Last updated : November 11, 2024
The decriminalization of marijuana in states across the country has been a monumental step, allowing many people to indulge in the use of the substance for recreational use. While many have celebrated this development, others have questioned the effects of marijuana use. The question of whether you can become addicted to marijuana is one that many have explored in recent years.
Marijuana, which is also referred to as cannibis, is one of the most commonly used recreational drugs in the United States. Its active ingredient is THC, a substance which is known to have a hallucinogenic affect on the brain. Many people use marijuana as a relaxation agent, and extended use can cause the body to build up a resistance to the drug. When taken in large doses, THC can cause visual and auditory hallucinations. While there are few reported cases of marijuana overdoses, ingesting large amounts of THC can cause altered mood states and induce paranoia, anxiety and euphoria.
There are conflicting studies about the long and short term effects of marijuana usage. In some studies, medical professionals have found that the use of marijuana can cause slowed reaction time, temporary loss of memory and other cognitive impairment.
Addictive Qualities of Marijuana
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana can be addictive if taken in large doses over time. It has estimated that nine percent of regular marijuana users are addicted to the substance. Users who attempt to quit the drug have reported symptoms of withdrawal within a week of stopping the drug. These symptoms include headaches, irritability, mood disturbances, inability to sleep, cravings and restlessness.
Symptoms of marijuana addiction mirror those of stronger recreational drugs, and can interfere with daily living activities such as work, school and familial relationships. In many cases, they can interfere with work and cause users to suffer from decreased productivity and slowed reaction times.
Symptoms include:
- Difficulty thinking
- Loss of cognition and memory
- Paranoia and delusional thinking
- Loss of coordination
There are other visual signs of marijuana abuse and addiction that are present in heavy users of the drug. These signs include:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Chronic cough
- Poor memory
- Loss of concentration
- Dry mouth
- Unexplained fear or paranoia
Treating Marijuana Addiction
As with any chemical dependency, professional treatment is necessary to quit permanently. Addiction to drugs can disrupt your personal life and interfere with your ability to maintain employment, enjoy healthy relationships and function normally. Treatment for addiction usually involves a multi-faceted approach with combines talk therapy with medical intervention and medications, if necessary.
While there have been no reported cases of death from marijuana overdose, abuse of the drug can lead to impairment which makes it hazardous to perform activities like driving or operating heavy machinery. This alone puts the user and those around him at risk. Marijuana is one of the most widely used drugs in the country, and with states taking steps to legalize its use, the numbers of people who regularly use marijuana is only expected to increase.
