One of the most addictive and commonly used drugs across the United States, marijuana is quite popular due to its euphoric effects. Though its benefits tend to outrun its side-effects, the truth is that marijuana is an addictive substance with dangerous consequences.
Further, it is still hard to refute that what’s been legalized for recreational use and chronic pain management can be addictive and detrimental to one’s mind, body and relationships. Being addictive in nature and with the ability to change the brain structure, marijuana’s long-term use and abuse can cause psychological and physical dependence that can develop into an addiction. Though men are more likely to fall for substance addiction including alcohol and drugs, women face tougher challenges and tend to progress more quickly from using addictive substances to developing a dependence on it.
A comprehensive marijuana detox treatment for long-lasting recovery may involve a combination of medically supervised detox program followed by intense psychotherapies and experiential therapies. A supervised detoxification treatment can prevent unpleasant or fatal consequences resulting from the sudden cessation of use and can aid the patient in becoming abstinent from drugs. A detox should be followed with a comprehensive addiction treatment program to achieve long-term recovery.
Abusing marijuana
Some marijuana users who are already vulnerable to stress, depression, mental illness or genetic predisposition end up displaying classic behaviors that define addiction which, in this case, is Marijuana Use Disorder.
Recognizing signs of marijuana use disorder can help a health care professional determine the severity of the problem. The symptoms of marijuana use disorder can include the following.
- An upset stomach, irritability, anxiety or depression when not high means a physical dependence has already developed.
- Constant anxiety that requires pot to relax and becoming dependent on it for relaxation.
- Developing a drug tolerance requiring more of the drug to achieve the same effects.
- Smoking more marijuana than intended, even after knowing its side-effects.
- Spending most of one’s free time between work and family commitments to get high due to an inability to control cravings.
- Spending considerable time and effort toward planning to procure or procuring marijuana.