Marijuana’s effect on the developing brain and marijuana as a gateway drug are examples of some concerns stemming from the increased allowance of marijuana use. Now that almost half of the states in the country allow marijuana use for medical purposes and recreational use is legal in Colorado and Washington, more marijuana-related concerns are coming to the surface. If you’re concerned that you or someone you love could be dealing with marijuana addiction or symptoms of marijuana withdrawal, don’t resort to simply looking up “substance abuse treatment near me” using a search engine online. Call 833.551.2304 to speak with someone from Gulf Breeze Recovery today about marijuana addiction and marijuana withdrawal symptoms
Can You Develop an Addiction to Marijuana?
“There’s a lot of misperception out there that marijuana is not addictive, but it produces both a physical and psychological dependence in a similar way to that of other drugs, along with its own characteristic withdrawal symptoms,” explained John Kelly of the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Addiction Medicine.
A recent study published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine found that about 40% of people enrolled in outpatient treatment who abused marijuana had withdrawal symptoms. Interestingly, people are not only experiencing these effects but also enrolling in drug addiction treatment to get off marijuana. Kelly points out parallels between trends in the use of marijuana and those related to alcohol and tobacco. When you make something more accessible and affordable, more people gravitate towards it.
Even with studies that strongly indicate significant withdrawal symptoms attached to marijuana and that many people admit that they are addicted to it, some people still consider it a harmless drug. “The neurocognitive impacts, especially with teens, have been shown to have lifelong implications,” Kelly noted. “The rates of addiction and harm will go up, there’s no doubt about that. People need to be prepared for that.”
What Are the Signs of Marijuana Addiction?
Marijuana addiction can develop in various ways, depending on the person’s circumstances. While marijuana use is often perceived as harmless or non-addictive, it can become an issue for some people who find themselves relying on marijuana to cope with life’s stressors and problems. Over time, marijuana use can lead to physical dependence and psychological addiction that are difficult to break. Signs of marijuana addiction include the following:
- Spending large amounts of time and money on marijuana
- Becoming irritable or anxious when marijuana is not available
- Neglecting responsibilities to use marijuana
- Experiencing cravings for marijuana and an inability to control marijuana use
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when marijuana use is stopped or reduced
Going through marijuana withdrawal can be a difficult and uncomfortable process for those who are trying to quit using the drug. These symptoms can make it hard for people to stay motivated to abstain from marijuana use. Even if they successfully reduce or eliminate marijuana use for a period of time, marijuana cravings may lead them back into relapse. Withdrawal is not only an emotional challenge but also a physical one—individuals going through marijuana withdrawal must have access to medical care and support to break free from addiction.
What Are the Symptoms of Marijuana Withdrawal?
Marijuana’s effects on health have been studied extensively over time, providing insight into both positive and negative effects marijuana can have on people who use it recreationally or medicinally. However, the risks of developing an addiction and going through withdrawal symptoms continue to plague those who use the drug. Common marijuana withdrawal symptoms include the following:
- Irritability and agitation
- Anxiety and depression
- Difficulty sleeping
- Decreased appetite
- Mood swings
- Headaches
- Sweating or hot flashes
- Nausea
- Stomach pain or cramps
- Muscle twitches and tremors
These marijuana withdrawal symptoms should be monitored closely, as they can lead to more severe problems if left unaddressed. People who use marijuana need to recognize that the drug can be addictive and that its use should be done in moderation. If marijuana use is causing you or someone you know distress, it may be time to seek help by enrolling in drug addiction treatment and getting off marijuana for good.
Find Marijuana Addiction Treatment in Florida at Gulf Breeze Recovery
If you or someone you care about is struggling with marijuana addiction or suffering from marijuana withdrawal symptoms, contact Gulf Breeze Recovery today at 833.551.2304. Speak to someone from our caring and compassionate team about our marijuana addiction treatment options in Florida.
