Marijuana Addiction

Addiction to marijuana is exactly what it sounds like: marijuana addiction. This occurs when someone abuses marijuana. Marijuana may not be as dangerous as other drugs such as heroin, but developing an addiction to marijuana can result in harmful effects on the body and brain. Due to the easy accessibility of marijuana and numerous methods of ingestion, it is among the most popular drugs. Methods of use include:

-Inhalation Methods

• Smoking from blunts, bongs, or joints
• Vaping (known as “juuling”)
• Dabbing (using a concentrated wax form)

-Oral Methods

• Tinctures
• Edibles
• Ingestible Oils
• Capsules
• Beverages

-Topical Oils

Because of its popularity, individuals who develop an addiction to marijuana may not realize that they are addicted. They also may not realize that addiction can form as quickly as it can. When an individual starts to compulsively seek and continue to use even though it is negatively impacting their life, they are abusing and at risk of addiction.

The biggest and most obvious sign of an addiction to marijuana is the inability to quit. Marijuana affects certain receptors in the brain, which causes symptoms such as mood changes and trouble focusing. Those who use marijuana may develop a tolerance over time, meaning their usage will increase to experience the same effects. Eventually, this will lead to marijuana addiction and dependence.

Some symptoms of marijuana addiction include:

• Trouble understanding and retaining new information
• Trouble recalling recently learned information
• Frequent feelings of fear without cause
• Distrustful feelings
• Hallucinating
• Delusional thinking
• Having fragmented or confused new memories
• An inability to keep to a schedule or keep plans
• Distorted time perception
• Memory loss
• Unprovoked laughter
• Minor to severe memory loss
• Confused thoughts or thinking
• Impaired or disrupted cognitive abilities
• Paranoia
• Woeful carelessness
• Difficulty making decisions
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Having impaired judgment
• Dissociation
• Feelings of disbelief or unreality

It’s important to remember that not every individual will have all or every symptom. And some of these will crop up with extended use.

One way that indicates that an individual is developing an addiction to marijuana is that they experience withdrawal symptoms when they suddenly stop using. With a Not only is the person losing what they believe is their biggest comfort, but their brain is having to alter its chemicals, and they are often having to face all the issues they’ve been putting off with substance abuse.

Common withdrawal signs can include:

• Physical and psychological cravings for marijuana
• Headaches
• Fatigue and sleeplessness
• Acute irritability
• A loss of appetite
• Stomach pain
• Fever
• Increased levels of aggression
• Angry outbursts
• Severe bouts of depression
• Suicidal actions or thoughts

It’s not unusual for someone experiencing withdrawals to become reclusive as they work through their feelings, avoid marijuana, and deal with the physical pain sometimes associated with withdrawals.

It’s not uncommon for marijuana users to ‘get clean’ on their own. But, like with most addictions, it’s difficult to stay sober. That’s to do with the multifaceted issue of addiction itself. Many people consider addiction to be an issue of “mind, body, and soul”. Until you address the problems from the root up that have led you to addiction, it can feel like it will always be there waiting for you.

That’s one of the main reasons that treatment and recovery centers are so beneficial. They allow you the time you need to clear your mind, unburden your heart, and cleanse your body. They offer comprehensive treatments, therapy, group talks, and a safe space full of people who understand.

If you or someone you love is suffering from marijuana abuse, don’t wait until you lose anything else. Get help today so you can recapture the person you’ve always been. You aren’t alone, you aren’t weak, but you are worth it.