Marijuana Addiction

With the advent of legalization, attention to marijuana addiction has been greatly reduced but make no mistake it is very real and can lead to serious problems such as short term memory loss anxiety and the inability to function effectively in one's job and life.

It is important to distinguish dependence from addiction.

Dependence indicates a tolerance for the drug resulting in the need to increase the amount used to achieve the same results. This is not necessarily an indication addiction if the user can stop at will without ill effects. Addiction is the inability to function effectively without the drug. The difference being a person who is dependent can stop voluntarily but a person who is addicted is incapable of resisting usage and is compulsive in obtaining the effect of the drug.

It is estimated that as many as 4.2 million American are marijuana dependence according to the latest information from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Of those users approximately one third may become addicted and have difficulty functioning effectively in their daily occupational and social sphere without the drug.

Recognizing Addiction

Some indication that you are addicted is reflected in your behavior in relation to the drug, If you are choosing your friends and associates based on the fact that they smoke, or if you are choosing to smoke even though you know that it will result in problems later or if you are bypassing your life responsibilities in favor of getting high you may have a problem… If when you attempt to cut back in your usage you fail and you experience the symptoms listed below then you are likely addicted and it is imperative that you seek help.

Addiction to marijuana is indicated if the following symptoms are experience when withdrawal is attempted.

Sleeplessness

Anxiety

Irritability

Loss of appetite

Craving for the drug

Treatment and Recovery

Recovery is available and the decision to become drug free is it close as your keyboard, your phone, or your health counselor. There are numerous support groups both online and in person to assist you in creating coping mechanisms for the symptoms that caused you to seek relief in the drug at the onset. Essential to becoming drug-free is knowledge of brain function and psychological triggers and support in coping with those triggers. Many of these online support groups are 24/7 so when ever you need help there is a forum of recovered and informed counselors and individuals to help you sort the nuances of treatment and recovery. It is a rewarding experience to be in full control of your emotional and physical health and experience.