Marijuana is the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds from the cannabis plant. It contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a mind-altering substance that can cause symptoms like dizziness, drowsiness, calmness, and more. Also referred to as weed or pot, marijuana is one of the most commonly abused substances in the United States.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 35,4% of young people reported smoking marijuana in 2021.[1]
Because weed is a naturally occurring plant, many people believe it is harmless. It is also legal for medicinal and recreational use in many states. Despite this, long-term cannabis use can lead to a substance use disorder.
If you are wondering whether you can get addicted to marijuana, the short answer is yes. The active ingredient in weed (THC) is known to be habit-forming and addictive. Thankfully, drug rehab programs can help you overcome a cannabis use disorder.
In this article, you will learn:
- What are the effects of weed
- Whether you can get addicted to cannabis
- What are the withdrawal symptoms of marijuana
- How to overcome a weed addiction
What are the Effects of Marijuana?
Marijuana can be smoked, baked into food, or converted into a drinkable liquid. No matter how you use weed, it can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Understanding the effects of cannabis might help you understand what makes it habit-forming.
The effects of marijuana include:[2]
- A rush of euphoria
- Relaxation and calmness
- Heightened sensory perception
- Increased laughter and giggling
- Altered perception of time
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Dizziness and drowsiness
- Nervousness, anxiety, or paranoia
- Impaired judgment and memory
- Slowed reaction times and coordination issues
- Bloodshot or red eyes
- Dry mouth
While the high associated with weed might be enjoyable, there are risks to be aware of. For example, smoking high-potency marijuana increases the risk of developing mental health problems like substance-induced psychosis.[3] You could experience delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, and a detachment from reality.
People who start using cannabis at a young age could also experience permanent deductions in their IQ up to 8 points.[4] it can also lead to social problems like strained relationships and anxiety in social settings. That said, it is easy to understand the risks of indulging in cannabis abuse.
Can You Get Addicted to Weed?
While many people believe that weed is a safe substance to abuse, it is possible to become addicted to it. Marijuana addiction is common enough that there is a medical term for it: marijuana use disorder.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 3 in 10 people who use marijuana suffer from addiction and you have a 10% chance of becoming addicted if you consume it.[5]
The signs of a marijuana addiction may include:
- Having a hard time controlling how much weed you use
- Wanting and attempting to quit but being unsuccessful
- Experiencing urges and cravings to abuse marijuana
- Difficulty meeting responsibilities at home, school, or work because of weed misuse
- Using marijuana in risky situations, such as while driving
- Continuing to use weed despite facing relationship or social issues
- Being unable to stop using marijuana even though it is worsening physical or mental health issues
- Needing to increase the amount of cannabis you use to experience a desired effect
- Dealing with withdrawal symptoms when you stop using weed
If you have a cannabis addiction, you should seek help from a drug rehab program. While marijuana might not lead to overdoses, being addicted to it can significantly impact your daily life and lead to serious mental health issues. For these reasons, you should receive professional help.
What are the Symptoms of Cannabis Withdrawal?
Since weed is addictive, you could experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it. Withdrawal should always be treated by a medical detox center, where you can receive medications to lessen your symptoms.
The common symptoms of marijuana withdrawal include:[6]
- Loss of appetite
- Mood changes
- Irritability and anxiety
- Insomnia or night terrors
- Headaches
- Trouble focusing or concentrating
- Cravings for weed
- Sweating and chills
- Increased symptoms of depression
- Gastrointestinal issues
Medical detox centers will ease withdrawal symptoms using medications and treatments like IV fluids. While it is possible to overcome marijuana withdrawal at home, your risk of relapsing would be incredibly high. Instead, allow a professional detox program to assist you and increase your chances of long-term sobriety.
How to Overcome Marijuana Addiction
The best way to overcome marijuana use disorder is to attend professional addiction treatment. As mentioned, your first step should be a medical detox center. Once you overcome withdrawal, you can transition into an inpatient or outpatient rehab program.
Rehab for weed addiction involves a combination of individual therapy, group counseling, and relapse prevention planning. The goal of therapy is to address the root causes of your substance abuse. You might engage in evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or motivational interviewing (MI).
Relapse prevention planning is a process that prepares you to maintain sobriety in the outside world. You will learn about possible triggers for relapse and how to overcome them using healthy coping mechanisms. While overcoming marijuana addiction can be tricky, professional treatment gives you a higher likelihood of long-term recovery.
Find Help for Cannabis Addiction
If you or a loved one suffers from a cannabis use disorder, it’s time to seek help. It might be difficult to stop using weed, especially if you live in a state where it is legal. However, drug rehab programs make it easier for you to achieve sobriety by shielding you from outside triggers and teaching you coping mechanisms.
At the Mandala Healing Center, we believe in providing compassionate care, trauma-informed services, and evidence-based treatments for substance use disorders. In other words, we will help you feel comfortable and supported while you undergo clinically proven treatments for addiction.
Why Choose The Mandala Healing Center? Clients are taken on a journey of healing through complete immersion into evidence-based clinical modalities, multifaceted alternative therapies, and expert medical management, allowing them to fully detox and recover from drug and alcohol addictions. Through a program of care designed to encourage change, a foundation is created that allows clients to find their higher purpose and reclaim their lives.
Contact us today for more information on our marijuana addiction treatment program.
References:
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Cannabis (Marijuana) Drugfacts
- Cambridge University: Pharmacology and effects of cannabis: A brief review
- NBC News: High-potency marijuana highlights the risk of cannabis-induced psychiatric disorders
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Know the Risks of Marijuana
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Understanding Your Risk for Cannabis Use Disorder
- Springer Link: Cannabis Withdrawal: a Review of Neurobiological Mechanisms and Sex Differences