MARIJUANA DEPENDENCY: THE DRUG YOU DIDN’T THINK YOU COULD GET ADDICTED TO

Chances are, you or someone you know smokes or uses THC recreationally. And a recent study shows it is at record popularity in young adults. In fact, many states have legalized it through legislation in the past few years alone. It is even legal in the capital, Washington, DC! Why then is Marijuana use dangerous? Despite having medicinal qualities it can result in extreme dependence that has a misnomer of “marijuana use disorder”, instead of the word addiction. In 2015 alone, nearly 4 million people suffered from a marijuana reliant behavioral pattern alone, according to a study on https://www.jhsph.edu/. With repeat usage, a physical dependence can occur. A dependent person will notice a withdrawal period if not using the drug frequently. Weed, as it is so frequently called, can make a person anxious, fatigued, on edge, and have insomnia. Many users claim to have headaches or increased anxiety when they do not smoke or use. These side effects are exacerbated when the drug has been stopped for a few days.  

While not as powerful as an opioid withdrawal, marijuana withdrawal symptoms can be persistent and hinder day to day life. Contrary to popular belief, marijuana creates a craving in chronic users. The THC present in cannabis has a relaxing effect in the short term, and can allow users to calm down or “chill out”. However, it is estimated that nearly 9% of marijuana users develop a dependence on the drug over time, as stated by WebMD. This increases depending on how young a user is. When THC is used often by the body, it becomes a substitute for the THC-like neurochemicals in our brain. Our brain significantly reduces our naturally produced neurotransmitters, and when the artificial source of THC is removed, our body goes into a natural state of withdrawal. Users will also notice that a tolerance is developed the more one smokes. This is because your body accommodates the current level of THC and learns how to operate on that level without producing the side effects that make you feel “high”.

Other negative effects that cannabis addiction can generate include: urges, persistence of usage in light of negative effects, pushing friends and family away, spending a large amount of money purchasing marijuana, and ignoring important duties in school or work. Lack of motivation is the largest chronic side effect noted. There is no intrinsic inspiration to continue exerting a lot of effort on projects, and this can severely impact grades or professional reputation.

Are you, or a loved one, struggling with marijuana dependence? If so, you are not alone. There is a way to remove this drug from your life without sacrificing your happiness or anxiety! At Asana Recovery, we provide you the tools on how to take autonomy back of your life. Through therapy and consultation, we can help create positive routines to take place of your bad habits. While there are currently no medications approved by the FDA to combat marijuana addiction, Asana Recovery we can help you learn to say no on your own. You can contact us at (949) 348- 4504, and we will get you started on the path to sobriety the same day.