Marijuana is a highly popular drug that is used by people all around the world. It is most commonly smoked, but can also be eaten or vaporized. Marijuana has many different effects on the body, some of which are beneficial and some of which are harmful. Have you noticed the negative effects of marijuana use? Have you wondered, am I addicted to weed? Find help for symptoms of marijuana abuse at our marijuana addiction treatment center in Massachusetts.
At Washburn House, we understand that marijuana addiction is a real and serious problem. We offer effective treatment for those struggling with all levels of marijuana abuse, from occasional use to chronic addiction. Our program is designed to help you heal the underlying causes of your addiction and develop the skills you need to live a sober, successful life. To learn more about our marijuana addiction treatment options, please contact us today at 855.298.3104.
How Common Is Marijuana Addiction?
Marijuana is one of the most commonly used drugs in the United States. Some experts suggest that nearly half of Americans who tried pot still smoke it. Medical marijuana is legal in most states, and it is commercially available for recreational use in nineteen states, as well as Washington, D.C.
Millions of Americans have used or are using marijuana, and that can make it seem risk-free. But just like any substance, it’s essential to understand the potential consequences of using marijuana. There are two compounds found in the cannabis plant:
- Cannabidiol (CBD) – This compound does not produce psychoactive effects, which means it doesn’t produce a high.
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – This compound does produce a high or sense of euphoria
Many people can smoke weed (THC) responsibly with no noticeable negative effects. Others develop an unhealthy relationship with marijuana.
What Is Addiction?
Drug addiction is when you compulsively use a substance to the point of harm. More specifically, it can be defined as a physical addiction and a psychological addiction. When you abuse a substance, you can experience both kinds of addiction. Since psychological addiction boils down to processes and changes in your brain, many addiction experts believe there is no meaningful distinction between physical and psychological addiction. It’s difficult to separate the mind from the body when talking about addiction.
Physical Addiction
When you ask, “Am I addicted to weed?” consider physical addiction symptoms. Physical addiction to a drug causes notable changes to your brain that result in withdrawal symptoms. When you are physically addicted to a drug, you keep taking it to avoid withdrawal and feel normal instead of doing it to feel the drug’s effects. Without your drug of choice, you can get very uncomfortable physical withdrawal symptoms. These signs and symptoms vary depending on the drug of abuse. However, symptoms of marijuana withdrawal may include:
- Chills
- Sweating, including cold sweats
- Stomach problems
- Diminished appetite
- Difficulties sleeping
Psychological Addiction
Withdrawal symptoms from marijuana can also be psychological. You may experience:
- Changes in mood
- Irritability
- Headaches
- Loss of focus
- Increased feelings of depression and other mental health challenges
When you have a psychological addiction, you can get intense cravings for the substance and become emotionally tied to the effects of the drug. It fills a psychological need. You use the drug habitually with a psychological addiction but don’t get severe physical withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. If your emotions become out of the ordinary, reach out to a mental health facility for dual diagnosis treatment for marijuana and mood disorders.
What Are the Signs of Marijuana Addiction?
While marijuana may not be as physically addictive as other drugs, psychological addiction is a risk. When you are psychologically addicted to marijuana, you may have cravings for the drug that are harder to tackle than short-lived physical withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms are a key feature of marijuana addiction. When many chronic, heavy pot smokers decide to quit, they may experience the symptoms listed above. Many people who smoke marijuana become addicted because they use marijuana as a way to get a good night’s sleep and feel relaxed or be content. When this aid is no longer there, withdrawal symptoms can occur, and cravings can be powerful.
Strong Cravings
If you’re psychologically addicted to marijuana, you will have cravings for it, think about smoking often, and perhaps feel agitated and deflated if you run out of the substance or don’t have access to any. Cravings for marijuana and other substances of abuse are strong urges that occur when the person experiences specific cues that usually break a person’s choice of abstinence.
Chronic, Heavy Use
Chronic marijuana use may be a sign of addiction. If you’re a chronic user, you can’t get through the day without getting high. Marijuana addiction can also show up in the form of heavy use, such as smoking throughout the day, every day, and in large amounts. When you’re addicted to weed, you may feel unable to moderate or cut down your use.
Impact on Your Life
Long-term use of marijuana can cause issues if you prioritize getting high over your responsibilities or if it interferes with your relationships. Chronic and heavy marijuana users may find it causes problems at school, at work, amongst friends, and in their family life. For a small minority of users, marijuana addiction can increase the risk of psychosis. This is partly because many strains of marijuana are high in THC (which causes the high but also psychotic symptoms) but low in CBD (which is an anti-psychotic and provides a buffering effect to the negative effects of THC).
Why Does Marijuana Addiction Occur?
There are many complex reasons why people turn to substance abuse and suffer from drug addiction. One significant factor is an underlying mental health issue. Like other psychoactive drugs, marijuana offers users a high. Smoking pot can make you feel euphoric, relaxed, calm, and sleepy. People who abuse marijuana may smoke heavily as an attempt to numb the emotional pain of conditions such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma
- Bipolar disorder
- ADHD
In addition to self-medicating, personal, environmental, and genetic factors come into play. For instance, people who have a genetic predisposition to addiction may struggle with marijuana abuse. If you have a parent or other close relative with an addiction, you’re more likely to develop one, too. However, with treatment, you can learn how to manage your addiction and take control of your life again.
Find Marijuana Addiction Treatment at Washburn House Today
If you find yourself answering yes to the question, “Am I addicted to weed?” contact Washburn House today. Recovering from the addiction often means addressing your pain, negative thoughts, and low mood. If you feel you need marijuana to get through most days and feel depressed, restless, or agitated when you don’t smoke, you may be addicted to marijuana. Don’t let your pot use affect your life. The following programs at the marijuana addiction treatment center help you break through weed addiction:
- Marijuana detox in Worcester
- Men’s and women’s rehab in M.A.
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Traditional and holistic therapies
The professionals at Washburn House have experience with marijuana addiction treatment and can help you take back control. Call 855.298.3104 for a confidential assessment.