Is Marijuana Addictive?

For decades now, experts have been debating the merits of marijuana use. Not surprisingly, the hot topic is whether or not “weed” is addictive. With many states now legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, asking the question, “Is Marijuana addictive?” is both timely and relative.

Is Marijuana Addictive?

As the debate rages on, it becomes clear there’s no definitive answer. However, we can arrive at an answer by looking at the facts. There are specific criteria we use to determine if addiction is present or not. Some experts believe there’s no evidence to suggest marijuana is physically addictive. If that’s true, why do people experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using this substance? That’s correct. The cessation of using pot creates marijuana withdrawal symptoms like irritability, mood, and sleep difficulties, decreased appetite, cravings, and restlessness.

To skirt around the notion that people experience withdrawal, some experts call it “marijuana dependence” as though that’s significantly different than addiction. We can play all kinds of word games, but people do have cravings for pot. It doesn’t matter if the cravings occur at a physical or psychological level. The need for the drug creates the same kinds of behaviors we see with other addictions.

Using the information above, we choose to answer the question, is marijuana addictive? with a yes. We also choose to believe it is a gateway drug that might motivate users to try progressively more serious substances.

Treating Marijuana Addiction

Since many rehab facilities operate under the belief that marijuana is addictive, we have specific marijuana addiction treatment programs to address this issue. Unlike addictions to opiates and amphetamines, marijuana addiction doesn’t always require a detox program. In the worst cases, detox is made available.

With that said, we target our treatment programs towards the patient’s psychological issues, which create their need to smoke pot. We also use this as an opportunity to teach patients that excessive pot use could lead them to use other substances. The fact is addiction drives people to do what’s necessary to get the high they need. When pot doesn’t cut it, we don’t want them graduating to other drugs like heroin or meth.

More About Beaches Recovery

Beaches Recovery facility in Jacksonville, Florida is Joint Commission accredited. We accept payments for services from most major healthcare insurance plans. For addiction treatment, we offer the following services:

• Detox at Tides Edge
• Aftercare programs like sober living and 12 step recovery program
• Separate services for men and women
• A full range of inpatient and outpatient treatment services
• Family counseling

If you feel like you have an addiction to pot or any other substance, it’s time for you to seek help.  Getting help for a possible addiction is one level better than getting help for a deep-rooted addiction. Call Beaches Recovery at 866.605.0532.