While many people use marijuana recreationally at a colorado recreational marijuana dispensary with no problems or concerns, it can be addictive for some people, primarily when used daily.
Most people who use marijuana started as a fun activity, in as much as it can be addictive, always buy the products from a reputable supplier like dispensaries in colorado.
Is Marijuana Addictive?
Marijuana addiction can occur when used frequently and causes a loss of control over its use. The individual may be experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, sleep disturbances, mood swings, cravings, and restlessness. Often, this leads to continued marijuana use.
Is marijuana addiction a clinical diagnosis?
Marijuana addiction is not recognized as a clinical diagnosis, and often the individual will turn to other drugs such as alcohol or opioids to relieve marijuana withdrawal symptoms.
Marijuana addiction has been found in users who use it daily, especially those who started using marijuana during adolescence. According to studies, 9% of users that start at a young age will become addicted, while only one to three percent of those who begin using it in adulthood may experience addiction.
Marijuana addiction is not considered a physical addiction such as heroin, but the symptoms can be just as severe and lead to continued use. An example would be if the individual needs marijuana to function or experience withdrawal symptoms when they don’t have it.
Marijuana addiction is not a formal diagnosis, but the potential for abuse and addiction does exist, especially in those with a genetic or psychological predisposition to drug addictions.
What are the Signs of Marijuana Abuse?
While marijuana abuse isn’t always visible, there can be signs that it is being used, such as:
1. Preoccupation with obtaining and using marijuana.
2. Repeated, unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control marijuana use.
3. Continuing to use the drug, despite harmful consequences in relationships or work performance.
4. Neglecting essential responsibilities due to the use of the drug.
5. An increased tolerance to the effects of marijuana.
6. Withdrawal symptoms include lack of appetite, anxiety, or sleep disturbances when trying to stop using the drug.
7. Using more marijuana than intended or for a more extended time.
How does Marijuana Withdrawal Look Like?
Marijuana withdrawal symptoms typically begin within one to two days after the individual stops using marijuana. Symptoms often include increased anxiety, loss of appetite, depression, and weight gain due to increased hunger, irritability, or restlessness.
Marijuana withdrawal sometimes leads individuals to seek treatment to alleviate these symptoms, usually with medications that can ease them without leading back toward using marijuana. As an addicting drug, marijuana withdrawal can be dangerous without professional help.
Though many users have no trouble quitting, those who do may experience cravings, irritability, and other psychological effects due to stopping their use. It is not considered an addiction, but the potential to become one exists in those with a genetic or psychological predisposition.
Final Thoughts
Marijuana addiction is not a clinically diagnosed condition. Still, it can be of concern for those who use marijuana more often or use it for a more extended period. Marijuana may cause some withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, sleep disturbances, mood swings, cravings, and restlessness. It leads to continued marijuana use and may lead the individual to seek treatment to alleviate these symptoms. Marijuana addiction is real and should be addressed, so if you feel this may be an issue for you or a loved one, reach out for help.