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In 2014, states that had legalized medical marijuana reported a 25 percent drop in deaths resulting from an overdose of pain medication. “It has long been acknowledged that cannabis is a mood-altering substance with some Oxford House potential for risk, including the risk of dependence. Plus, pediatricians and others have long said that marijuana can impair brain functions in people under the age of 25. One study stated that medical marijuana can help children with seizures and chemotherapy-induced nausea. Fortunately, there are many types of treatment for cannabis use disorder. This includes people coping with panic disorder, with symptoms of ADHD, social anxiety disorder, and low self-esteem.
Myth 1: Marijuana is Not Addictive
Current drug policy often reflects this division, leading to varied legal frameworks and access to treatment options. The confusion often stems from comparisons to “harder” drugs like heroin or methamphetamine. Since marijuana doesn’t typically produce the same extreme physical withdrawal symptoms or overdose risks, it’s easy to assume it’s safe. Experts are finding a link between the age you begin using cannabis and the likelihood that you’ll develop a dependence on it. One study found that people who used cannabis starting at age 14 to 15 had a higher probability of developing dependence.
Treatment Options
If any of these signs sound familiar, it may be time to assess your relationship with marijuana and seek professional support. Regular marijuana use has been linked to several health concerns, particularly when use begins at a young age or is what is Oxford House frequent over many years. Incorporating mindfulness, yoga, and other holistic practices can also support recovery by promoting overall well-being and stress reduction.
- The use of marijuana has also been found to be connected with lower IQ scores, compromised memory and cognitive ability, and decreased performance on tests.
- As legalization efforts gain momentum across various states and countries, public perception of marijuana is shifting.
Orange County Recovery Resources
- Many assume they have control over their consumption, but dependence can develop gradually.
- The upregulation of glutamate signaling during the anticipation/preoccupation phase may be counteracted with NAC treatment, reducing clinical symptoms of craving and therefore reducing relapse rates.
- You can consult your healthcare professional to see if this is a viable treatment option.
- Some researchers believe that because today’s marijuana is much more potent, it makes it more likely that some people will develop physiological dependence.
- NAC helps regulate the intra- and extracellular levels of glutamate through the cysteine-glutamate antiporter.
But it’s possible to get hooked on marijuana, also known as cannabis. Studies show about 1 in 10 adults who use marijuana can get addicted. If you suspect marijuana use disorder, dependence, or addiction in yourself or someone else, help is available. Reach out to a healthcare professional such as a primary care provider or a psychologist for support. Substance use resources are also available in local communities and at the state level. The negative effects of marijuana are not limited to recreational marijuana.
These opponent-process responses are marked by within-systems and between-systems neurobiological changes that drive the loss of motivation towards non-drug rewards and impaired emotion regulation seen in this stage. In addition to changes in reward processing, chronic cannabis use also seems to affect emotion processing. Several MRI studies reveal functional and structural differences in the amygdala – a key brain structure in processing emotions – after chronic cannabis use. Compared to healthy controls, adolescents who used cannabis had lower activation in the amygdala in an emotional arousal word task during fMRI (Heitzeg et al. 2015). However, in another fMRI study, adolescent cannabis users showed greater amygdala activation to angry faces compared to controls (Spechler et al. 2015). Together, these fMRI findings indicate that chronic cannabis use alters amygdala function.
The following are signs of cannabis use disorder:4
Understanding the addiction science behind marijuana use can help clarify why some individuals develop a dependency. The endocannabinoid system in the brain is involved in regulating mood, memory, appetite, and pain sensation. THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, interacts with this system, leading to its intoxicating effects. Over time, the brain can adapt to the presence of THC, requiring more of the substance to achieve the same effects, which is a hallmark of addiction. Marijuana addiction is defined as a problematic pattern of cannabis use leading to significant impairment or distress.
Groups such as Marijuana Anonymous provide a platform for individuals to share their experiences and support one another in recovery. These peer-led groups can foster a sense of community and accountability. Evidence-based therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can help individuals understand the triggers for their cannabis use and develop healthier coping mechanisms. If you or someone you love is struggling with marijuana use, know that help is available—and recovery is possible. These symptoms typically peak within the first week of quitting and may last up to two weeks or more—especially for heavy users. While often dismissed as “mild,” marijuana withdrawal is medically recognized and can significantly impact mental and physical well-being.
The Role of Potency and Modern Cannabis Products
It triggers receptors in your brain called endocannabinoid receptors. When you use addictive drugs like marijuana a lot, you can change circuits in your brain. Over time, you become less sensitive to the chemicals in marijuana. You might make less endocannabinoid, which your body produces on its own. That means you may need to use more of the drug to feel “normal,” or you may feel stressed out when you’re not using it.