Marijuana is one of the most commonly abused substances in America. According to the CDC, “Marijuana is the most commonly used federally illegal drug in the United States; 48.2 million people, or about 18% of Americans, used it at least once in 2019.”[1]

Because of how normalized marijuana use has become in our society, many people believe that the drug is harmless. However, people can still get addicted to using this substance. Research suggests that 3 out of 10 people who use marijuana meet the criteria for a marijuana use disorder.[1]

While abusing marijuana may not cause fatal overdoses, addiction to this substance can still negatively impact an individual’s life. If you or a loved one are addicted to marijuana, a drug and alcohol rehab center may be able to help.

Can You Really Get Addicted to Marijuana?

While some people view this drug as a natural and harmless substance, it can still lead to addiction. Frequent marijuana use can lead to problematic abuse known as marijuana use disorder. Individuals who begin using the substance before the age of 18 are between four to seven times more likely to develop an addiction than people who begin using the substance in adulthood.[2]

One of the signs of marijuana addiction is withdrawal symptoms, which occur when someone becomes physically dependent on a substance. The symptoms of withdrawal typically include:

Irritability
Mood swings
Difficulty sleeping
Decreased appetite
Cravings for marijuana
Restlessness
Various forms of physical discomfort

Withdrawal symptoms begin to occur when the person stops using marijuana after a period of frequent use. This happens because the endocannabinoid neurotransmitters in the brain are unable to work properly after becoming accustomed to the presence of THC, the psychoactive substance found within marijuana. Marijuana withdrawal symptoms usually peak within a week of an individual’s last dose and subside after 2 weeks.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “In 2015, about 4.0 million people in the United States met the diagnostic criteria for a marijuana use disorder; 138,000 voluntarily sought treatment for their marijuana use.”[2]

Signs of Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana addiction or marijuana use disorder is a psychiatric condition, so there are diagnostic criteria that an individual must meet to be diagnosed with the condition.

According to the DSM-5, at least 2 of the following symptoms must be present in 12 months for someone to be diagnosed with marijuana addiction:

Continuing to use despite facing social or relationship issues
Using even after developing a physical or psychological problem as a result of marijuana use
Cravings to use marijuana
Developing a tolerance for marijuana
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when one cannot use marijuana
Giving up previously enjoyed hobbies or activities to use more marijuana
Using it for longer or larger amounts than originally intended
Using it in situations that could be dangerous such as while driving a car
Being so intoxicated by the drug that you cannot get important tasks done
Spending a lot of time seeking and using the drug as well as recovering from its effects
Attempting to quit or cut back on marijuana use with no success

Individuals struggling with marijuana addiction often lose interest in things they enjoyed doing, experience interpersonal relationship issues, and are unable to stop using the substance.

Should People Get Treatment for Marijuana Addiction?

Yes, any drug someone suffers from an addiction points to the need for addiction treatment. People mustn’t let the growing social acceptance of this substance prevent them from getting the help they need.

While the physical addiction to marijuana is not as bad as drugs like heroin or methamphetamine, the psychological symptoms of addiction can be extremely difficult to overcome. This is why attending professional treatment for marijuana is of the utmost importance.

If marijuana use is causing an individual’s life to become unmanageable, addiction treatment is necessary. This is true for any type of substance, because addiction is addiction, regardless of the public perception of the drug.

How to Find a Marijuana Rehab Center

Sometimes it can be difficult to find a treatment center that treats marijuana addiction. Many programs focus on drugs like opioids or stimulants rather than treating every type of addiction. Because of this, individuals need to know how to find the right rehab center.

Tips for finding a marijuana addiction treatment center include:

Contact treatment centers in the area and ask
Ask people that you know who attended treatment in the past
Talk to a primary care physician, psychiatrist, or therapist about good programs in the area
Contact the insurance company to see which programs they cover offer marijuana addiction treatment

Find Treatment for Marijuana Abuse and Addiction Near You

While marijuana addiction does not pose a risk of experiencing a fatal overdose, it can completely take over your life. Any substance that you can become addicted to is worth attending professional treatment for. If you or your loved one suffer from marijuana use disorder, it’s time to consider attending professional rehab.

Contact Addiction Intervention today to be connected with a top-rated marijuana rehab center near you.