Two young men exchanging a baggy may be facing marijuana addiction.While marijuana is quickly becoming legal across the country, it is still a highly addictive drug. Marijuana may be legal like alcohol, but it can also be physically unhealthy to use. Individuals can develop a marijuana addiction if they regularly use marijuana. Recent studies show that 30 percent of users suffer from some level of addiction.

Developing a Marijuana Addiction

People who use marijuana as teenagers are four to seven times more likely to develop a marijuana addiction later on. While this may be true, anyone who uses marijuana has a risk of becoming addicted. Individuals who frequently use marijuana report experiencing symptoms like:

  • Sleep problems like insomnia
  • Restlessness
  • Irritability
  • Physical discomfort
  • Decreased appetite
  • Restlessness
  • Cravings
  • Mood swings

These withdrawal symptoms are often experienced for the first one to two weeks after quitting. For most patients, the withdrawal symptoms peak about one week after quitting.

What Causes a Marijuana Addiction?

When someone abuses marijuana, it rewires the way their mind works. Basically, their brain learns to expect marijuana to feel normal. If marijuana is not present, the individual may feel physically or mentally uncomfortable. They may begin to go through withdrawal effects if they stop using marijuana.

Once the individual develops a marijuana addiction, the neurotransmitters in the mind stop producing certain chemicals. This causes the patient to feel anxious, irritable or depressed when they stop using. For many patients, this process results in an addiction and withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit. Luckily, help is available for marijuana use disorders.

The Symptoms of Marijuana Abuse

It is not always easy to tell when someone has developed a marijuana abuse disorder. Often, people will try to hide the extent of their addiction or compensate for it. Loved ones can look for physical signs of addiction like:

  • Laughter without an apparent reason
  • Sudden increase in appetite
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Dizziness
  • Unusual forgetfulness

While marijuana often causes less intense withdrawal symptoms than other drugs, there are some common symptoms that people may experience. When going through withdrawal symptoms, individuals may experience a darkened mood, cravings for marijuana, insomnia and nervousness. While marijuana withdrawal is rarely dangerous, it is important to get help from medical professionals during the detox and rehabilitation process.

Should Individuals Go to Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment Centers?

An inpatient facility requires patients to live at the treatment center at all times. They are continuously supervised and supported by medical staff members. Meanwhile, an intensive outpatient program requires patients to spend several hours a day at the treatment center. After each visit, patients return home to take care of their normal family or work responsibilities.

As a rule, longer and more intensive addictions are best treated at an inpatient program. Individuals who have outside responsibilities or less intense addictions often choose outpatient treatment programs. To make the right decision, patients should discuss their options with a trained addiction specialist before signing up for any program.

What Types of Addiction Treatment Options Are Available?

There are numerous treatment and therapy options for patients. Each program offers a different blend of options to treat a wide variety of addictions. Patients may be offered varied programs such:

The important thing is that patients choose the program that is right for them. No one has to live with the discomfort or stress of a marijuana addiction. To begin your journey toward sobriety, call Beaches Recovery at 8666050532.