Many people choose to get high for the same reasons that they drink alcohol. Using marijuana to get high might help you feel short-term relief from symptoms of mental health issues like anxiety or depression. You might have stress at work or home, and you smoke weed to cope. Or, on the weekends, you might get high in order to relax.
While marijuana has a variety of legitimate medical purposes, for some individuals, it can cause problems. Not everyone who uses marijuana will develop a dependence on the substance, but anyone who uses marijuana should be aware of the risks even with a legal prescription. While getting high might feel good at the moment, it can have negative consequences. Understanding the impact that marijuana can have can help you make informed decisions and reach out for help if you’re in need.
Is Marijuana Addictive?
Yes, marijuana can be addictive. While substances like opioids or alcohol are commonly associated with addiction, it’s possible to develop a dependence on and an addiction to marijuana. Dependence has to do with how the brain adapts to the substance. Over time and with regular use, the brain will actually depend on the substance to function normally. When you stop using it, you’ll feel withdrawal symptoms.
Addiction has to do with a compulsion to use marijuana. Someone addicted to it will use it even when they face negative consequences, such as conflict with loved ones or issues at work. Someone struggling with weed addiction should go through treatment in an addiction treatment center to develop healthy coping skills and strategies to avoid relapse.
Signs of Marijuana Addiction
In the same way that it can be challenging to spot the signs of alcohol addiction, marijuana addiction can hide in plain sight. Especially if you or your loved one uses marijuana with a prescription from a doctor, knowing when use has turned into abuse can be difficult. However, some of the signs of marijuana addiction include:
- A compulsive urge to use marijuana, even in inappropriate settings
- Needing to use weed in order to get through the day
- Spending more and more money in order to maintain the habit
- Needing larger amounts of marijuana to get high
- Prioritizing marijuana use over responsibilities at work or at home
- Withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability or insomnia, when you try to stop
If you are struggling with a marijuana addiction, professional care from an addiction treatment center can help you begin the road to recovery.
Help for Marijuana Addiction at Westwind Recovery®
At Westwind Recovery®, we offer addiction treatment programs for those who are struggling with alcohol, opioids, or even marijuana. If you have tried to stop using marijuana before but have not been successful, or getting high has gotten in the way of responsibilities at work, at school, or at home, we can help. In our Los Angeles treatment center, we offer support and counseling that can help you build the tools you need for lifelong recovery. Some of the therapies and approaches to treatment we offer include:
- Trauma therapy
- Virtual reality meditation therapy
- Adventure therapy
- Art therapy
- Music therapy
Many of those who struggle with marijuana addiction began using the substance to cope with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. In our center, we offer dual diagnosis treatment to help our clients manage the symptoms of mental health issues without turning to drugs or alcohol. This can lead to long-term, sustainable sobriety.
Don’t let marijuana addiction control your life. Even though it might feel good in the moment, getting high isn’t always pretty. Learn more about Westwind’s addiction treatment programs by contacting us today at 855.340.8832.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
