Marijuana Addiction Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

Understanding Marijuana Addiction

Well known by name for its prominence in the media, politics, and scholarly debate, marijuana is one of the most popular drugs being used today. It is legal in most states for medicinal purposes, although a few states have made the move to legalize it for recreational use, most notably Colorado. While it does not pose some of the same life-threatening effects as heroin or cocaine, it is still highly addictive and dangerous when abused.

Marijuana gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s as a part of American counterculture and is usually smoked in a fashion similarly to cigarettes or cigars. When smoked or ingested in other ways, the drug creates a euphoric high that interferes with the user’s senses and may make them feel stress-free. Some of the areas it impacts are a person’s sense of memory and perception of time. It also slows motor skills, which makes it dangerous when combined with activities like driving.

It is estimated that around 30 percent of marijuana users become addicted. Additionally, users that start young are more likely to develop an addiction.

Are you or someone you know currently struggling with an addiction to marijuana? If so, Brookdale can help guide you on the path of treatment and recovery. We have created this page to serve as an all-inclusive guide to marijuana addiction: what you need to know, what to look out for, understanding the treatment process, and how to get help for yourself or a loved one.

What is Marijuana?

Marijuana is made from the cannabis sativa plant, which contains a chemical known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which produces the effects of a marijuana high. The plant itself is known for its five to seven pointed green leaves, and the symbol for marijuana is usually an image of seven pointed leaves. The leaves of this plant are the primary component in the drug itself, but the stem, flowers, and seeds are often used as well. Most marijuana used in the United States is grown here, although there are also regular imports from other countries like Canada and Mexico.

The color of dried marijuana ranges from green to brown and has a similar appearance to clumped moss. In addition to being rolled up for smoking, it can be baked into foods which has an almost identical appearance to the food it is being combined with. The way to tell some of them apart, such as pot brownies, is by the smell and taste, which will be different from a regular brownie. Marijuana can also be produced into a liquid form similarly to an oil, a wax, or an amber-colored solid. Although usually used by itself, marijuana is commonly mixed with other substances to alter its effects, and some of these combinations can be quite dangerous.

A few of these combinations include adding:

• Anticoagulants

• Antiplatelets

• Anti-inflammatory

• Oral Diabetes drugs

• Insulin

• Benzodiazepines

• Opioids

• Alcohol

The first three drugs (anticoagulants, antiplatelets, anti-inflammatory) are often over-the-counter medicines like Motrin and Aleve, and when combined with marijuana may increase the risk of excessive bleeding. While this may not sound too dangerous, it becomes a problem when considering how marijuana impairs one’s senses and makes them more prone to engaging in risky activities that may cause injury.

The next two drugs (oral diabetes drugs and insulin) are mixed when diabetics take their normal prescribed medications and then marijuana. The combination can cause high blood sugar levels that may lead to confusion, nausea, vomiting, and death if not managed properly.

Lastly, the final three drugs on the list (benzodiazepines, opioids and alcohol) often cause extreme drowsiness when working with marijuana. This drowsiness can cause a person to fall asleep unexpectedly and can become especially dangerous when users attempt to drive or engage in other risky activities that require alertness and sharp motor skills.

Common Marijuana Nicknames

There is a wide array of nicknames for marijuana and new ones regularly develop as users and dealers seek to interact without drawing much attention.

The current list of common names includes:

• Mary Jane

• Weed

• Pot

• Kush

• Herb

• Bud

• Grass

• Hash oil

• Wax

• Budder

• Ganja

• Shatter

• Dabs

Some other marijuana terms to be aware of are:

• Joint – Marijuana cigarette

• Doobie – Nickname for a joint

• Blunt – Marijuana cigar

• Roach – Butt of a joint or blunt

• Roach clip – Small metal clip that holds roach, making it easier to smoke

• Bowl – Glass pipe for smoking

• Bong – Water pipe for smoking

• Head shop – Store that sells bongs and other marijuana goods

• Dime bag – $10 bag of marijuana

• Nickel bag – $5 bag of marijuana

• Dabbing – The act of smoking THC resin

• 420 – Slang for smoking marijuana

• K2 or Spice – Synthetic marijuana

• Brick – Compact block of marijuana

How Addictive is Marijuana?

Although highly debated, marijuana is indeed an addictive substance that can easily lead to a substance use disorder when used often and improperly. This is because of the THC, which impacts the brain and alters how it functions. Marijuana takes longer than many other drugs for its effects to be felt (over 30 minutes if smoked), but just because these effects are slow does not mean they are safe.

As an individual regularly uses marijuana in any form, they will gradually build up a tolerance to it, which will in turn require more of the drug to feel the same effects. This is where the body is likely to develop a dependence and addiction to THC. After a person crosses the threshold into dependence and addiction, they are more likely to be confronted with symptoms of withdrawal and the inability to function properly if they stop abruptly.

