Also known as pot or weed, the route of administration of this drug can range from smoking it, preparing food with it, or brewing it as a tea. And while many people will report that they feel there is no harm in using this substance, the truth of the matter is that marijuana can negatively marijuana addiction impact a person’s life, especially when it is abused for a prolonged period of time. Therapy is an effective approach to the treatment of marijuana addiction because it focuses on resolving triggers and stimuli that play a major role in the development of addictive behavior.

Marijuana smoke has a pungent and distinctive sweet-and-sour odor. Theresa Parisi is a Certified Addiction Professional , Certified Behavioral Health Case Manager , and International Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with over 12 years of experience in the addiction treatment field. Get professional help from an addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp via phone, video, or live-chat. Seeking help through treatment can teach users how to get over the emotional hurdles of quitting Marijuana.

Are There Side Effects When Using Marijuana?

High-potency forms of the drug can expose new users to increased concentrations of THC and greater risk of experiencing adverse or unpredictable reactions. For frequent users, higher potency can increase the risk of marijuana addiction. An individual who is addicted to marijuana will display compulsive drug-seeking activities and abuse pot despite the harmful consequences. In addition, marijuana is often coined the “gateway drug,” as it normalizes and demystifies the concept of drug abuse.

Recurrent cannabis use in situations in which it is physically hazardous. Recurrent cannabis use results in failure to fulfill role obligations at work, school, or home. The disturbance is not accounted for by a psychotic disorder that is not substance-induced. It is worth noting that the pharmacokinetics of THC is further complicated with multiple factors such as its physical/chemical form, route of administration, genetics, and concurrent consumption of alcohol. Overall, the trend for using cannabis is increasing over time for most, if not all demographics. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only.

Learn More About the Effects of High THC Marijuana Withdrawal and Overdose

You might hear it called cannabis or marijuana dependence, cannabis or marijuana abuse, or cannabis or marijuana misuse. These terms have fallen out of favor, even in the medical profession. However, it is taking time for people to catch up, even for some who have been working in the field for a long time.

The American Psychological Association, or APA, states that marijuana is a frequently abused drug among people of all ages. This psychoactive substance is often abused by more males than females, and experimentation with this substance typically occurs during early to mid-adolescence. Additionally, many experts in the fields of mental health and addiction firmly believe that early abuse of marijuana can lead to the abuse of other drugs and/or alcohol later in life. The main symptoms of marijuana withdrawal are psychological rather than physical, which differs greatly from people recovering from heroin or alcohol use disorder. The most important treatment program to pursue when getting rid of your marijuana use disorder is therapy. It will change the way you think about smoking weed and observe how it became a priority in your life.

History and Physical

If someone continues to use marijuana despite their knowledge of the serious risks involved, then action may be required. On a global level, the United Nations estimates that more than 155 million people (or more than 3.5 percent of the Earth’s population) use marijuana every year. From 2001 to 2010, about seven million Americans were arrested https://ecosoberhouse.com/ for violating laws related to the use, possession, or sale of marijuana. According to the Drug Abuse Warning Network , in 2011 marijuana use was a contributing factor in more than 450,000 visits to emergency rooms or urgent care facilities. John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine.

Individuals who are addicted to cannabis may experience symptoms of withdrawal when attempting to stop using the drug. Long-term users who try to quit report withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, sleeplessness, decreased appetite, anxiety and drug craving–all of which can make it difficult to abstain. The agonist substitution approach is one that draws upon the analogy of the success of nicotine replacement therapy for nicotine addiction. Dronabinol, which is synthetic THC, has shown benefit in reducing cravings and other symptoms of withdrawal, though without preventing relapse or promoting abstinence. Combination therapy with dronabinol and the alpha 2 adrenergic receptor agonist lofexidine have shown mixed results, with possible benefits towards reducing withdrawal symptoms.

In seeking treatment, an individual can come to understand the impact of marijuana abuse and the reasons why the abuse began in the first place. Individuals who abuse marijuana long-term, along with those who abuse large quantities of this substance, often do not perform well in school or at work due to the learning, memory, and concentration impairments that can ensue. Deterring patients from substance use is often best supported by a team effort with the goal of relieving the underlying cause. A non-judgemental approach to understanding the reasons for use is best. Among children, cannabis use can indicate coping with home or school stressors. Counseling, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy and multidimensional family therapy, should be provided at school, home, or an outpatient clinic to improve behavioral issues in both environments.