Marijuana has become widely popular in the last decade, often used to ease anxiety symptoms. It has also been legalized in many states. While it has medicinal purposes, many people use it recreationally as well.
But while smoking weed may feel calming, the dangers of marijuana addiction are very real. It can become a coping mechanism for some, often leading to a full-blown weed addiction. Luckily there are several ways to avoid this.But is everyone prone to marijuana addiction? And how can you avoid it? In this article, we answer all of these questions and more.
Is Marijuana Addictive?
If you’re someone who’s new to smoking, you might have some questions. You may wonder, “can I get addicted to marijuana?”. In simple terms, yes, marijuana can be addictive.
Studies show that people who started using marijuana before the age of 18 are more likely to be addicted to it than adults. Others may develop an addiction to weed by using it as a coping mechanism for mood disorders.
Marijuana may dissolve stress, and certain strains cause feelings of euphoria. This sensation can become addictive to people who are constantly under stress or dealing with depression. Marijuana dependency is quite common, with 30% of users facing this addiction.
This happens because your brain gets used to the drug and lowers sensitivity to your body’s endocannabinoid system. Over time, users may consume more marijuana just to feel the same calming sensation. Once a person becomes addicted to cannabinoids, it can be hard to stop and may even interfere with their daily life.
Research also shows that the THC levels in marijuana are much higher now than they were in the 90s. This may also be a contributing factor in the increase in weed addiction.
Is Weed Physically or Psychologically Addictive?
Popular studies show that marijuana is both psychologically and physically addictive. In fact, people with marijuana addiction often experience withdrawal symptoms. Irritability, fatigue, and mood swings are just some of these symptoms.
Its psychological effects can lead one to continue using it despite its negative effects. Some of the side effects of marijuana include laziness, an increase or decrease in appetite, nausea, and paranoia. However, when it comes to addiction, often, these side effects don’t matter to the user.
The psychological effects of marijuana addiction can also cause users to use excessive amounts. Not only does this lead to physical addictions over time, but it can also make it worse. Physical symptoms of being addicted to marijuana are an increase in tolerance.
This is another reason why users may increase their intake of the drug. Physical addiction can worsen withdrawal symptoms as well. You may find it hard to sleep, eat or even relax if you have an addiction to marijuana.
Weed makes food taste better, which is why users with an addiction may lose their appetite while trying to quit.
Signs you May be Addicted to Weed
Now that we’ve answered the important question, “can you be addicted to weed?” let’s move on to the next. How can you tell if you are addicted to marijuana? Here are a few signs that can help you identify an addiction.
Unable to Control your Marijuana Use
If you find yourself using large quantities of the drug, you may be dealing with an addiction. Experts recommend not using more than 40 mg of THC in a day. People with marijuana addictions tend to amp up their usage as their tolerance increases.
This can be quite destructive in many ways, including financially. As a result, most users tend to take tolerance breaks every now and then to reduce their tolerance. A tolerance break can be anywhere from 2 weeks to 21 days long.
Taking a longer tolerance break is usually recommended to get the THC out of your system. This then allows you to enjoy the full effects of marijuana the next time you smoke it. However, if you find yourself unable to take a tolerance break, chances are you have a weed addiction.
It’s Always on your Mind
Can’t stop thinking about the next time you’ll score some weed? Or maybe you’ve just smoked and are already thinking about your next joint. These are all signs that you are addicted to cannabinoids.
This can lead to craving weed and can also affect one’s mood.
You Can’t Function Without It
Dependent people may find it hard to function without using marijuana. This can affect things like changes in appetite, sleep, and overall mental health. Marijuana users have also reported experiencing nightmares during withdrawals.
Although this symptom fades eventually, it can make it hard to quit. Another reason why people get addicted to marijuana is because of its ability to heighten the senses. This isn’t the case for everyone, but many reports heightened taste and sound.
Research also shows that marijuana addiction can lead to binge eating disorders. An increase in appetite is a side effect of marijuana, and it leads to what is called “the munchies.” Addiction may lead to these unhealthy habits and can make it hard to take tolerance breaks.
A good way to combat this is by incorporating smaller and healthier meals if you’re trying to quit. Exercising is also a good way to detox your body and build your appetite.
It’s Affecting your Relationships
There is a link between marijuana addiction and relationship problems. Although this isn’t the case with everyone, it isn’t rare. In addition, weed withdrawal can make you feel irritated and even angry.
Addiction to marijuana can make it hard to deal with these emotions without thinking about weed. You may also feel unsatisfied with your life due to addictions affecting your daily life. In fact, marijuana addiction may also lead to feelings of depression and anxiety.
Marijuana is also known to change the way you feel. It may make your emotions much stronger than usual.
What is a Weed Addiction Symptom Test?
If you’re unsure whether you have an addiction, you can always get a weed addiction symptom test. This self-test can be taken online and doesn’t require a lot of time. It asks a series of questions and can provide you with information.
Although you shouldn’t use it to diagnose, it can be a helpful tool. This is also a great way to tell whether a loved one may be facing addiction.
Marijuana Addiction Treatment
If you are addicted to weed, don’t worry because there are many ways to treat it. Whether you need some extra help or want to quit on your own, there are many handy tips. Here are just some of them.
Therapy
There is a link between cannabis use and depression. Although many people tend to feel relaxed after smoking, it might worsen symptoms over time. A good way to treat marijuana addiction is by seeking behavioral therapy.
This can help you identify your triggers and find other ways of coping with them. Therapy is a good way to release trauma in a judgment-free environment. In addition, it can help you identify the core of your marijuana addiction and help you regulate your use.
Find an Alternative
If you’re dealing with or are worried about developing a weed addiction, there are several alternatives you can try instead. One good alternative is hemp which is also extracted from the cannabis plant.
Hemp contains less than 0.5 % of THC and can also be smoked. This allows you to feel the satisfaction of smoking marijuana without affecting your tolerance. You won’t experience any of the psychoactive effects of marijuana when smoking hemp.
If marijuana withdrawals make it hard for you to sleep, try drinking valerian root tea. This can calm your system and help you feel sleepy. Lastly, you can also try using CBD products such as edibles.
Using broad-spectrum CBD may provide the same calming effects marijuana does without getting you high. This happens due to the lack of THC in broad-spectrum CBD products. You can find all sorts of CBD products, like bath bombs and even candy.
Healthy Lifestyle
An overall change in lifestyle is a great way to deal with marijuana addiction. Healthy habits like eating nutritious food keep you energized and focused. Also, exercising at least 30 mins daily is a good way to naturally lower stress levels.
These healthy habits can improve your sleep pattern and mood, making you less dependent on marijuana. In addition, habits like exercise allow endorphins to be released, enhancing feelings of happiness.
Wrapping Up with Marijuana Addiction
Being addicted to marijuana doesn’t mean that you have to go cold turkey as long as you can regulate your use and not depend on marijuana. It’s okay to enjoy weed and its effects, but allowing it to control your life and well-being is where you should draw the line.
Instead of smoking throughout the day, save your daily joint for before bedtime. Taking frequent tolerance breaks is also a good way to keep an addiction from forming.
We hope this article helps answer the question of whether you can be addicted to weed.
