Did you know that teens who frequently indulge in marijuana can suffer from a more severe form of withdrawal than adult users? In fact, as some reports indicate, these young men and women will suffer from an experience that is equivalent to that of an adult who has stopped smoking cigarettes. Once you read the statistics for this outcome, however, you will understand why the severity of teen use is such a major problem in our country. After all, a staggering 50% of teens in the United States will experiment with marijuana at some point before graduating high school, while 21% of these teens will become full-time users by their senior year. At first you may be thinking, “Marijuana is pretty easy to quit, right? It’s not as severe as other drugs, at least in terms of withdrawal.” Unfortunately, though, marijuana dependence treatment is growing in popularity, and, unlike hardcore drugs like cocaine and heroin, the little green plant is extremely difficult to drop. Let’s take a closer look at this situation and find out more.
Variability of Severe Symptoms
As part of a recent study at the University of Vermont, Ryan Vandrey and Alan Budney observed 72 adolescents (mostly Caucasian males) who used marijuana and recorded a wide variety in the stages of withdrawal symptoms. As Vandrey explains, the test subjects who stopped using pot (daily or casual intake) tend to suffer from the most withdrawal problems, overall. Some hardcore users in the study reported feelings of anxiety, irritability, and anger during the detox process.
Cigarettes vs. Joints
In another phase of the project, Vandrey and his team from John Hopkins University School of Medicine reviewed the intensity of these marijuana withdrawal symptoms. Ultimately, the researchers determined that hardcore users (people who smoke 25 days per month, or more) experienced effects of withdrawal that are comparable to those of cigarette users. In the same manner as tobacco users, the pot abusers had a difficult time sleeping and suffered from severe anger and anxiety.
As Vandrey has pointed out, these symptoms should not be taken lightly. As shown in the report, people who excessively use pot for a long or extended period of time will suffer from unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ultimately, marijuana is just as risky as tobacco.
Seeking Treatment for Marijuana Use Disorder
As we have seen with marijuana, even the smallest amount can alter your emotions and alertness. Although it might seem like an innocent plant, pot is a potentially habit-forming drug that can induce severe mental and physical problems (over a long or short period of time). If you are suffering from opioid abuse or addiction of any sort, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process detox and withdrawal and guide you through each step of rehabilitation to help you separate yourself from these substances.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can kick your marijuana use to the curb.
