What is Marijuana Addiction?
Marijuana is known by a number of names including, cannabis, weed, pot, hash, and grass. It is one of the most widely used drugs in the world. It is estimated that approximately 49% of people have used cannabis in the United States.
Marijuana contains over 60 related psychoactive chemicals. The most abundant of these psychoactive chemicals is called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The intensity of the high achieved from marijuana is based on the amount of THC that is ingested when the drug is used. The potency of various marijuana strains depends on the level of THC they contain, which can vary from an average of 3% to 20%. Marijuana is often dried and smoked, but it can also be infused into foods and eaten.
Signs and symptoms of marijuana use include:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Dry mouth
- Increased appetite
- Impaired memory
- Slowed reflexes
- Increased heart rate
A recent study suggests that 30% of marijuana users may have a degree of marijuana use disorder. Marijuana use can lead to a use disorder, which can take the form of addiction. Marijuana dependence causes a user to feel withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drug.
Marijuana withdrawal symptoms include:
- Decreased appetite
- Physical discomfort
- Mood swings
Marijuana use becomes addiction when a person is unable to stop using the drug despite the negative impacts it’s having on their life. A 2014 report states that 4.176 million people in the U.S. abused or were dependent on marijuana.
Signs and symptoms of marijuana addiction include:
- Tolerance to the drug
- Withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not used
- Inability to reduce or control the amount of marijuana used
- Spending a majority of time getting high
- Smoking more marijuana than intended
- Continuing to smoke marijuana despite consequences
Marijuana use disorder is often treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as a number of other behavioral therapies.
A New Start is an intensive outpatient program (IOP) in West Palm Beach, Florida offering specialized treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. Our IOP develops individualized drug abuse and alcohol abuse treatments for our patients utilizing individual and group therapies. If you or a loved one is coping with marijuana addiction or other drug addictions, please call us today at 844.TALK.ANS.