When you truly think about the situation, the recent increase in marijuana use disorder in our country should not be surprising in the least. After all, the little green plant is more widely available now than it has ever been in the past. However, when you take a closer look, you will begin to notice that scientists still know very little about this fragrant herb’s health benefits and have yet to determine if marijuana itself is addictive or not (despite numerous speculations from the opposing field). So, what contributes to marijuana abuse or dependency? How does this take place and how can we prevent it? Let’s take a closer look at this situation and find out more.
Slim Pickings for Dependency
Despite popular belief, we can reassure you that marijuana dependency is (as far as scientists are currently concerned) not as common as you may think. According to reports, only 9% of people suffer from this “illness,” as it is nowhere near as addictive as heroin (which snags 25% of people). However, as predicted, the use of marijuana is much more frequent than addiction than more dangerous drugs (which is a relief in itself). Keep in mind that scientists have confirmed marijuana is not lethal to humans, even if the largest amount is consumed.
Nevertheless, cannabis addiction and dependence are still very real aspects of life. Anyone who is suffering from cannabis use disorder (CUD) will exhibit the Three C’s:
- Loss of control
- Compulsive use
- Harmful consequences
What Causes Cannabis Use Disorder?
Ultimately, as researchers have discovered, cannabis use disorder is a mixture of addiction and dependency, but scientists are still unsure of why this problem is increasing among the general public. In an interesting twist, however, one particular factor is behind the rise of cannabis use disorder: increased potency of marijuana strains. As with any other drug, once a person consumes marijuana and ingests THC, this individual is at risk of developing dependency. Likewise, if people ingest 12 mg of THC on their first try, they are 4 times more likely to suffer from cannabis use disorder than other people.
Always remember that drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