Symptoms of a Marijuana Addiction

Using marijuana, regularly and in heavy doses, has symptoms that impact a person physically, psychologically, and even socially. Dependent users may find themselves less interested in activities they once enjoyed, such as hobbies and spending time with friends, as well as more difficulty holding a job or maintaining daily responsibilities.

Some physical side effects of marijuana use include:

• Slowed breathing

• Increased heart rate

• Bloodshot eyes

• Fainting

• Poor balance

• Heightened senses

• Slowed reaction times

• Poor coordination

• Increased appetite

It is particularly important to note that since marijuana increases a person’s heart rate while also slowing down their breathing (and in turn the blood’s ability to carry oxygen through the body), it places users at a much higher risk of having a heart attack. Within the first hour alone, this risk rises by about five times the normal rate.

Psychological symptoms include:

• Euphoria

• Mood swings

• Altered sense of time

• Relaxation

• Hallucinations

• Paranoia

• Panic attacks

• Psychosis

• Poor judgement

Long-term use carries with it a special set of risks, many of which are permanent and will not disappear even after an addicted user has found recovery.

A few of the most common of these are:

• Mental health problems and IQ drops

• Chronic cough

• Respiratory infections

Marijuana usage is especially dangerous if it begins at a young age. For instance, a study by Duke University focused on adolescents in New Zealand, found that individuals who started smoking as an adolescent and continued into their adult years, lost an average of eight IQ points. These points did not return at all after usage stopped.

Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid marijuana as well. It causes an increase in stillbirths and low birth weights. Children born with prenatal marijuana exposure are more likely to have brain damage that impacts attention and memory abilities.

While many of these symptoms are short-term, some can impact a person for life. For that reason, it is important to act quickly and seek help if someone is struggling with an addiction before any long-term damage is done.

Medical Uses

While marijuana carries with it a range of risks and negative side effects, there are studies that suggest it does have worthwhile medical value when usage is managed by a trained physician and its purpose is to combat a health issue. Not all states allow the use of medical marijuana, but as of 2019 more than half of them do.

Of course, marijuana itself is not an approved medicine according to U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but several pill forms are. This is because marijuana contains around 100 other cannabinoids besides THC, many of which can have value to patients dealing with pain, anxiety, nausea, or problems maintaining an appetite.

Additionally, there are several major illnesses that doctors may prescribe to patients, such as:

• HIV

• AIDS

• Cancer

• Glaucoma

• Parkinson’s Disease

• Epilepsy

• Lou Gehrig’s Disease

• Fibromyalgia

• Cachexia

• Multiple Sclerosis

States have special laws to manage medical marijuana use and separate it from illegal usage. For this reason, it is important for users to closely follow the laws of their state.

Currently in 2019, the list of states that allow medical marijuana are:

• Alaska

• Arizona

• Arkansas

• California

• Colorado

• Connecticut

• Delaware

• Florida

• Guam

• Hawaii

• Illinois

• Maine

• Maryland

• Massachusetts

• Michigan

• Minnesota

• Montana

• Nevada

• New Hampshire

• New Jersey

• New Mexico

• New York

• North Dakota

• Ohio

• Oregon

• Pennsylvania

• Puerto Rico

• Rhode Island

• Vermont

• Washington

• Washington, D.C.

Treatment for Marijuana Addiction

The process for treating a marijuana addiction is similar to other drugs, such as alcohol or heroin, but often poses a lower risk of withdrawal and harmful side effects. Treatment often begins with detoxification, a process in which marijuana, and other addictive substances, are safely removed from an individual’s system. Detox should always take place under medical supervision, so physician and nursing staff are able to properly monitor and mitigate any potential side effects and withdrawal symptoms.

After detoxification has been completed, a patient may then begin the transition into residential care. During this stage of treatment, the individual will work closely with a primary counselor and other clinical staff to construct a treatment plan that is tailored to fit their specific needs. Various therapeutic modalities are utilized during residential drug treatment including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, 12-Step Integration, Relapse Prevention, Meditation, Yoga, and so much more. The primary goal of this phase of care is to equip each patient with the necessary coping mechanisms and life skills needed to handle potential obstacles in life after rehab and aid in their process of recovery.

Get Help Today 

If you or a loved one are suffering with a marijuana addiction, please do not wait to seek the help you need. At Brookdale, we are committed to providing the highest quality of addiction treatment services through love, compassion and empathy. From the moment you walk through our doors, you will be treated with the respect and dignity you deserve.

A life…recovered is possible and it begins with picking up the phone. Call us today at 855-575-1292.