June 21, 2021Tyler Collins
Most people believe that marijuana is not addictive but research suggests otherwise. Is marijuana addictive? If so, how can you get help for addiction? People often have many different ideas about what addiction means. Some think it applies to anyone who uses marijuana regularly, while others are convinced only those with psychological disorders become addicted to drugs like pot or cocaine.
Nowadays many people use marijuana recreationally but don’t realize that they could actually be addicted without even realizing it. According to many studies, it’s still possible for people to become addicted to pot and have their lives drastically altered because of it. If you’re struggling with addiction or are just curious about whether or not you’re addicted, this article will provide some information on what addiction means and how you can tell if your usage is an issue.
Read on for some insights into potential signs and symptoms of marijuana addiction.
Signs of marijuana addiction
Marijuana addiction is a real thing. There are many signs that you can look for if you suspect that you or someone you love might be addicted to marijuana. If you believe that you might be addicted to marijuana, or you are worried about someone else who is, it’s time to take action.
Spends a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from the effects of marijuana
One of the first signs of being addicted to marijuana is spending a bulk of your time smoking or using weed. Does using weed take up a majority of your time? Would you rather use weed than do other things? Are you skipping important activities because you are preoccupied with weed?
If you or someone in your family has a problem with addiction and they typically skip out on essential things like school or work due to the overwhelming urge to get high, that’s another sign that something might be wrong. When you devote a lot of your time to marijuana use, it can start to impact your quality of life.
Cravings for more marijuana after only a few hours since last use
After using marijuana, are you constantly craving to use it again even after just a short time? Does it feel like you’re never satisfied from smoking or eating weed? A lack of satisfaction after using marijuana typical of someone who is addicted to weed.
Develop tolerance to marijuana and need more to get the same effect
Drug tolerance refers to the body’s ability to adjust and react less to a particular drug, as more is taken. When you get addicted to a drug, including marijuana, you will typically need higher doses of the substance just to get the same effect you once had. If you notice that you constantly need a higher or stronger dose of marijuana, this could be a sign of addiction.
Difficulty quitting marijuana
Many people believe that if someone is addicted to drugs, they can just stop using them. That’s not always the case though—a lot of times, addiction has nothing to do with willpower. One of the best ways for determining whether or not someone might be addicted is by looking at their ability, or lack thereof, to stop using drugs like marijuana.
Have you tried stopping the use of weed but you were unable to do so? What does this mean? This may be a sign that you are addicted to marijuana and that it’s time to seek professional help to overcome your substance abuse issues.
Decreased interest in activities that were once enjoyable
Decreased interest in activities once enjoyed could be a sign of addiction to marijuana. Marijuana affects the way dopamine works in the brain that’s why you feel high or happy while under its effects. However, because these feelings brought about by weed don’t last long enough, it’s easy to become dependent upon weed and start using more often just to have those good feelings again. This could also affect your brain’s pleasure center that’s why you may have a hard time feeling pleasure when experiencing normal things that you used to find enjoyable.
Continued use despite negative consequences on work, relationships, and social life
It is no secret that using drugs can negatively impact your life in all aspects. If you know that using marijuana is already hurting your job, your relationships, and your social life yet you continue to use it, then this may be a sign of addiction.
Withdrawal symptoms when not using marijuana
Quitting any substance abuse is no easy task. When you decide to stop using marijuana, this could lead to some withdrawal symptoms. Experiencing these symptoms is a sign that you are already physically dependent or addicted to weed. Some common withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, irritability, depression, weight changes, and flu-like symptoms.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, help is available.
Contact Lighthouse Treatment Center Today.
