Marijuana (weed, pot, cannabis) is the most commonly used addictive drug after alcohol and tobacco. With use widespread in the United States, almost 12% of adults report using marijuana according to a 2019 Gallup poll. Not only are adults using marijuana with increasing regularity, use is increasing amongst adolescents as well, with almost 12 million young people reporting use in a survey conducted in 2018. With the growing popularity of vaping, teens have started vaping THC (the active ingredient in marijuana that produces the high).
How is Marijuana Consumed?
Marijuana can be inhaled by smoking hand-rolled cigarettes, pipes or cigar-shaped cigarettes called blunts. One can also inhale marijuana smoke through the use of water pipes called bongs. People mix marijuana in food referred to as edibles, which include brownies, cookies and candies.
The Health Impact of Marijuana
When someone smokes marijuana, THC passes from the lungs to the bloodstream, with blood transporting the drug to the brain and other organs throughout the body. In the short term, marijuana produces a “high”. Additionally, people might experience a change in mood, impaired memory, difficulty thinking and worsened problem solving. Higher doses can cause hallucinations, delusions and psychosis.
Marijuana use affects the developing brain. When long term use was begun in one’s teen years, long-term effects include impaired cognition, memory and learning. Some research indicates that IQ decline is possible as well.
Other health conditions are associated with marijuana use, such as breathing problems, increased heart rate, impact on fetal development, and intense nausea. Chronic users who consume large amounts of marijuana tend to report lower life satisfaction and poorer mental and physical health when compared to non-users.
Can You be Addicted to Marijuana?
Marijuana users that started use in their late teens are more likely to develop a marijuana use disorder later in their life. Cannabis Use Disorder is recognized by the American Psychiatric Association. In a 2014 survey, it was estimated that more than 4 million Americans were diagnosed with marijuana dependency. There are some signs to consider when evaluating whether someone might be addicted to marijuana.
Strong Cravings are a major sign that one is dealing with cannabis use disorder. A person’s craving may be so strong that they give up other interests or abandon responsibilities like school or work to get or use marijuana. Loss of interest in formerly enjoyable activities or hobbies is another related sign of problematic use. Relatedly, loss of motivation is a hallmark feature of problematic use.
Another sign of problematic use is an increase in tolerance, i.e needing more pot to get the desired effect. The presence of withdrawal symptoms such as sleep disturbance, poor appetite and irritability is another sign of problematic use. Perhaps the most worrisome sign of an addictive process is continued use despite physical, emotional or mental negative consequences. The presence of these symptoms of addiction could indicate the need for formal treatment, an intervention or work with a drug recovery coach (aka sober coach, recovery coach or recovery guide).
Problematic marijuana use is often co-occurs with failure to launch syndrome. While it is hard to determine the direction of causality, young adults wrestling with challenges related to emerging adulthood may rely on marijuana to cope with stress, pressure and anxiety. Marijuana use in turn can exacerbate the difficulties in developing a successful, independent life as it decrease motivation, keeping them from launching.
Treatment Options for Marijuana Users
People who use only marijuana problematically are unlikely to need a medically supervised detox. They may still experience withdrawal symptoms such as depression, agitation, insomnia and mood swings. Some people are able to tackle their problematic use on an outpatient basis with the help of an addiction knowledgeable therapist or sober coach.
Depending on the circumstances, for example, if one is also wrestling with failure to launch syndrome, inpatient treatment lasting from between 30 to 90 days can be invaluable in creating a foundation in recovery. Marijuana Anonymous (MA) meetings are also an excellent resource for people seeking recovery. If MA meetings are not to be found in your area, Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings are also an option to consider.
Work with A Recovery Coach
Perhaps you are concerned about your marijuana use or that of a loved one, especially your son or daughter. Maybe you feel that you are witnessing drug abuse symptoms in a loved one but can’t be certain. Work with a recovery coach can help you evaluate the situation and determine the best course of action. A recovery coach can help determine the most appropriate level of treatment, as well as help identify if an intervention is necessary.
For the marijuana addict in recovery, a sober coach can help navigate the tasks and challenges to be found at every stage of recovery. Furthermore, coaching can help the family learn how to take better care of themselves and respond more effectively to their addicted loved one.
Michael Herbert, The Recovery Guide, has more than 30 years of experience working closely with individuals and families dealing with addiction and recovery issues. He is a seasoned Coach and can help you and your family establish long-term goals and access the tools you need for continued abstinence and recovery for the entire family. Get in touch with Michael today at 561-221-7677 to schedule an appointment.
