How Do I Find Out Is Weed Addictive?

One question many people ask, “Is weed addictive?” For many, there isn’t an easy, short answer. There’s a common argument that marijuana is a safe substance because it’s all-natural. Several states have now made it legal to some degree. Addiction involves continued action despite adverse consequences, and this is not only possible but common with marijuana. Much like any other activity, your life can become unmanageable when you develop a dependence or a marijuana addiction. Yet rarely does marijuana create a physical addiction. Rather, it is often frequently abused to such a degree that individuals develop a serious psychological dependency, which requires attention from addiction treatment professionals to overcome. Beaches Recovery understands the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of drug addiction and can guide individuals to the care they need to heal and recover.

How is Weed Addictive?

Addiction doesn’t discriminate, and there is a wide range of different addictions out there. The argument that marijuana is legal in some places doesn’t mean that the substance isn’t addictive. When wondering, “Is weed addictive,” one should look at alcoholism because alcohol is legal, but many people have an addiction. Addiction doesn’t necessarily mean to a substance, which is why there are many other 12-step approaches like:

• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Narcotics Anonymous
• Sex Addicts Anonymous
• Gamblers Anonymous
• Overeaters Anonymous

Each of these programs deals with the effects of both physical and mental addictions. Mental or emotional addictions are often called process addictions, such as gambling or sex. While they might not have a physical process connected to them that needs medical treatment, process addictions can severely affect both the individual and those around them. Addiction affects the mind or body, and how the body reacts. Addiction comes from a need for bursts of dopamine, a natural pleasure chemical in the brain. Typically, a person repeats a specific activity to get this burst of dopamine because they don’t know another way. Whether it’s weed, alcohol, heroin, or food, the person can have many problems when they turn to the activity to feel well.

Knowing the Signs of Marijuana Abuse

Like any substance, marijuana can be abused and in so doing individuals can find themselves in dire straits. Addiction involves a mental obsession and physical craving, which can happen when someone has a marijuana addiction. The mental obsession is that the person needs marijuana to feel well, even if it’s causing problems in his or her life. For example, some people can’t stop using marijuana even though they know they have a drug test coming up. The physical craving comes from a strong body sensation that one can only satisfy by using the drug.

How to Overcome the Problem

Addiction treatment programs are the best way to overcome a substance problem with marijuana because you learn a new way of living. Many people who have a marijuana addiction use it to relax, but it also causes a lot of stress. When relating it to the employment example, one may use marijuana because of the stress of being unemployed. Yet, it’s a paradox because the person can’t get a job. After all, he or she can’t stop smoking or pass a drug test.

In addiction treatment, you learn how to manage stress, anxiety, and other thoughts and emotions in a healthy way. There are ways to relax and have fun without having to use any mind-altering drugs. You’ll learn these methods through a variety of therapies by individuals and in groups. You’ll see that there’s a much better life that awaits you where you’re free of using marijuana.

You’d like to find out more information about turning your life around. Call Beaches Recovery today at 866.605.0532, or contact us online.