Can You Get Addicted to Marijuana?

Despite popular belief that marijuana isn’t addictive, you can get addicted to marijuana if you abuse it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 3 in 10 people who use marijuana in the United States have a marijuana use disorder.

Marijuana addiction, also known as cannabis use disorder, is more common in people who start using the drug in their youth. Other risk factors include:

• Genetic predisposition
• Psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, or trauma
• Peer pressure
• Regular and heavy marijuana use

While marijuana addiction may not be as severe or life-threatening as addiction to some other substances, it can still have negative impacts on an individual’s life, relationships, and overall well-being.

Symptoms of Marijuana Addiction

Symptoms of marijuana addiction, or cannabis use disorder (CUD), can vary in severity and may manifest differently from person to person. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) outlines criteria for diagnosing cannabis use disorder, which includes a range of symptoms.

These symptoms include:

• Using marijuana in larger amounts or for longer periods than intended
• Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control marijuana use
• Spending a great deal of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of marijuana
• Craving or strong desire to use marijuana
• Failure to fulfill major obligations at work, school, or home due to marijuana use
• Continued use of marijuana despite experiencing persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by its effects
• Giving up or reducing important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of marijuana use
• Recurrent marijuana use in situations where it is physically hazardous
• Continued marijuana use despite knowing it’s causing physical or psychological problems
• Tolerance (needing to use more marijuana over time to feel the desired effects)
• Withdrawal symptoms upon cessation

Long-Term Risks of Marijuana Use

Long-term marijuana abuse can have various negative effects on physical health, mental health, and overall well-being. Some potential long-term risks of marijuana abuse include:

• Respiratory issues – People who smoke marijuana are at a high risk for respiratory problems similar to those caused by tobacco smoke, such as chronic bronchitis and increased risk of respiratory infections.
• Cognitive impairment – Long-term heavy use of marijuana has been associated with cognitive impairment, including difficulties with memory, attention, and learning. This can affect academic or occupational performance and overall cognitive function.
• Mental health conditions – Chronic marijuana abuse has been linked to an increased risk of developing or exacerbating mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorders, depression, psychosis, and schizophrenia, particularly in individuals with a predisposition to these conditions.
• Social and relationship problems – Persistent marijuana abuse can contribute to social and interpersonal difficulties, strained relationships with family and friends, and problems in the workplace or academic settings.
• Legal issues – Long-term marijuana abuse may lead to legal problems, especially in states where marijuana use is illegal or restricted.
• Injury and accidents  – Marijuana use impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries, particularly when driving or operating machinery.
• Financial issues – Supporting a chronic marijuana habit can be expensive, leading to financial instability.

Coping With Marijuana Withdrawal

Heavy marijuana users may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it. Studies have shown that approximately 17% of people who use cannabis and 40% of people who use cannabis more than three times a week experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop consuming it.

Marijuana withdrawal symptoms can vary in severity and duration depending on factors such as frequency and duration of use, individual physiology, and psychological factors. Common symptoms of marijuana withdrawal may include:

• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Insomnia or changes in sleep patterns
• Decreased appetite
• Restlessness
• Cravings for marijuana
• Headaches
• Sweating
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Difficulty concentrating
• Depressed mood
• Increased aggression or anger

These symptoms typically begin within one to three days after discontinuing marijuana use, peak within the first week, and gradually decrease over the following weeks.

Marijuana withdrawal is not life-threatening, however, intense cravings can make it difficult to stay sober. As a result, the best way to stop using marijuana is to seek help from an addiction treatment program near you.

Treatment Options for Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana addiction treatment programs in Florida are offered across multiple levels of care, including:

• Residential inpatient treatment – A comprehensive addiction treatment program where individuals reside at a facility for an extended period, receiving 24-hour care and therapy.
• Partial hospitalization program (PHP) – A structured outpatient program that provides intensive treatment during the day while allowing individuals to return home or to a supportive environment in the evenings.
• Intensive outpatient program (IOP) – A flexible outpatient program that offers more intensive treatment than traditional outpatient programs, typically involving several hours of therapy multiple times per week.
• Outpatient program (OP) – A flexible treatment option that allows individuals to attend therapy sessions and receive support while still living at home and maintaining daily responsibilities.

These treatment programs involve a variety of behavioral therapies, educational workshops, and peer support groups. Types of therapy that may be used to treat marijuana addiction include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
• Motivational interviewing (MI)
• Motivational enhancement therapy (MET)
• Relapse prevention therapy
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Individual therapy

Marijuana Addiction Treatment at The Best Treatment in South Florida

If you or a loved one are seeking treatment for marijuana addiction, our team at The Best Treatment Center is here to help. Our goal is to help guests better understand themselves, their addiction, and how to stay sober, as well as gain the tools needed to help them build a support network once they’ve left our care.

We treat the roots of a substance use disorder, not simply addiction as a disease. We assess each guest’s needs to build a customized treatment plan that caters to their unique set of circumstances and that will help them to reach their individual goals and objectives.

The Best Treatment Center is focused on supporting each and every guest who comes into our care. We help guests during their recovery journey and always encourage their continuous growth, we feel the more supported our guests feel, the more courage they will have to continue in their battle against addiction.

To learn more about our marijuana addiction treatment program in Florida or to get started with a confidential, risk-free assessment, please contact us today.