A lot of people who use marijuana believe they have virtually no chance of getting addicted to the drug. However, current research clearly shows that, when used habitually, all forms of cannabis create the changes in your brain required to trigger serious addiction issues. The current term for this condition is a cannabis use disorder. Let’s look at some of the common signs that you may need to seek help from a drug addiction treatment center for marijuana/cannabis-related problems.
If you are struggling with substance abuse addiction, there is help available. To find help with marijuana or other substance abuse addiction, contact a Texas addiction treatment center like The Right Step. Our treatment and programs are designed to help you overcome your addiction and live a happy, healthy life without the need for marijuana.
Marijuana Addiction Essentials
Repeated use of marijuana will alter the normal function of your brain, especially the levels of a group of chemicals called endocannabinoid neurotransmitters. Eventually, your brain will start treating the altered levels of these neurotransmitters as the status quo. When this occurs, you have something called marijuana/cannabis dependence.
Dependence shades into addiction when you experience certain problems, which we will explore in just a bit. The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that close to 10% of all people who regularly consume marijuana will become affected by dependence/addiction. If you start using the drug while still a teen or pre-teen, your risks for serious problems skyrocket. This may lead you to look for a substance abuse treatment program in Texas. A rehab program can help you overcome your addiction and help you live a healthier life without relying on marijuana.
Common Signs & Symptoms
The signs of a drug addict with marijuana/cannabis-related problems are the same things that doctors look for when diagnosing cannabis use disorder (which covers serious non-addicted abuse, as well as addiction). They can include:
- An inability to control how much marijuana you use, or how often you use it
- A rising tolerance to the effects of marijuana
- A strong urge to consume more of the drug between episodes of use
- Devotion of substantial amounts of your daily routine to obtaining the drug, consuming the drug and/or recuperating from use of the drug
- Consumption of marijuana that leads you to skip or miss important obligations or responsibilities
Anyone who has at least two of these symptoms within the span of a single year may qualify for an official cannabis use disorder diagnosis and should seek a marijuana addiction treatment center in TX for his or her addiction to help them recover.
You may need to seek treatment for drug abuse if you are using marijuana repeatedly in situations that could bring harm to yourself or others. At The Right Step, we help you form new hobbies and activities so you are not choosing marijuana over other life activities. We help you get back to your personal, social, and school-related or work-related focus which was put on the back burner as a result of your marijuana use.
Contact The Right Step
If you are continuing to use marijuana after experiencing significant harm and are unable to stop using the drug, our outpatient drug rehab center can help provide the right amount of support you need in an outpatient setting. We help you lower your intake while reducing the withdrawal symptoms you may experience while you are going through our detox program. Our professionals and staff at The Right Step are here to help you form a new life that does not revolve around drugs. Contact us at 17135283709 today for more information about our programs and to start your recovery journey today.
Resources
National Institute on Drug Abuse: Is Marijuana Addictive? https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-addictive Medscape: Cannabis-Related Disorders Clinical Presentation https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/286661-clinical National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens: Marijuana Withdrawal Is Real https://teens.drugabuse.gov/blog/post/marijuana-withdrawal-real