Reading Time: 4 minutes
Long-term use of marijuana can lead to cannabis use disorder. Many in the United States do not know or believe that marijuana is addictive. However, there has been emerging evidence that cannabis may become physically addicting, and it’s long been clear that people can develop a psychological addiction to marijuana, too.
Of those who start using in their teenage years, one in six will become addicted, according to studies done by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Cannabis use disorder can affect anyone, and protecting yourself and your loved ones starts with education. Let’s explore how to know if someone is using marijuana and what the signs are of a potential cannabis use disorder.
Signs of Being Under the Influence of Marijuana
Knowing about the effects of marijuana and what addiction looks like are key factors in recognizing that an addiction is present and if treatment is necessary. So, what does a person who uses marijuana look like when they are high?
Signs can include:
- Paranoid behavior
- Red eyes
- Lack of coordination
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased appetite
- Poor memory
- Slow reflexes/reaction time
Keep in mind that most people who use marijuana do not become addicted, but if you see these signs that someone is using marijuana, it’s helpful to know so that you can watch for signs of an addiction.
Signs of a Marijuana Addiction
How do you know if you or someone you love has developed cannabis use disorder?
These symptoms and behaviors could signal cannabis use disorder:
Irritability and anxiety are common marijuana withdrawal symptoms.
- A need to use regularly – the person may not feel “normal” unless they are under the influence
- Failure to stop using or unsuccessful attempts to quit
- Keeping a supply at hand or maintaining a cache
- Spending more money than is available for it
- Engaging in acts that are out of character to obtain it (i.e., stealing)
- Allotting more time and energy to getting or using marijuana, or giving up important things in life for it
- Building up a tolerance or using more and more to get the same effect
- Suffering symptoms of withdrawal without it
Symptoms of Cannabis Withdrawal
Marijuana addiction is linked to a withdrawal syndrome that’s similar to nicotine withdrawal. This can mean that the marijuana withdrawal can be quite harsh and thus make quitting hard to stick with.
Withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Irritability
- Sleeplessness
- Decreased appetite
- Anxiety
- Drug cravings
How Is Cannabis Use Disorder Treated?
There are currently no FDA-approved medications to treat marijuana addiction. Possible medication options are being studied, though, so this may eventually change.
According to some research, there is a naturally occurring substance in the brain called kynurenic acid that appears to lessen the effects of THC in animal models for drug abuse and addiction. The scientists are anticipating that a drug that will help with rehabilitation from marijuana addiction can be derived from the information obtained in this study.
In the meantime, treatment for marijuana addiction primarily focuses on therapy to address the psychological aspects of the addiction, and in some cases, you might receive medications that treat specific symptoms of withdrawal, like appetite stimulants or anxiety medications.
Therapy approaches for cannabis use disorder typically include:
- Individual and group therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Motivational enhancement therapy
- Contingency management
- Counseling about how to address triggers
- Peer support
Aside from drugs being administered to aid in detox, the most commonly prescribed method of treatment is abstinence. Unfortunately, most adults who enter treatment do not even reach the initial goal of two weeks of abstinence. Of those who do reach this goal, about 50% will start using again within a year.
Support from family and friends is always a plus in any rehabilitation. Especially when you stop to consider the changes that will happen outside of the actual drug addiction (such as lifestyle, social circles, etc.) Seeking treatment for regaining a drug-free life is a big step, but it can be successful.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marijuana Addiction
Is Marijuana Physically Addictive?
There has long been a belief among the public that marijuana is not physically addictive. While it doesn’t appear to be as addictive as many other drugs like opioids, there is growing evidence that physical dependence on marijuana can develop.
Are There Any Medications for Treating Marijuana Addiction?
Currently, there are no medications to treat cannabis use disorder. Research in this area is ongoing, however, so this may change in the future.
Treatment today focuses on behavioral therapies to address the thought patterns that lead people toward substance use and teaching techniques for avoiding triggers and coping with life’s challenges in healthier ways.
If you or someone you love may have a cannabis use disorder, today can be the day that life begins to change for the better.
Use the Addictions.com online rehab directory to find treatment providers for marijuana addiction. You can also call
800-681-1058
(
Sponsored)
to speak with someone who can help, now.
