Who Needs Help for Marijuana Addiction?
Who Could Become Addicted to Marijuana?
Marijuana addiction is a serious issue that does affect many users. According to the NIDA, “Estimates from research suggest that about 9 percent of users become addicted to marijuana.” This takes into account all users but some are especially susceptible to marijuana addiction. These users are:
- Teens where “1 in 6” users become addicted
- Chronic marijuana users who smoke every day where “25-50 percent” of users become addicted
- Polydrug abusers who abuse marijuana and other drugs like cocaine, heroin, or even prescription drugs
- People with a history of addiction in their families
- People with mental disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety disorders
These people are more likely to become addicted to marijuana and will need help for their addictions.
How Do You Know If You’re Addicted to Marijuana?
People who smoke despite experiencing negative consequences may need rehab for marijuana.
Marijuana addiction usually comes along with warning signs. Because the drug is more often used recreationally than medicinally, many of the symptoms are those which occur with long-term use.
- Dependence
- Someone who becomes dependent on marijuana will not feel normal when they do not smoke. It can be a very troubling experience for those who are suddenly without the drug.
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Someone who suddenly stops smoking marijuana and experiences withdrawal symptoms is dependent on the drug. According to SAMHSA, the withdrawal syndrome for marijuana includes “symptoms of nervousness, sleep disturbance, and appetite change.” These symptoms can be more or less intense depending on how much you smoke.
- Cravings
- Cravings are always a strong sign of addiction. If you crave marijuana and think about it when you are not smoking, you are already addicted to the drug.
- Drug-seeking behavior
- Marijuana is still illegal to buy in many states, and someone who is willing to put themselves in a potentially dangerous situation in order to get more of the drug could be addicted.
- Social issues
- Many people experience issues with their friends, family, significant others, teachers, bosses, and coworkers as a result of their marijuana addictions. If more than one person has brought up your marijuana abuse negatively or it has caused multiple problems between you and the important people in your life, you should consider marijuana addiction rehab.
Who Really Needs Help for Marijuana Addiction?
The people who fit the criteria above are the ones who are most likely to become addicted to marijuana. Chronic users and people who started out young will very likely become addicted after a while, and evaluating yourself can also help you discover whether or not you might need treatment.
People who need help are those who are addicted, and the definition of addiction includes the problem of being unable to stop smoking. The NIDA states that “over time a person’s ability to choose not to [do drugs] becomes compromised, and seeking and consuming the drug becomes compulsive.” These are the individuals who need help: people who cannot stop smoking marijuana alone, even if they want to.
If you feel that you are unable to stop smoking marijuana your own, seek treatment now and get the help you need. Don’t hesitate, as individuals who need help for marijuana addiction should not go without it.