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Around 10% of the entire U.S. adult population struggles with addiction and substance use disorder. As more and more states legalize recreational and medicinal marijuana, people may mistakenly believe that marijuana is not an addictive substance, but that’s not true. Unfortunately, the main active chemical compound in cannabis that gets a person high is called THC, and it does come with the risk of addiction.
Addiction to marijuana can happen to anyone, but certain people are more at-risk than others. Having an untreated mental health disorder, and trying cannabis for the first time before the age of 18 are both associated with a higher risk of addiction and dependency on marijuana.
Trying to quit a drug addiction without outside help can result in prolonged, more severe withdrawal symptoms and the risk of relapse. For loved ones, it’s essential to recognize the signs of addiction in a friend or family member and consider reaching out for help from a qualified rehabilitation center.
But marijuana is legal in many states. Does that mean someone might need to go to rehab?
Just because a substance is legal does not mean it isn’t addictive. Alcohol is legal in all 50 states, but it’s a highly addictive substance that can cause all kinds of physical, mental, and social problems. Arguably, marijuana isn’t as destructive as alcohol, but it still comes with a risk of addiction regardless of its legal status.
Rehab is designed to help people through the withdrawal and detox process. These safe and secure facilities give people a place to recover that is free from drugs and other toxic, harmful outside influences. Rehab centers are staffed 24/7 with experienced doctors and therapists, so patients have access to medical help when they need it. In rehab, underlying triggers that have influenced a person’s drug use are uncovered and addressed. People are given the tools they need to avoid a relapse. Plus, any underlying mental health disorders a person may have been trying to self-medicate with marijuana can be addressed and adequately treated.
What are the signs and symptoms of marijuana addiction?
There are emotional, physical, and behavioral signs of addiction that are universal and tend to overlap for different substances. But there are also certain signs and symptoms of marijuana abuse that are particular to the drug.
Unfortunately, marijuana addiction can be challenging to identify if a person lives in a place where recreational use is legal. But at its core, addiction is a disease that changes the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. If someone’s personality starts to change drastically, and they begin to experience severe consequences of drug use in their personal lives, these symptoms are indicative of marijuana use disorder and addiction. Some of the most common behavioral signs of marijuana abuse and addiction are:
- Missing work or school to get high instead
- Forgetfulness and failure to uphold regular responsibilities
- Distorted perceptions and impaired coordination
- Decreased performance at work or school
- Irritability when they can’t use marijuana
- Using more marijuana than intended
- Experiencing increased tolerance for the drug
- Experiencing physical and mental withdrawal symptoms
People who are addicted to marijuana will experience a range of detox and withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit. These symptoms can range in severity and duration, and the most common withdrawal symptoms for marijuana addiction are:
- Insomnia
- Agitation
- Nausea and decreased appetite
- Fatigue
- General feelings of unease
- Anxiety
About 75% of heavy marijuana users will experience a combination of the above cannabis withdrawal symptoms. Although these symptoms aren’t as severe or as long-lasting as withdrawal symptoms for other drugs, they can be distressing for many users. Withdrawal symptoms can also significantly increase a person’s chances of relapsing. When taking a little bit of marijuana can get rid of someone’s stomach pain, anxiety, or insomnia, it’s very tempting for users to forget about cessation and start using again. Attending a rehab facility for addiction is one of the ways to prevent relapse. Rehab centers are drug-free environments, removing the temptation to use once withdrawal symptoms start to manifest.
Why would someone need professional help with marijuana addiction?
People abuse marijuana and become addicted to the substance when they feel they need it to function normally. People with addiction disorder will use the drug when they are happy, when they are sad, to relax, or to lessen emotional distress. Rarely is addiction about the drug, and it’s more about something in the person’s life that’s influencing them to use a substance to cope with life.
Attending a rehabilitation program gives users the ability to uncover what their different triggers for drug use are, and how to deal with those triggers in less harmful ways. Under the guidance of a trained therapist, people with an addiction to marijuana, or any drug for that matter, are given the tools they need to achieve and maintain sobriety.
Also, rehab facilities can give patients access to doctors who can prescribe medications to lessen the severity of withdrawal symptoms. This removes a major incentive for relapse. Going to rehab also give patients the ability to build relationships with people who are going through similar struggles.
What can someone do to help a loved one with a marijuana use disorder?
It’s common for concerned friends and family to approach the addicted person from a place of fear, anxiety, and even anger. But this typically alienates the individual and puts them on the defensive, which isn’t conducive to getting them to agree to treatment. Concerned family members can significantly benefit from communicating and planning an intervention with a trained therapist or intervention specialist before confronting a loved one. Drug counselors and therapists can help coach families on how to approach an addicted loved one and what to say to them that’s more likely to encourage them to attend rehab. It also gives families a chance to check insurance coverage and also a facility’s particular programs and availability beforehand.
If you’re concerned that a loved one is abusing marijuana, please contact Mission Harbor Behavioral Health today. Our representatives are standing by to answer your questions about marijuana use disorder, addiction, and the rehabilitation options we have available for patients.
The facilities at Mission Harbor are staffed with trained experts to best assist patients with their mental health issues. We are capable of dealing with any and all cases with a licensed staff, equipment, and approved techniques. Our mission is to help those who want to help themselves, and we support your decision in seeking help.
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