despite negative consequences
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping use, such as irritability, trouble sleeping, or anxiety
Effects of Marijuana Addiction
There are many potential side effects of marijuana use to be aware of and they can vary person to person. Some of the most common side effects of marijuana include euphoria, appetite changes, increased heart rate, low blood pressure, and impaired motor skills.
Although the side effects of marijuana use may appear minor, long-term use and abuse can have a significant impact on the mind and body. Marijuana addiction can lead to a number of negative consequences including:
- Problems with employment or school
- Financial difficulties
- Strained relationships
- Legal trouble
- Health problems, such as bronchitis or lung infections
- Difficulty thinking clearly and making decisions
- Paranoia or anxiety disorders
- Psychosis
Marijuana Addiction Treatment
If you or someone you love is struggling with marijuana addiction, it’s important to get help. With the right treatment, marijuana abuse and addiction is something that can be overcome.
There are a number of different treatment options available for marijuana addiction, including inpatient and outpatient treatment, 12-step programs, and therapy. Williamsville Wellness is a residential marijuana rehab in Richmond, VA that provides help for those struggling with severe marijuana addiction. Our marijuana addiction treatment center is located on a beautiful 400+ acre property and treatment takes place in a historic home. For those struggling with mild to moderate marijuana abuse, we also provide online intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization treatment.
What makes us stand out from other treatment programs is our focus on individual therapy. We offer more individual therapy sessions than the average treatment center. This individualized approach to treatment ensures that we’re meeting the unique needs of our patients. We utilize a variety of evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral (CBT), dialectical behavior (DBT), family, and schema therapy. We also utilize holistic treatments like mindfulness, yoga, and exercise.
Contact Us
To learn more about treatment for marijuana addiction or to get started, contact us today!