Despite the often widespread belief to the contrary, from a clinical standpoint, marijuana is considered to be an addictive substance. Although marijuana is not psychologically addictive, people can, and do, develop a physical dependence on the drug. In fact, it is believed that almost one in three marijuana users may have a marijuana use disorder, though the severity of that disorder may vary widely.
The primary reason marijuana has been deemed an addictive substance is that regular users of the drug will experience symptoms of withdrawal upon cessation of use. While these symptoms are considered mild compared to the withdrawal symptoms for other addictive substances, they may include irritability, mood swings, difficulty sleeping, reduced appetite, restlessness, cravings, or physical discomfort. These symptoms will typically peak within the first week following the last use and do not generally last more than two weeks.
The risk of developing a marijuana addiction is much greater for those who first use marijuana before the age of eighteen. Like other substance addictions, an addiction to marijuana will only grow stronger if left untreated. If you think that you or someone you love may be developing a marijuana use disorder, you should see competent and professional help at the earliest opportunity.
The Asana Recovery Center offers a comprehensive supervised detoxification and residential treatment program designed to help those suffering from any stage of drug or alcohol addiction. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our program and facilities today.
