With a cultural movement happening across America where the legalization of marijuana is taking its effect, many are ignoring the notion that THC is addictive. This is partly due to its medical benefits and partly due to the idea that marijuana is harmless. Yet, recent studies have concluded otherwise.

For one, the THC levels have risen dramatically. About ten years ago, a marijuana plant contained 10% THC. Nowadays, that number has risen to around 30%. With such higher THC levels, we are finding that there are many incidents of excessive doses, toxic reactions, and medical emergency events spawned by consumption of marijuana.

Symptoms for Marijuana Dependence

It should be noted that many signs of addiction are similar to that of other substances. For example, if you’re finding yourself building a strong tolerance to the weed, there’s a potential for addiction. Often, people smoke more and more in order to feel the effects of THC.

A question that is important to consider; is marijuana conflicting with your interpersonal relationships, your job, and/or your education? Studies have shown that chronic smokers are often unmotivated and lack productivity in their daily lives which results in the intake of more marijuana.

Have you ever attempted to quit marijuana, but found it rather difficult? Being that marijuana is perceived as nonaddictive, many users try to quit on their own terms. Though there are those who come out successful, there’s also the flip side of the coin. Continued unsuccessful attempts at quitting marijuana is a sign of dependence.

Maybe you’ve attempted to quit, but found yourself feeling strange. Marijuana comes with its own set of withdrawal symptoms.

● Lack of sleep

● Loss of appetite

● Anxiety and/or depression

● Irritability (usually caused by a lack of sleep)

● Loss of focus/constant fatigue

● Gastrointestinal distress

● Strong cravings (which gives the chance of relapse)

The reason your body withdrawals in this regard is because THC stays in the system for months after quitting. Being that the chemical is still floating around, your body often expects for you to get high again.

Solution

Since marijuana withdrawals are not as powerful or dangerous as that of other drugs, medical supervision isn’t quite necessary. However, there are instances where individuals seek out some medical assistance. Usually because of their lack of sleep. Due to the fact that anxiety and depression are also factors of withdrawal, it’s important to keep a positive mindset when quitting any substance. Therefore, if you find yourself with either or, therapeutic help is recommended.

The most important element to remember when quitting marijuana (or any substance, for the matter) is that you must stay motivated to do so. Many people don’t quit simply because they aren’t motivated enough to face the unpleasant withdrawals. Keeping a positive mindset while taking this journey is the key to successful sobriety.

Stonewall Institute Treatment Center offers an Intensive Outpatient Program for addiction to any substance, including marijuana. If you’d like more information about this and/or questions about marijuana addiction, please call us at 602-535-6468 or email us at [email protected].