Identifying And Overcoming Marijuana Addiction

Identifying And Overcoming Marijuana Addiction

Similar to an opioid or benzodiazepine, marijuana is a medicinal drug. Several states across the country have begun identifying its medicinal purpose and have legalized its use. This is one of the chief reasons citizens have begun abusing marijuana.

The studies reveal that about 30% of all those who do weed have developed some kind of addiction to it. This addictive drug has various names to it, such as cannabis, herb, weed, grass, pot, and Mary Jane. 

It might seem cool to smoke weed at first, but prolonged use can cause life-altering damage to a user’s body. 

Evidence Of Marijuana Intoxication

Marijuana is most commonly smoked, but some even prefer ingesting it by mixing it into baked goods. Both these methods need about a few minutes to hours to produce a high, respectively. Marijuana intoxication can be identified via these signs: 

  • Lack of motivation 
  • Delusions
  • Intense laughter 
  • Difficulty in concentration 
  • Paranoia
  • Drowsiness 
  • High or euphoria 
  • Decreased reaction time
  • Increased heart rate
  • Disrupted motor control
  • Increased appetite 
  • Dry mouth 
  • Red eyes 

Long-Term Side Effects 

Marijuana disrupts brain development, especially if you are consuming it at a very young age. It can have some long-term side effects like: 

  • Impaired memory and concentration 
  • Altered judgment, motor control, and coordination 
  • Increased risk of developing disorders like depression
  • Irritable mood 
  • Suicidal thoughts 
  • Respiratory problems like lung cancer, asthma, chronic cough, and lung infection 
  • Anxiety and paranoia
  • Reduced motivation to perform everyday tasks

Withdrawal Symptoms 

Just like any other drug and alcohol, marijuana to has withdrawal symptoms. However, they aren’t as life-threatening as experienced in other drugs and alcohol. Marijuana withdrawal shows symptoms like: 

  • Anger or aggression 
  • Nightmares
  • Insomnia
  • More drug cravings 
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Irritability 
  • Weight loss due to decreased appetite 

It takes about a week after the last use for these symptoms to show up and can last for about ten days, after which, they begin to get better. These symptoms aren’t severe but can lead to relapse. Hence, seek medical assistance when detoxing from marijuana. 

Signs That It’s Time To Seek Medical Help

Here are a few signs which prove that it’s time for you to seek medical support:

  • Decreased academic or work performance 
  • Increasing the dosage
  • Refraining from social gatherings 
  • Failing to reduce the dosage 
  • Intense marijuana cravings 
  • Developing tolerance for a normal amount of marijuana 
  • Withdrawal symptoms 
  • Engaging in risky behaviors
  • Entering into financial crisis 

Seeking Marijuana Addiction Treatment 

Consuming too much marijuana can cause life-threatening effects on your mind and body such as lung cancer. It is always better to seek professional help the moment you spot any of the above-mentioned signs. The best place to go for marijuana addiction treatment is Skyward Treatment Center in Sugar Land, Texas. The center serves across the country and helps people overcome addiction with its proven treatments and therapies. Contact us now and know more about our treatment plans.

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