Marijuana is one of the most commonly used drugs in America and has addiction just like any other drug. The very first step to beating any addiction and beginning your journey into sobriety is to recognize that you have a problem, to begin with. If you do not think you have a problem, then you will never look for a solution. It can often be hard to see your addiction objectively when attempting to gauge how far your drug use has gone. Just like with any other substance, marijuana is something you can become addicted to. While it may not seem as serious as heroin or meth addiction, it can take over your life just the same. According to SAMHSA,
“Approximately 1 in 10 people who use marijuana will become addicted. When they start before age 18, the rate of addiction rises to 1 in 6.”
How to Know if You are Addicted
Many people believe that marijuana addiction is not possible, but it is very important to know that you can become addicted to it. If you recognize the signs of marijuana addiction, you will be better off for it. Below are nine common signs that marijuana addiction is present. Tolerance and Withdrawal: As is true with any drug, regular and long-term use of marijuana leads to a build-up of tolerance. This means you will need more and more marijuana to achieve the same high you felt initially. Withdrawal happens when you suddenly stop using marijuana or do not use it enough. Withdrawal symptoms can include irritability, insomnia, anxiety, and loss of appetite. The inability to stop or cut down: Maybe you are at a place where you finally want to stop using marijuana, or you want to cut down. You may find yourself unable to stop even if you want or need to. This inability means you probably need help to quit. Using more marijuana than intended: Smoking more than you originally said you would and doing it regularly is a sign of addiction. Spending most of your time getting high: How we spend our day says a lot about who we are. If most of your time is spent either getting high, wanting to get high, or looking for marijuana, this could be a serious issue. Reduced activities: If you slowly find yourself dedicating less time to your activities, hobbies, and even your job and replacing it with getting high, you could be addicted. Continuing use despite any problems it causes: If you continue to get high despite experiencing negative consequences, it has become an issue for you. Using it to escape from problems: If you feel like the only way you can handle life’s problems like stress, relationship problems, work issues are to get high, you are likely addicted. The inability to do daily responsibilities: Important responsibilities are a part of life, but if you begin to constantly fail at them or blow them off completely because all of your attention goes to getting high, there is a problem.
Getting Over Your Addiction at Evoke Wellness at Cohasset
Marijuana addiction should be treated just like any other drug and should be taken just as seriously. Marijuana may not be as life-threatening physically as addiction to other substances. Still, it has just as tough of a hold on a person as other substances, and getting sober from it can be just as difficult. If you need help getting sober and staying sober from marijuana, our treatment specialists are standing by to help you. Contact Evoke Wellness at Cohasset around the clock and speak with one of our addiction specialists, they will help you find the best treatment programs to help you on the path to sobriety.
