Over the years, you’ve enjoyed recreational marijuana, and you believe that it helps you manage many of your anxiety problems. However, legal issues and even personal issues have led you to ask the question, do I need THC addiction treatment? The answer to this question may surprise you. Many marijuana users assume that they are safe from addiction because THC is not an opiate. However, that belief is not congruent with the reality of THC dependency disorders.
Yes, Marijuana Can Be Addictive
The idea that marijuana is not addictive is a misconception that stems from the fact that it is not physically addictive in the same way as opiates. As a result, many people assume that they can smoke as much marijuana as they like without developing an addiction. That belief is not quite right, as the brain adapts to THC and ends up needing it or craving it.
Just how bad can this problem get? Well, some specialists believe that as many as 30 percent of those who use THC have some degree of abuse disorder. This problem is particularly severe in those who start before the age of 18; they are four to seven times more likely to develop an addiction. The extent of this addiction also varies depending on the amount of marijuana that a person consumes.
This type of dependency is known as a mental or psychological abuse disorder. While your body may not “need” THC the way that opiate users need opioids, your brain may still go through withdrawal. Beyond that fact, experts believe that marijuana potency is much higher than it was in the past, due to breeding plants high in THC. Therefore, addiction may develop even faster, forcing you to ask, “Do I need THC addiction treatment?” at some point in your life.
Symptoms of Marijuana Dependency
People asking, “Do I need THC addiction treatment?” should fully understand the addiction signs. These symptoms usually vary depending on a person. As a result, it is crucial to fully understand the nature of these symptoms and how they affect you:
- Tolerance – If it takes more THC or marijuana to produce the desired effect, you may be addicted
- Withdrawal symptoms – Marijuana withdrawal may cause worsened appetite, bad moods, and anxiety
- High levels of consumption – People who use more marijuana than they meant to do may have an addiction
- Inability to cut down on use – Those who have tried to quit using marijuana in the past but failed likely have an addiction
- Excessive time high – Do you feel like you “need” to be high to feel happy and healthy? Then there is a good chance that you are addicted
- Less interest in daily activities – If you find yourself increasingly obsessed with smoking marijuana, you may be addicted
If the answer to these questions is “yes,” then there is a good chance that you are addicted to THC. Thankfully, some can quit this substance cold turkey. However, others should probably consider THC addiction treatment to help manage their drug dependency.
Do I Need THC Addiction Treatment? Maybe
When asking yourself, “Do I need THC addiction treatment?” you need to be honest about your dependency. Do you find it impossible to manage your pot use? Do you crave marijuana even when you shouldn’t be smoking it? Must you smoke pot before you go to work to feel calm and happy?
Most importantly, have you tried to quit but failed to do so many times? Then, it might be time to get THC addiction treatment. Doing so will help to transform your life for the better by cutting out this substance and restoring you to a sober mentality as soon as possible.
Recovery is Possible With Help
The question, “Do I need THC addiction treatment?” can be difficult for many to answer. If you believe that you need help, please contact us at Crestview Recovery. We treat all types of substance use, including THC, with the same level of care and attention. Our 90-day program is often a great way to recover. So please call 866.262.0531 to start this process and verify your insurance.
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.
