Beach House Center for Recovery offers comprehensive treatment programs for people struggling with marijuana addiction and other substance use disorders. Beach House provides empathetic, medically assisted care, helping patients successfully address the core issues contributing to addiction and dependency.
What is Marijuana Addiction?
Marijuana is widely seen as a relatively harmless substance. Nevertheless, continual misuse of cannabis can cause legitimate medical issues and even addiction over time. Although marijuana is largely believed to be non-addictive, prolonged use of any mood-altering substance can lead to changes in brain chemistry.
After consistent, daily use of cannabis products containing high concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the euphoric compound in marijuana), some people develop a tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the desired effect. When a person discovers that they are unable to cease using marijuana regardless of the negative health and social consequences, that person has developed a marijuana use disorder.
Many people are skeptical about the addiction potential for marijuana. However, they might not be aware of the dramatic increase in THC concentrations in cannabis products sold legally in dispensaries. Between 2008 and 2017, the average amount of THC in marijuana products nearly doubled, going from 9% to 17%, according to reporting by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The higher levels of THC could contribute to the increasing number of people experiencing marijuana addiction.
According to a study published by JAMA Psychiatry, roughly 30% of people who use marijuana meet the criteria for marijuana use disorder. It is estimated that users of cannabis have a 10% likelihood of developing an addiction to the substance.
Signs and Symptoms of Marijuana Addiction
While the symptoms of marijuana intoxication differ wildly from the symptoms of opioid euphoria or alcohol overuse, the signs of addiction are nonetheless the same. They include the following:
- Using higher volumes of marijuana than intended to achieve the desired result.
- Attempting to cease using marijuana and failing.
- Experiencing marijuana cravings.
- Continuing to use marijuana despite the social, personal, and health problems it causes.
- Consuming marijuana in risky circumstances, such as while operating machinery or driving.
- Consuming marijuana for longer periods or in greater quantities than originally intended.
- Sacrificing previously valued activities to use marijuana.
- Neglecting personal or professional obligations to use marijuana.
- Dedicating a significant portion of the day to using marijuana.
- Obsessing about the ability to acquire marijuana.
- Having symptoms of marijuana withdrawal after stopping use.
Withdrawal occurs when an external chemical the brain has adapted to is suddenly withdrawn, causing the brain’s natural receptors to re-adjust and self-regulate. When long-term marijuana use is stopped, withdrawal symptoms can occur.
Marijuana withdrawal symptoms are not typically life-threatening or medically serious. Still, they can cause discomfort, and they might linger for as long as several weeks, depending upon the length of marijuana use. People who consume coffee daily or who have quit smoking might experience withdrawal symptoms of comparable severity when use is discontinued.
Marijuana withdrawal can cause the following uncomfortable symptoms:
- Persistent drowsiness
- Appetite loss
- Trembling
- Mood fluctuations/irritability
- Trouble concentrating
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Restlessness
- Disordered sleep patterns
- Nightmares
While some people might attempt marijuana detox on their own, long-term sobriety is more likely when cessation is accompanied by professional treatment. Inpatient treatment will address the underlying issues that contributed to marijuana addiction and provide effective strategies for avoiding reuse.
Beach House Center for Recovery: Our Addiction Approach
Beach House offers effective treatment options for people struggling with marijuana addiction. Our low patient-to-therapist ratio gives patients a high level of personal support, with individualized treatment plans that identify and explore the relevant emotional concerns that contribute to reliance on substances.
If you think marijuana rehab could be right for you or a loved one, please don’t hesitate to contact our compassionate and helpful admissions counselors today.