Despite the myths that marijuana is harmless, research shows that approximately 30% of people who abuse marijuana will become addicted. As recreational marijuana use becomes more commonplace and legalization in many states, it’s important to be able to recognize the signs that recreational use has turned to addiction. Using any substance to the point that it interferes with work, family, relationships, or your health can be a sign of an underlying educational, physical, family, or mental health problem. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) estimates that approximately 1 in 10 people who use marijuana will become addicted.
The professional and caring team at SBT can help you or a loved one identify signs of addiction and craft a customized plan for marijuana addiction treatment. Learn more from our team today by calling 833.999.1941 or completing our online form. Looking at your substance use, or that of a loved one, objectively and recognizing certain behavioral warning signs can also help identify when help is needed.
5 Signs of Marijuana Addiction
1. Using Marijuana as an Escape
When people use marijuana as an escape from stress, this is a sign of marijuana addiction. At SBT, we help you develop healthy coping mechanisms to help you deal with stress in a healthy way.
2. Substance Use Affecting Responsibilities
When marijuana abuse affects work, family, or school responsibilities, this is a key indicator of marijuana addiction. Any substance, including marijuana, that disrupts day-to-day life is a negative influence.
3. Building a Tolerance
If you need more marijuana to get the same desired effect, you are probably addicted to marijuana. Building a tolerance to marijuana use is a sign of marijuana addiction.
4. Not Being Able to Stop Using Marijuana
When you’re addicted to marijuana, it is difficult or even impossible to stop using. That’s when the addiction treatment program at SBT can be an effective tool for recovery.
5. Continuing to Use Even After Negative Effects
If you continue to use marijuana despite financial or legal issues, you probably have a marijuana addiction. Marijuana addiction can be overcome with proper addiction treatment.
Why People Smoke Marijuana
People are attracted to the use of marijuana because of the effects of its active ingredient, THC. THC induces relaxation and heightens the senses, so it’s not surprising why people experiment with it. Unfortunately, THC is only one of over 500 chemicals that can be found in marijuana production. Marijuana can be smoked, mixed into foods known as edibles, or made into teas.
A hot topic at the state and federal levels is marijuana legalization. Many people believe medical marijuana helps provide relief for things like insomnia, anxiety, and chronic pain. It can also be used to help treat and provide relief from the side effects of treatment for some life-threatening conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and even cancer.
At Solution Based Treatment, we treat marijuana addiction in three main steps:
- Detox, or removing marijuana from the body
- Rehab treatment program
- Recovery activities, peer support groups, and additional aftercare
Signs of Marijuana Addiction
As marijuana use rises in the United States, it’s important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of marijuana use and abuse. Some of the most common signs of marijuana addiction, and could be addicted, are:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Increased appetite
- Weight gain
- Lack of coordination
- Slowed reaction time
The Effects of Marijuana Use
Short-term effects of marijuana use include:
- Heart and respiratory issues
- Impaired motor coordination
- Sensory impairment
- Short-term memory loss
- Cognitive thinking issues
Long-term effects of heavy marijuana abuse can include:
- Impaired brain and memory function
- Chronic depression and anxiety
- Life-changing respiratory problems
- Poor quality of life
- Life-long addiction
Contact SBT Today to Learn More About Marijuana Addiction
Trying to quit on your own is hard. The best course of action is to seek holistic treatment for addiction at an accredited treatment center. Some of the recovery activities we recommend during inpatient and outpatient treatment include:
Our team at Solution Based Treatment is ready to take your call at 833.999.1941 to answer any questions. Or, you can reach out to us by completing our online contact form. Take the first step in recovery today.