Is Marijuana Addictive?

This question is often asked as marijuana is incorrectly considered by some, a “mild” drug. Additionally, marijuana, weed, is falsely viewed as less harmful as it is legal in some states for medical and/or recreational purposes. And just as alcohol and prescription drugs are legally permitted, they all come with a great life-risking cost – as does marijuana. Is marijuana addiction real? It is beyond addictive in and of itself.

Beyond the addiction and effects on the brain that marijuana causes, it is well established to be a gateway drug leading to the usage of numerous other life threatening substances and addictions. Most heroin addicts and substance abusers who have either relapsed numerous times for years or overdosed – began their deadly journey with their first marijuana joint.

Why is marijuana dangerous?

Certainly the gateway aspect along with the effects of smoking or ingesting mariuana itself can cause vehicular accidents and damage to oneself and others at home and work. But the physical biological dangers are quite profound as well.

When marijuana is smoked or eaten, THC enters the lungs and then makes its way into the bloodstream. The blood drives this harmful chemical to the brain and throughout the organs.

THC, weed addiction, can cause brain damaging effects; and certainly in younger users, it affects brain development. Some researchers believe that long term usage can cause permanent irreversible damage.

Has marijuana become stronger over the years?

THC levels in marijuana has increased over the last 30 years. Using with these higher THC levels certainly gives a greater chance of a very dangerous reaction. This also explains the rise in hospital ER admissions involving marijuana.

With the advent of marijuana food products, the danger increases as well. Since the high takes longer to be realized, the user continues to ingest greater quantities while waiting for that high which leads to catastrophic results.

Are there any other effects of marijuana?

Most users smoke marijuana, and therefore, similar to tobacco users, there are grave physical consequences. Being a strong lung irritant, marijuana at the very least causes chronic coughing, excessive discolored phlegm, lung illness and lung infections. And puts the user at a high risk for lung cancer, heart disease and heart attacks. Collateral damage by others in the environment are at risk as well, including those in the womb and at home.

Can you get addicted to weed?

The answer now becomes quite clear. Not only will a user most likely become addicted to marijuana, he or she is hurting their body/health and will search for additional substances to abuse.

Solutions

It is so important to treat marijuana addiction as early as possible before the addict reaches stages that can cause long term harm to the body.

The most effective therapy is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which helps to change the person’s drug use expectations and behaviors and also helps to manage triggers and stress.

The most important key to beating any addiction is recognizing each individual’s needs. Even though addiction has common underlying factors, it effects each person uniquely. Personalized treatment is the secret to addiction recovery. Smaller residential facilities naturally are able to take better care and keep better watch over each of the few patients.