In the past few years, marijuana supporters have praised it for its medicinal value and pushed for its legalization. For millions of Americans, marijuana is a drug that an individual can use, quit anytime, and then continue with life. However, medical experts point out this is erroneous because marijuana is indeed addictive. So, how will you know if your habit is developing into serious marijuana addiction? Midwest Recovery Center delves into more details on this topic.
Marijuana Abuse in the US
According to experts, a substantial percentage of marijuana users in the US are likely to develop a substance use disorder. Several studies further note that individuals who use marijuana before attaining 18 years are at a higher risk of suffering from addiction as they enter adulthood.
Independent studies also confirm that millions of people in the US suffer from marijuana use disorders, but only a few voluntarily go to marijuana rehabs.
Statistics reveal that marijuana use can quickly turn into an addiction.
Signs of Marijuana Addiction
The most common sign of addiction is increasing tolerance for the drug, making you consume higher doses to achieve similar effects. Other common symptoms that indicate you may need drug addiction treatment include:
- Perceiving marijuana as a means of escaping life problems
- Experiencing unpleasant withdrawal effects once you stop taking the drug
- Using more of the drug than intended
- Inability to quit taking marijuana
- Spending a lot of time to get high on marijuana
- Reduced activities
- Dependence on marijuana
Who Is at Risk of Addiction to Marijuana?
Studies suggest that genes play a leading role in the process of developing marijuana addiction. For example, if two identical twins grow up in different sets of environments, and one of the twins becomes addicted to marijuana, the other twin is more likely to develop addiction irrespective of the habitat. However, this scenario does not apply to fraternal twins. Additionally, family ties can also shape an addiction.
Besides genetic factors, mental health contributes to addiction development. At first, drugs work magic for individuals battling mental conditions because they make anxiety, depression, and other mental issues disappear briefly. However, the problem starts as tolerance sets in, making you consume higher doses to achieve similar effects. The result is an addiction.
Marijuana Dependence and Withdrawal
Dependence comes once you develop a tolerance for marijuana. Frequent use makes the brain adapt to functioning under the influence of the drug. Any attempt to quit outside a marijuana rehab will force your body to resist, causing withdrawal.
Since drugs lower the brain’s normal functioning, your body increases its functions to compensate for the presence of the drugs. However, as the effects fade, your heart could start racing, feelings of irritability creep in, and you start shaking. You may also get anxiety and depression.
When the withdrawal effects of marijuana become overwhelming, you will do all it takes to get your dose because your body’s functioning is dependent on the drug.
Getting Treatment for Marijuana Abuse
Seeking drug addiction treatment is the first step to recovering from any form of addiction. If you are battling a marijuana addiction, check into rehab for professional assistance.
Rehab can offer you the opportunity of living a drug-free life through various treatment programs, including:
- Group therapy program
- Trauma-focused treatment
- Family therapy program
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Gender-based rehab treatment
Quit Marijuana Abuse at Midwest Recovery Center
Cycles of addiction can overwhelm your life, but you can overcome marijuana addiction by checking into Midwest Recovery Center today. In our rehab center, you will gain access to evidence-based treatment programs and a drug-free environment that facilitates your recovery. Contact Midwest Recovery Center at [Direct] for more details.
