Today, marijuana is one of the most popular drugs in society. There are many debates about whether marijuana is addictive or has harmful side effects.
According to statistics, approximately 9% people who use marijuana will become addicted over time. This number is expected to increase in countries where marijuana is legalized.
There are many factors that contribute to marijuana addiction.
- Age: Teenagers who use marijuana in their teens are more likely to become addicted when they turn 18 years old.
- Frequency of use: Regular marijuana consumption is expected to increase your chances of becoming addicted by 25-50%.
Understanding marijuana addiction
Inconclusive estimates of the number of users addicted to marijuana have been revealed by the controversial debate on marijuana addiction. Research on marijuana addiction has shown that a person could become dependent on the drug, but not necessarily addicted.
The increasing accessibility to cannabis treatment centers has led to the discussion about marijuana addiction expanding to include the possibility that marijuana addiction may be ingrained in dependent users.
Many factors can lead to marijuana users turning to the drug. Excessive marijuana use and addiction can be caused by stress, trauma, and other life events. People can also use marijuana to escape from difficult relationships or to grieve the death of a loved.
Risk factors for marijuana use include genetic makeup and mental health. While marijuana can provide a temporary relief for depression, a family history of marijuana use could lead to future addiction.
There have been many instances when marijuana use has been associated with other drugs or substances. People who use marijuana to get high have been shown to be able mix it with other drugs, such as alcohol and cocaine.
The effects of marijuana
These are the effects of excessive marijuana use:
- Behavioral effects
Marijuana is designed to change a person’s behavior in a noticeable way. Due to the high that marijuana users feel, they often take uncalculated risks. One example is when someone decides to drive while under the influence of marijuana or mix marijuana and other drugs. This can increase the drug’s potency. People who smoke marijuana should also avoid joining any social events that involve marijuana use. This can lead to a strain in relationships and cause the user to ignore his/her responsibilities and focus only on the purchase of the drug.
- Psychological effects
Studies have shown that marijuana use can cause cognitive impairments. Cognitive impairments can affect verbal memory, brain function and speed, as well as cognitive abilities. Studies have shown that the drug can cause slow thinking and memory performance.
Symptoms
Many users of marijuana experience mood changes and fluctuations. Some people become more irritable than others. Others experience a sudden surge of anger, agitation and irrationality. Cannabis use can also lead to anxiety and insomnia.
The effects of marijuana use on the heart and blood pressure are due to the feeling confusion and hallucinations that can be caused by paranoia.
Treatment
Over the years, the potency of marijuana has increased. Due to the high potency of the marijuana market’s new strain, many people have been rushed to emergency rooms.
Therapists have to find new and better ways to stop the growing addiction to marijuana. Recovering addicts have been able to use medication and behavioral therapies to treat their addictions. Most cases of addiction are linked to mental health.
To ensure that each person receives the best treatment, marijuana addiction treatment is tailored to their individual needs. The detoxification process is designed to help the patient get through withdrawal. It also ensures that a safe transition to sobriety is made. Individuals can receive round-the-clock care and supervision in a variety of inpatient centers. Outpatient centers can be used for those with less severe addictions and provide scheduled treatment while they live their day. Programs offered by both inpatient and outpatient facilities can last anywhere from three to six months, depending on the level of addiction.
In treatment centers, counseling and therapy are combined with medication treatments. Individual counseling is where the patient meets with a therapist one-on-one, group therapy where two or more patients are counseled, and family counseling where family members are present to assist the patient in overcoming their addiction. Counselling therapy is designed to help patients identify and solve their marijuana addiction problems.
The following are behavioral therapy options for marijuana:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
This includes helping the patient to identify destructive behavior and feelings that can lead to an addictive pattern. These problems can be identified and treated to help the patient quit smoking marijuana and gain control over their harmful habits and behaviors.
- Motivational enhancement therapy
This treatment aims to mobilize and motivate the patient to identify their own resources for change. This is achieved by encouraging the patient to look within and find the motivation necessary for treatment.
- Contingency management
This treatment uses incentives to encourage behavioral change. Incentives are used to motivate the patient to stay clean in the hope of winning a token or prize at the end.
Things to Consider
Before you enroll in any marijuana addiction treatment center, it is a good idea to do some research. The institution should provide effective, evidence-based treatment options. They should also have certified professionals who can help you reach your goals. All treatment packages should have mental health professionals available.
Make sure you check to see if your insurance will cover marijuana addiction treatment. You can also find low-cost options in various centers.
After treatment is completed, the treatment center should be able offer an aftercare plan. This helps the patient make a smooth transition and prevents relapse. Marijuana Anonymous, for example, offers accountability for recovering marijuana addicts. Patients may also benefit from the assistance of other local support groups, which can help them get clean.
