Marijuana is the most commonly used and abused the illicit drug in the United States. Although a fair number of states have decriminalized recreational marijuana use, marijuana possession is still technically illegal under federal law. Regardless of its legal or illegal status, nearly 70% of Americans have tried marijuana at least once in their lifetime. Over three million Americans are estimated to use marijuana daily, making it a widely used recreational drug. And, even more than that will go through weed withdrawal.
While marijuana use is prevalent in the United States, many people think that marijuana is not addictive. Unfortunately, THC, the main chemical in marijuana that produces intoxication, can be addictive. Although marijuana addiction and dependency may not result in severe withdrawal, weed withdrawal can occur when you stop using which is why many turn to a marijuana addiction treatment program or synthetic marijuana addiction rehab.
What is Marijuana Dependency?
Marijuana has over 400 different chemicals, but THC is the main ingredient that produces intoxicating effects. Marijuana can be smoked, vaped or ingested orally. When smoked or vaporized, marijuana effects typically last for up to three hours. When used orally, the effects can last anywhere from 6 to 24 hours.
Marijuana produces calming effects, as well as changes in cognition. Marijuana interacts with your brain’s cannabinoid receptors and anandamide neurotransmitters. Anandamide causes pain-relieving effects and binds to your brain’s THC receptors. Marijuana can also increase your dopamine levels.
While marijuana overdoses are not fatal, taking too much can result in anxiety and panic attacks, increased paranoia and disorientation. Long-term use of marijuana can impact your cognition and memory.
Marijuana dependency occurs when you compulsively need to use marijuana in order to function or feel normal despite negative consequences or a desire to stop using.
Signs of marijuana dependency can include:
- Needing to use marijuana when you first wake up
- Difficulty controlling or stopping your marijuana use
- Using marijuana despite negative consequences
- Using marijuana in dangerous situations, such as while driving
- Spending the majority of your time or money using or acquiring marijuana
- Experiencing relationship, financial, career or legal issues because of your marijuana use
When you immediately stop using marijuana, you can experience weed withdrawal symptoms that may make it difficult to quit without help.
What is Weed Withdrawal?
Weed withdrawal can create a variety of symptoms, including increased anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness. Symptoms can last anywhere from several days to several weeks, depending on how frequently you use.
Weed withdrawal can cause intense cravings, making you want to use even though you want to quit. You may also experience irritability, diminished appetite, mood changes, and weight loss. You can experience cravings when you are exposed to triggers, which can include places you previously bought or used marijuana. Long-term marijuana dependency can lead to more intense weed withdrawal than sporadic, recreational use. If you suffer from a co-occurring disorder, weed withdrawal may worsen symptoms of your underlying mental health condition.
The Need For Marijuana Addiction Treatment
Marijuana addiction treatment helps individuals struggling with marijuana dependence to achieve abstinence from the drug and live healthier, more productive lives. The goal of treatment is to help individuals gain control over their marijuana use and develop healthier lifestyles. It is important to note that everyone’s treatment plan is unique and tailored to meet individual needs.
Counseling is a key aspect of treatment as it helps individuals develop strategies to manage their marijuana use and provide recovery support. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common type of counseling used in addiction treatment. CBT helps individuals recognize triggers for marijuana use and develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage cravings and stressful situations.
Group support is another important part of treatment, as it can provide individuals with additional social and emotional support during their recovery journey. Support groups can help people connect with others who have similar experiences and provide a safe space to talk about their struggles and successes.
Marijuana addiction treatment is a long-term process that requires commitment and dedication. However, with the right support and strategies, individuals can achieve lasting recovery and improved quality of life.
Take the First Step at Crestview
If you or a loved one is finding it difficult to stop using marijuana, or experience weed withdrawal when you stop using, you may suffer from marijuana dependency. Crestview Recovery, which offers a premier marijuana addiction treatment program, is here to help. If you have any questions about our programs or would like to learn more about your treatment options, call us today at 866.262.0531.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
