The Truth about Marijuana Addiction

Massachusetts is among the states that allow recreational marijuana sales and use.

In 2018, retail sales of marijuana started in the state and this has many people wondering if they can get addicted to weed.¹ Our drug and alcohol addiction treatment professionals at Banyan Treatment Center Massachusetts explore the truth about marijuana addiction.

Is Marijuana Addictive?

Yes, you can become addicted to weed. Though it’s not widely discussed, marijuana dependence and addiction are real problems that people can face. When a person is addicted to marijuana, they’re more than likely dependent on the drug. Often, this dependence is physiological, though studies are being conducted to determine physical dependence on marijuana as well.

If you fear that you’re addicted to weed, call our Massachusetts rehab center for the treatment you need to get sober.

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Our admissions coordinators are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have as you consider whether treatment at Banyan is right for you or your loved one.

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Diagnosing Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana use disorder is the clinical diagnostic term used to describe the conditions most people refer to as marijuana addiction. Marijuana dependence and abuse are diagnosed as a marijuana use disorder, which is a growing problem nationwide, with 6.3% of adults facing this problem at some point in their lives. ²

The disorder includes symptoms such as cravings, withdrawals and lack of control. If a person has two of the 11 symptoms in relation to their consumption of pot, then they are struggling with marijuana use disorder. ²

How Does Someone Get Addicted to Weed?

So, how does marijuana use disorder happen? On a chemical level, regular marijuana use causes neurobiological changes in the brain that reinforce cycles of addiction. As with alcohol and other drugs, repeated marijuana use in any form can cause brain changes that reinforce addictive habits and dependence.³

In addition to rewiring neurobiological systems, marijuana use can become habitual. You may feel like you can’t function without smoking or ingesting the drug. In this case, you may not be physically addicted, but you’re emotionally and mentally dependent on the drug to get through your day.

Marijuana Addiction Statistics

According to the CDC, 1 in 10 marijuana users will develop marijuana addiction. For those who started using the drug before they turned 18, the chances of becoming addicted are 1 in 6. ⁴ Additionally, men are twice as likely to struggle with marijuana addiction. ² As more and more states begin to legalize marijuana, it is likely that cases of marijuana use disorder and addiction will grow.

Marijuana Addiction Self-Assessment

Do you fear that your relationship with marijuana is one of dependence or addiction? Review our marijuana addiction self-assessment below to identify problematic use habits. You may need addiction treatment if you:

Use marijuana even though it is illegal where you live
Risk employment or educational opportunities due to marijuana use
Get into legal trouble from marijuana use
Choose the drug over friends, family, work, or other responsibilities
Continue using even when you experience health effects
Feel anxious or physically sick if you don’t use the drug daily
Experience withdrawal symptoms
Constantly focus on getting high or recovering from getting high
Put yourself or others in danger when under the influence or to get drugs

This weed addiction self-assessment is no substitute for a medical and psychological evaluation. If you are concerned about your cannabis use, contact our team for a true assessment of your condition.

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Treating Marijuana Addiction

At Banyan Treatment Centers Massachusetts, we offer addiction treatment programs near Boston to help people get and stay sober. If you’re concerned about your own marijuana use or you fear a loved one may be struggling with dependence and addiction, we are here to help.

Call 888-280-4763 to learn about our detox and addiction treatment programs to beat marijuana addiction.

Sources:

Visit Massachusetts – Marijuana in Massachusetts
NIH – Marijuana use disorder is common and often untreated
NCBI – Cannabis Addiction and the Brain: a Review

Alyssa, Director of Digital Marketing

Alyssa is the National Director of Digital Marketing and is responsible for a multitude of integrated campaigns and events in the behavioral health and addictions field. All articles have been written by Alyssa and medically reviewed by our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne.