Weed is often thought of as a ‘safe’ drug. Many people believe that it’s not as dangerous to become addicted to marijuana as it would be to become addicted to something like alcohol, fentanyl, or cocaine. While marijuana may not be as dangerous as some other substances, that does not mean that an addiction is ‘safe.’ All forms of substance use disorder come with risks.
As such, some cannabis users may be wary of being addicted, and they may want to know what the signs of weed addiction are, especially in the United Kingdom, where cannabis use is prevalent.
Signs and Symptoms of Marijuana Addiction
Several signs may indicate that a person uses marijuana and has developed an addiction. Some of the symptoms of marijuana addiction include:
Physical Signs of Marijuana Abuse
Physically, many people who abuse marijuana may become lethargic. They may not have a lot of energy to do anything, and many can become excessively sleepy. Some people may also have bloodshot eyes. One of the most common signs and symptoms of marijuana use is an increased appetite, also known as ‘the munchies.’ Many can have impaired coordination, and prolonged use can affect motor skills.
Psychological Symptoms of Marijuana Use
Marijuana abuse can also manifest some psychological signs. These can include difficulty concentrating, and response time may be affected. People under the influence of marijuana may not be aware of the passage of time, and they may become indecisive. They may also have mood swings. Emotionally, they may also become agitated, irritable, or paranoid.
Behavioural Signs of Marijuana Addiction
Some behaviour may indicate marijuana use disorder. Many can have frequent absences from work or school because of their weed use, which can impair their professional or academic performance. They may lose interest in their hobbies or anything that is not related to their marijuana use. They may also lose control over their drug abuse and use even when it is inappropriate to do so.
Many people who become addicted to marijuana can withdraw from their friends and begin associating with other weed users.
Can You Get Addicted to Marijuana?
Yes, it is possible to get addicted to weed. While many people consider marijuana to be a relatively safe drug, and it has been legalised or decriminalised in various countries, it is still very addictive, and people who become dependent on it may experience difficulties as a result of their substance abuse.
Cannabis Addiction Symptoms
There are telltale signs that a person has a weed addiction. Other than the aforementioned loss of control, a lot of people can prioritise marijuana over everything else in their lives. Because of the popularity of weed, many people who are addicted can also buy many pieces of weed-related merchandise, such as shirts or posters. They may also own a significant amount of drug paraphernalia, such as weed pipes, rolling papers, and bongs.
Short-term Effects of Marijuana Use
The most obvious short-term effect of marijuana use is the high that a person gets from smoking or ingesting it. A person’s heart rate may also go up as a result of using cannabis. Many people also become more relaxed as a result of using weed.
Some people’s perceptions may also be altered, and they may see colours as brighter than they normally would. The THC in marijuana also produces a psychoactive effect and can impair a person’s attention, coordination, reflexes, and memories.
Long-term Effects of Cannabis Misuse
Because cannabis is often smoked, long-term use can affect a person’s lungs. People who have asthma, bronchitis, sore throat, or other underlying conditions can find that marijuana addiction can worsen their symptoms over time.
Long-term use can also affect concentration, memory, intelligence, and decision-making ability. Long-term cannabis use can also lead to withdrawal symptoms when a person tries to stop, such as when they seek professional help for their substance use.
Some people may also develop anxiety and depressive symptoms. Heavy use may lead to psychosis in some people.
Weed Withdrawal Symptoms
The first step in addiction treatment is often detox. During detox, a person will purge their body of all the illicit substances that they have consumed. This can be a difficult process and can result in withdrawal symptoms, so it may be best to go through detox while under medical supervision.
Withdrawal symptoms will typically be the opposite of the effects of the drug. For marijuana withdrawal, these symptoms will typically occur between 24 to 48 hours after last use and can include strong cravings, restlessness, anxiety, weight loss due to a loss of appetite, abdominal pain, sleep troubles, tremors, and night sweats.
In most cases, a person will be fully clear of cannabis if they stop using it for 30 days, and the discomfort that comes with withdrawal symptoms should subside in about three weeks or even less.
Cannabis Addiction Treatment
Cannabis addiction treatment will often involve a variety of behavioural therapies and holistic treatments. For severe cases of addiction, a person may check themselves into a residential treatment facility where they can receive intensive care inside a controlled environment.
After they finish their time at a residential rehab clinic, they may transition to a sober living facility where they develop their independence and learn how to navigate the world without using weed or other substances as a crutch.
Getting Help for Marijuana Addiction
Marijuana is a drug that many people use. In many cases, they use it for medical purposes, and there is some research to support its use for these purposes. That does not mean that there are no drawbacks, and people can smoke or ingest as much as they want with no consequences. Substance addiction will always have consequences, and one of those is that the substance can take over a person’s life.
But this loss of control can be temporary. It is possible to retake control back from marijuana. At Liberty Home, we help people overcome substance use so they can live healthy lives. Contact us to learn more.
