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Marijuana Addiction

- 7 sections

Medically Verified: 2/1/24

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All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Marijuana Abuse, Addiction, and Treatment in North Carolina

If you or someone you love struggles with marijuana abuse, you are not alone. Treatment can help you gain control over your substance use. It can give you the skills and resources to live a healthier, sober lifestyle.

It can be challenging to quit using marijuana. Some people who use marijuana develop symptoms of addiction. Others develop a condition called marijuana use disorder.

This article will explore marijuana abuse and addiction. You will learn how to find treatment for substance use disorders and what to expect in addiction treatment programs.

Contact the Carolina Center for Recovery specialists to explore our treatment programs or find support during addiction recovery.

Marijuana Abuse: An Overview

Marijuana is a plant that contains psychoactive chemicals. People eat, smoke, vape, or drink marijuana products.

The active compound in marijuana is THC.[1] Ingesting THC can cause a range of side effects, including:

  • Relaxation
  • Euphoria
  • Increased hunger
  • Excessive laughter
  • Sensory perception changes
  • Altered sense of time
  • Anxiety
  • Psychosis
  • Panic

Marijuana and THC products are legal in many areas of the United States for both medical and recreational use. As more people have legal access to marijuana, more people may use it and experience complications. In 2021, an estimated 52.5 million people used marijuana.[2]

Marijuana use is on the rise among young people. An estimated 8.3% of 8th graders and 30.7% of 12th graders report using cannabis. This group is more likely to vape, drink, or consume THC products rather than smoke marijuana. There are many reports of teens becoming sick after consuming products with high levels of THC.[3]

Even though marijuana is legal in some areas, it is still illegal in many states. Many addiction experts consider marijuana to be the most commonly used illicit drug.

People who use marijuana frequently may develop signs of addiction. They may have a hard time quitting when they want or experience withdrawal effects if they stop using it.

Heavy marijuana use increases the risk of long-term medical and mental complications, including schizophrenia and addiction. People may experience new or worsening symptoms of a mental health disorder.

It is essential to seek treatment for marijuana abuse as soon as possible to reduce the risk of complications.

Marijuana Addiction: Recognizing the Signs

Prolonged periods of marijuana use can lead to signs of addiction. People may develop marijuana use disorder after abusing marijuana for a long period.

Addiction can change a person’s appearance, behavior, and emotional well-being.

Some signs of marijuana use disorder include:

  • Using more marijuana or THC products than you planned to
  • Trying to quit using marijuana but failing
  • Spending a lot of time and energy getting, using, and recovering from using marijuana
  • Experiencing cravings for marijuana
  • Having legal or financial problems related to marijuana use
  • Taking risks while using marijuana, like driving while under the influence
  • Needing to use more marijuana to get high
  • Neglecting your relationships, work, or hobbies because of your marijuana use
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you use less or quit using marijuana

People who abuse marijuana for long periods may develop symptoms of physical dependence. They may face physical or psychological problems related to their substance use.

If you live with marijuana addiction, you must seek treatment. During treatment, you will get the support and treatment you need to stop using marijuana and avoid relapse.

Treatment for Marijuana Addiction

Living with marijuana use disorder puts you at risk for serious long-term problems with memory, attention, and learning. Treating marijuana addiction as soon as possible is essential.

There are inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment options. Before beginning treatment, a medical or addiction specialist will evaluate your needs and recommend a level of care.

Here is an overview of what to expect in a marijuana addiction treatment program.

Detox

If you have developed symptoms of physical dependence on marijuana, you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you quit using it.[4] Common withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Mood changes–irritability, anxiety, or depression
  • Nightmares
  • Cravings
  • Aggression
  • Flu-like body aches
  • Insomnia
  • Sweating
  • Tremors
  • Nausea
  • Headache

While your symptoms may not be dangerous, they can make you feel miserable. During detox, your treatment team will monitor your symptoms. You may receive medications to help you manage pain, insomnia, and other uncomfortable symptoms.

Marijuana detox can be challenging. The care you receive during detox will prepare you to start a comprehensive treatment program.

Treatment

After spending several days following a detox plan, you may start to feel better. After detox is complete, you may begin to participate in holistic treatment.

Your treatment plan may include:

  • Individual counseling
  • Behavioral therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational enhancement therapy (MET)
  • Mental health treatment
  • Coping skills practice
  • Relapse prevention education
  • Yoga, exercise, nutrition support, mindfulness, and other holistic therapies

During treatment, you will identify the roots of your substance use and gain the skills to avoid relapse. You will find support during rehab and develop an aftercare plan to keep you engaged in recovery afterward.

Get Help Now

If you or someone you love struggles with marijuana abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Comprehensive, compassionate treatment is available at the Carolina Center for Recovery. Contact our admissions staff now to get started.

References:

  1. National Institutes of Health (NIH): Cannabis, cannabinoids, and health
  2. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): What is the scope of cannabis (marijuana) use in the United States?
  3. National Institutes of Health (NIH): Self-reported changes in cannabis vaping among US adolescents and young adults early in the COVID-19 pandemic
  4. National Institutes of Health (NIH): The cannabis withdrawal syndrome: current insights

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