Additionally, men are twice as likely as women to experience marijuana use disorder. In light of the legalization of marijuana, many people have wondered about the substance, its safety, and whether it’s addictive. Marijuana—also called weed, cannabis, and other names—is a species of plant that is used as a medical and recreational drug. Our writers and reviewers are experienced professionals in medicine, addiction treatment, and healthcare. AddictionResource fact-checks all the information before publishing and uses only credible and trusted sources when citing any medical data.
- Over time, this can result in tolerance (needing more to achieve the same effects) and, for some, withdrawal symptoms like irritability, sleep issues, and decreased appetite when they stop using it.
- Using pot heavily, especially in your teen years, may leave more permanent effects.
- Long-term use increases the risk of developing marijuana use disorder, with symptoms such as cravings, withdrawal, and the inability to stop using despite adverse consequences.
Which Treatment Options are Available for Marijuana Addiction?
It’s also being studied to see if it can help ease a variety of other does weed have addictive properties conditions, including Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia. Finding others who are dealing with the same issues as you can be validating, and you can learn from one another about different ways to cope. Marijuana Anonymous is one such support group based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Marijuana Risks and Long-Term Effects
Marijuana is primarily psychologically addictive, causing cravings, dependence, and compulsive use. Physical dependence may occur with mild withdrawal symptoms like irritability or sleep issues, but psychological dependence is more common. These symptoms vary in severity depending on factors like the individual’s level of use, duration of cannabis use, and biological factors.
What are the Risks of Marijuana Addiction?
Other ways to consume marijuana include mixing its parts (leaves, flowers, stems, or seeds) into food as weed edibles or brewing it as tea. Cannabis, the most widely used illicit drug in the U.S., is known for its range of effects—from mild euphoria and altered perception to severe symptoms like paranoia, hallucinations, and impaired concentration when used heavily. Research has also found that developing a strong sense of self-efficacy, or a belief that a person can resist using cannabis, is an important predictor of long-term abstinence. Long-term recovery usually requires ongoing support through aftercare programs, such as support groups, which continue for years. Personalized care ensures that treatment duration is customized to the individual’s needs, optimizing effectiveness.
The person experiences symptoms when they stop using the substance, which makes them feel the need to use it again. Local treatment centers provide not only immediate support but also long-term recovery resources. With these tips, you’ll be better prepared to find the right fit and begin your journey toward a healthier, cannabis-free life. Local treatment options offer convenience and often provide resources that connect you to supportive communities. The right drug rehab facility or program can provide therapies, counseling, and other resources that make it easier to quit, manage cravings, and develop healthier coping strategies. If you or a loved one Alcoholics Anonymous is seeking help for marijuana addiction, finding a treatment center nearby can be a valuable step toward recovery.
“It has long been acknowledged that cannabis is a mood-altering substance with some potential for risk, including the risk of dependence. The country was slowly but surely moving toward reclassifying marijuana under the Biden administration. The recommendation was approved by the Drug Enforcement Agency in May but has gotten little attention since. It barely factored into Kamala Harris’s or Donald Trump’s general election campaigns, and the issue has been essentially buried since Trump entered office in January. Hurd also notes a Danish epidemiological study that showed a strong correlation between increased cannabis use and potency and rising schizophrenia rates.