Marijuana, sometimes known as pot or weed, is one of the nation’s most widely used recreational substances. This is true, at least in part, because of the drug’s benign reputation. But is this reputation entirely accurate? For many people, the answer is no. Eventually, they will develop problems that call for enrollment in marijuana addiction rehab. Is weed addictive? In fact, there are users of the drug who develop symptoms of harmful marijuana abuse.
Concerned that you or someone you know might be addicted to weed? Help is available in a suitable treatment program. At Sophros Recovery, we specialize in outpatient solutions for marijuana-related problems. Contact us today at 813.686.6306 to find out more about your personalized treatment options.
Why Is Weed Addictive?
Not everyone who uses weed will develop a life-disrupting problem. However, substantial numbers of people do. And many of those affected people are addicted to the drug.
Why is pot addictive? The main culprit is the chemical tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). All marijuana naturally contains this chemical. When it enters your system, it:
- Creates notable feelings of euphoria
- Alters your senses and ability to track time
- Impairs your memory
- Decreases your ability to think clearly
THC’s mental effects explain its addictive properties. In search of these effects, some people use marijuana repeatedly. Over time, you can grow dependent on them. And dependency, in turn, can lead to full-blow marijuana addiction.
Is Marijuana Addiction an Officially Defined Condition?
Is weed addictive in all cases? No. Research suggests that about 10% of all marijuana users will meet the criteria for addiction. How is marijuana addiction defined? Its symptoms are part of a wider condition called cannabis use disorder.
There are 11 symptoms of this disorder. Seven of them are addiction-related, including:
- An inability to limit your marijuana use
- A history of multiple unsuccessful attempts to stop using the drug
- Recurring cravings for more marijuana
- Rising tolerance to THC’s effects on you
- The establishment of marijuana use a top priority in your life
- A tendency to ignore the drug’s negative effects on your health
- Withdrawal symptoms that appear if you stop using the drug
However, addiction is not the only problem that repeated marijuana use can cause. You may also develop serious issues with weed abuse.
More than a quarter of all marijuana users are likely to develop a cannabis use disorder. The condition can affect anyone. But the risks are not evenly distributed.
When is marijuana addiction most likely? Your risks are highest if you start using the drug as a teenager. You also have increased risks if you use the drug heavily most days of the week. In addition, your risks may rise for other reasons that are personal to you.
Is Marijuana Addictive Now More Than Ever?
Is pot addictive now more than it’s ever been in the past? The answer may surprise you.
Over the past 30 or so years, the THC levels in marijuana have increased substantially. In fact, they’ve more than tripled. Since THC is marijuana’s main addictive ingredient, this rise is significant. If there’s more of an addictive substance in a drug, your chances of having problems with it are probably greater.
Call Sophros Recovery for Marijuana Addiction Rehab
Is marijuana addictive? Yes, for many people, it is. The source of the drug’s addictive properties is the chemical THC. Today, the typical batch of weed has much more THC than it did in the past. What’s more, addiction is not the only concern for marijuana users. You may also abuse the drug in ways that damage your ability to function.
For more information on marijuana-related harms, talk to the professionals at Sophros Recovery Tampa. We’re also your source for customized marijuana treatment. Just call us today at 813.686.6306 or use our online contact form.
