Marijuana Addiction Abuse & Treatment

Marijuana comes from the plant Cannabis sativa and is the most commonly used drug in the United States. The potency and "high" felt when using marijuana comes
from the chemical THC. Habitual use of marijuana can lead to short-term memory loss, loss of problem solving and comprehensive thinking skills as well as loss of coordination and perception problems. Recent research has shown that marijuana is involved in one third of all impaired driving accidents and can also lead to anxiety and panic attacks. Marijuana is most commonly smoked; however it may be eaten as well. While many smokers do not realize the risk associated with marijuana, marijuana does contain more cancer causing chemicals than cigarette tobacco and can lead to respiratory problems. Marijuana is considered addictive because it causes uncontrollable using, seeking and craving. One marijuana effect that is most
apparent in users is apathy; that is a lack of interest in all things including life.

People who use marijuana on a regular basis, in an addictive manner, find that they are unable to show up for anything else in their lives. People, relationships, friends, family and other activities that were once important to them now have no meaning because marijuana has taken over their lives. This pattern may not be noticeable immediately, but after a considerable amount of time, these behaviors may occur. There are also long-term marijuana effects that can include a higher inclination towards cancer, problems with lung and airway functioning, as well as damage to the immune system. Because these symptoms take so long to materialize many people to not believe they exist. In addition, people who begin using marijuana at a young age are often more prone to trying other, harder drugs including cocaine, crystal meth and heroin. In such cases drug addiction can take over a person’s live in extremely short periods of time.

Marijuana is considered an addictive drug because over extended periods of time people are unable to stop using on their own. Likewise, marijuana is addictive because people who use it are unable to control their urges and cravings and find that at any given time they are subject to their cravings and dependency. Addiction can be defined as becoming tolerant to the drug, and in many cases people who use marijuana have to use more and more of the drug in order to achieve the same results.

Each year over 100,000 people seek substance abuse treatment for marijuana addiction. Seeking treatment for marijuana addiction is often an effective way to get rid of the problem and may require a treatment or rehabilitation program if the user is unable to stop on their own. Programs that treat marijuana addiction or problems related to marijuana use counseling and support systems.

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