Marijuana is a highly addictive substance. It activates the pleasure pathway in the brain, which causes a feeling of elation in its users. Our natural instinct is to seek out things that bring us pleasure, but sometimes that pathway crosses over into dangerous addictive behaviors. Some of the signs of marijuana addiction include drastic or gradual changes in behavior, such as sleeping odd hours or acting out. Other signs include secretiveness or an inability to complete household chores.
Treatment options
Marijuana addiction can be difficult to overcome, but the good news is that there are treatment options available for it. Marijuana rehab can help a patient recover from their marijuana addiction. Unlike other drug addictions, marijuana addiction rehab does not require drug detox. Marijuana withdrawal symptoms are mild and can be managed with support in the rehab program.
While undergoing drug rehab, an individual can continue to live in the same home or apartment as they get treatment. This can be especially helpful for clients who feel that their current home environment triggers relapse. Rehab can give them a distraction from their daily stresses and allow them to develop the skills they need to break their addiction. The program also helps them develop social skills and personal responsibility.
Marijuana addiction treatment usually involves behavioral therapies. Some of these methods include cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and contingency management. Certain medications may also be prescribed. These medications are designed to alleviate the effects of marijuana use on the body. Often, dual diagnosis treatment is needed if marijuana addiction is comorbid with another substance or a mood disorder. The program also involves ongoing outpatient psychotherapy to help a patient overcome the addiction and avoid relapse.
Marijuana addiction is a complex disorder that affects the body. While most individuals use marijuana recreationally, not everyone becomes addicted to it. Each individual has their own biological and personal factors that influence the likelihood of addiction. The age of first use is also associated with a higher risk of developing a cannabis use disorder. In fact, one third of young adults in the U.S. reported using marijuana in the last year.
Symptoms
Marijuana addiction can result in a number of physical symptoms. Increasing potency and frequency of use are two of the most obvious signs of addiction. Other symptoms can include an increase in smoking and possession of paraphernalia. Smokers may also show changes in short-term memory and engage in more activities when high.
A number of treatments are available to treat marijuana addiction. Most treatments are outpatient and include family therapy. These treatments are geared toward reducing the amount of resistance to abstaining and teaching new skills and behaviors. Behavioral therapies are often used in conjunction with medications to help patients deal with their addiction.
Marijuana addiction is an uncontrollable urge to use marijuana. It interferes with a person's daily routine and makes daily tasks more difficult. Marijuana addiction may also affect a person's memory, and they may be unable to cope without their drug. Marijuana addicts also experience a reduction in concentration, and increased forgetfulness. Furthermore, research has shown that young people who start using marijuana before the age of 18 are seven times more likely to experience difficulty quitting.
Other psychological symptoms of marijuana addiction include changes in one's personality and attitude. Cannabis use can alter a person's relationship with their parents and other family members. It may also negatively affect a person's academic achievements. Understanding the personality of a marijuana addict can help determine the best treatment plan for the individual.
Causes
Marijuana addiction can be a devastating disease for a person's relationships. It can prevent people from communicating with their partner, complicate relationship problems, and lead to erectile dysfunction in men. It is also a contributing factor to psychological problems. People with addiction to marijuana often feel compelled to smoke the drug in order to get the euphoric high they desire.
Many marijuana addicts also experience challenges in work and personal relationships, and can struggle with their responsibilities. Additionally, the use of marijuana can cause a person to become financially stressed, because they use the money they earn to fund their habit. The long-term effects of marijuana use can lead to even more stress, and the person is likely to increase the use of marijuana to cope with the stress.
Another factor in marijuana addiction is a person's inability to cope with grief. Losing a loved one is a traumatic event. Grief can last a lifetime, and it's difficult to cope with the pain. The use of cannabis can help a person cope with their loss by numbing them.
Marijuana addiction is common, and one in ten people who use marijuana will develop an addiction. Once addicted, a person is unable to stop using the drug and can negatively impact their finances and relationships.
