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Addicted To Weed?
Marijuana, or weed, is the most commonly used federally illegal drug in the United States, according to the CDC. Although it’s regularly used, the question of whether someone is addicted to weed is often not asked. Similar to alcohol in this way, weed use is so accepted in society that we sometimes overlook the dangers of addiction.
What to Know About Weed Use
From a young age, you probably were introduced to the concept of weed. Seen as a recreational drug and not harmful, people often begin using it young, putting them at a higher likelihood of developing an addiction. However, this drug is not restricted to youth use. SAMHSA explains that use among all ages, both sexes and even pregnant women is on the rise.
Knowledge of a drug is a great starting place when learning about why people use it and its dangers. Weed, also referred to as Cannabis or Marijuana, has endless strings and variations, similar to other drugs. There are most likely over 700 different strains and crossbred types.
Street names for weed include:
- Dope
- Pot
- Grass
- Head
- Mary Jane
- Bud
- Doobie
- Hash
- + Others
The way individuals consume weed varies but includes smoking or vaping through different devices, or ingesting in edible forms (referred to as edibles) such as baked goods.
Symptoms of weed vary from person to person, depending on the strain they consume, the amount, and their body composition. Common symptoms include:
- Slowed reaction time
- Bloodshot eyes
- Impaired coordination
- Increased appetite
- Nervous behavior
- Paranoia
Again, the rate of use in the United States is rising, and not just in teens or young adults. All age groups seem to be partaking in weed use, but starting at a young age puts the individual at a higher risk of addiction.
In addition to addiction dangers, there are other reasons to be wary of weed use. Studies show that it negatively affects brain health, mental health, physical abilities, and even child development in pregnancy. If you believe a teenager or college-aged student in your life is struggling with weed use, reach out a hand to them for help now.
How Addictive is Weed?
Research says that around 1 in 10 people who use marijuana will develop an addiction. When used before the age of 18, that rate changes to 1 in 6. This is dangerous, especially because young people in today’s age don’t consider the use of weed as risky. The CDC stated a study saying that an estimated 10% of people who use weed have the likelihood of becoming addicted.
From these statements and other research we can be assured that although lower than other drugs, weed addiction is a real possibility. However, if you or a loved one use weed occasionally and are not showing any of the signs and symptoms listed below, you may not have a diagnosable addiction. Instead, be aware of your behaviors and wary if it begins disrupting your or their life.
Many people who do have a marijuana use disorder do not develop any other substance use disorders, while others may. Co-occurring substance addictions are common and treatable.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that in 2015, around 4 million United States citizens met the diagnostic criteria for a marijuana use disorder. Today, that number continues to grow.
Call Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with weed addiction, then give Emerge a call today. We can help you find which weed addiction treatment option is appropriate for your situation.
Signs of a Weed Addiction
Luckily, you don’t have to just guess if you or a loved one are dealing with marijuana use disorder. Common signs of addiction, along with unique withdrawal symptoms when not used, can all point to an addiction. Knowing these signs and symptoms could be the first step in recovery.
Signs of a Weed Addiction include:
- A craving to use weed so strong that the individual neglects other commitments to acquire and use
- Prioritizing weed use over all other activities in their life, specifically ones they care strongly about
- Struggling to maintain healthy relationships with family and friends
- Increased tolerance to the drug (needing more to feel the desired effects)
- A lack of motivation in all areas of the individuals’ life
Another tell-tale sign of a weed addiction is experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping use. With marijuana, symptoms usually are mild and are strongest within the first week after quitting. The symptoms can last up to two weeks.
Symptoms of a weed withdrawal can include:
- Trouble sleeping
- Irritability
- Decreased appetite
- Restlessness
- Extreme anxiety or nervousness
- Feelings of depression
- Fever
- Sweating
- Abdominal pain
- Tremors
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the above, consider getting help. This addiction is real and dangerous, but treatment is available.
Getting Treatment
If you or a loved one are currently dealing with a weed addiction and would like to know more about treatment options in Atlanta, contact us today. At Emerge Healing Center, our team can help you to decide which program is right for you, as well as design a treatment program that will maximize your chances of success. Gain control of your life with the help of the right treatment center, and find out just how fulfilling an addiction-free life can be.
If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to weed, then Emerge is here for you. We can help you find an appropriate weed addiction treatment program for your situation. Please give us a call today so you can begin the journey of a lifetime.
More Marijuana Addiction Treatment Resources
If you’d like to learn more about marijuana addiction treatment, then read some of our informative articles on the topic below. We dive into every aspect of marijuana addiction treatment in Alpharetta, Georgia so that we can answer any questions you may have.