With many states now legalizing marijuana in some form, many clients want to know, “is marijuana addictive?” While it may not make the headlines as often as other drugs, marijuana addiction is a growing problem. Known as marijuana use disorder, this type of addiction can develop in people who use marijuana regularly.
Is Marijuana Addictive?
The answer to, “Is marijuana addictive,” depends on the individual. An estimated 30 percent of marijuana users have some level of an addiction. This is more likely if the individual started using before they were 18 years old.
Marijuana addiction is a type of substance dependence. When the client stops using marijuana, they may feel withdrawal symptoms. Common withdrawal symptoms include cravings, sleep problems, irritability, physical discomfort, restlessness, mood changes, and decreased appetite.
These symptoms typically start within the first week after quitting. For the average client, withdrawal symptoms will last for less than two weeks. In 2015, an estimated 138,000 Americans sought treatment voluntarily for their marijuana addiction.
Like many drugs, marijuana can cause the brain to become dependent. It reduces the sensitivity of naturally occurring specific neurotransmitters in the mind due to the induction of marijuana into the equation. When someone stops using, the brain temporarily goes haywire. The mind is used to having the chemical present to feel normal. When marijuana is not present, the individual goes through withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms can vary based on the client’s history of drug abuse. Clients who have used more marijuana for a longer time period are more likely to have more severe symptoms. The length of the addiction, how much marijuana was used and the individual’s unique physical chemistry can impact how long detox takes.
What Are Some of the Signs that Marijuana Is Becoming a Problem?
“Is marijuana addictive” is only the first question to ask. Another issue to consider is how it affects the individual’s life. Like any signs of drug use, marijuana abuse can cause the individual to do things they would not normally do without using the drug. Before long, marijuana abuse can take over the individual’s life completely.
When someone suffers from heavy marijuana abuse, they may develop relationship problems. They may have lower grades at school or fall behind at work. Over time, they are more likely to become unfocused and quit their goals.
If someone uses marijuana heavily, they may continue to smoke despite the physical and psychological side effects. During an addiction, the individual becomes focused primarily on getting high and accessing additional marijuana. They may stop caring about the damage they are causing themselves or other people. Some of the signs of a marijuana addiction include:
- Less career success than co-workers
- Problems at school or work
- Worsening physical or mental health
- Financial problems
- Relationship issues
- No longer caring about passions, goals, and hobbies
The symptoms of a marijuana addiction are different for every client. While some people can maintain their job without a problem, other individuals find it hard to focus on the things they once cared about. An addiction is different for everyone, which is why it is important to seek out individualized care.
Is Marijuana Addictive From a Clinical Standpoint?
Clinically, an addiction is a chronic brain disease where the individual seeks out drugs despite the harm they cause. An addiction is considered a brain disease because drugs change the way the mind works and how it is affected. Individuals who want to know “Is marijuana addictive” will find that it fits the definition of clinical addiction completely.
Someone may become physically and psychologically addicted to marijuana. With a psychological addiction, individuals may develop emotional or motivational symptoms when they go through withdrawal. Someone who is physically dependent on marijuana may develop a tolerance to the drug and experience physical withdrawal symptoms. Anyone who uses marijuana can develop both types of addiction.
Over time, an individual will develop a tolerance for marijuana. Basically, this means that they need more of the drug to achieve the same effect. If they stop using or use less marijuana, they may develop withdrawal symptoms. This pattern of tolerance, dependence, and addiction is often what people think of when they ask, “Is marijuana addictive?”
Marijuana is known to be addictive because people who use regularly will experience withdrawal symptoms. Since these withdrawal symptoms are often milder than heroin or meth withdrawal, individuals incorrectly think that marijuana is not addictive.
In reality, marijuana can become extremely addictive. Since it is available legally in several states, marijuana abuse has become a growing problem. Like alcohol, people tend to think that something legal must be safe. Unfortunately, this is not true. Both alcohol and marijuana can lead to addiction and dependence.
Is Marijuana Addictive for Everyone?
Like any drug, there are some people who will not develop a clinical tolerance or dependence on marijuana. Unfortunately, many people who do try marijuana can end up developing an addiction. Many people find out the answer to “Is marijuana addictive” the hard way.
Since everyone has a unique physical and mental chemistry, they need a treatment that is just as unique. The right inpatient drug rehab can help clients quit using. Guests can learn about the cause of their addiction and start their journey toward long-term sobriety.
Getting Help for an Addiction
When looking for a treatment center, individuals should consider a location that offers unique, customized care. Individualized care allows the client to be treated for all of the factors that caused their addiction. In many cases, individuals may not realize the underlying trauma or issues that cause their addiction. By targeting these problems directly, clients are able to stay the course and prevent relapse.
Healing Springs Ranch helps clients recover through a whole person approach. They use a bio-psycho-social approach that looks at all factors that contribute to an addiction. This 28-bed facility is a comfortable, caring community that treats marijuana addiction as well as addictive behaviors in a 30- to 90-day program.
The whole person approach is a type of program that uses healing treatments, functional medicine, and a trauma treatment model to get to the “why” of your addiction. It uses state-of-the-art techniques like blood and saliva studies, organic nutrition and lifestyle training to help patients recover.
Once someone realizes that the answer to “is marijuana addictive” is yes, they can go on to be treated in a truly individualized plan. This type of program looks at why the addiction started so that clients are able to target the root of their problem. Through options like purpose and identity work, clients can begin building a better life.
Clients can get help through programs such as:
To truly treat an addiction, it is vital to get individualized, holistic care. You do not have to let an addiction control your life. With the right treatment, you can begin your journey down the road to recovery. To find out how Healing Springs Ranch can help you right now, call 866-656-8384.