Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana, despite reports to the contrary, can be a very addictive drug. Admission to addiction treatment facilities has doubled for marijuana addiction in recent years. The potency of the drug continues to increase and studies have shown that people under the age of 21 can obtain marijuana easier than alcohol. Even those who have done more addictive drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, will often say that "pot" is their primary drug of choice when asked.

Although marijuana is not the most physically addictive drug (in comparison to methamphetamine or heroin), marijuana is sometimes the hardest drug for people to quit. There are many reasons for this phenomenon. One of the primary reasons why it is so hard for a person to quit smoking marijuana is the existence of an entire subculture of pot smokers which has developed over the years. The marijuana subculture has its own beliefs, customs, and rituals. Often the hardest thing to do in treatment is break through the strong barrier of denial, rationalization, and justification that has sprouted up as a result of the marijuana smoker's involvement in this subculture.

Many marijuana smokers often argue that the drug does less damage than alcohol, but they are applying faulty assumptions to the use of alcohol. Most addicts and alcoholics assume that a person drinks alcohol to feel the inebriating effects of alcohol, but this is not true. This may be the reason some people drink alcohol, but "normal drinkers" do not necessarily drink alcohol to get drunk. In fact, "normal drinkers" will often stop drinking once they feel the effects of alcohol. In contrast, people smoke marijuana primarily to get high. Pot smokers want to feel the effects produced by the drug, and therefore it differs from alcohol. Marijuana addicts have difficulty seeing this difference between alcohol use and marijuana use.

The major active chemical in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes the mind-altering effects of marijuana intoxication. The amount of THC determines the potency and, therefore, the "high" of marijuana. From 1980 till now, the amount of THC in marijuana has risen dramatically. The long-term effects of marijuana use can be both physically and psychologically damaging to the user.

If you or a loved one needs help with Marijuana addiction we can help. Please call us at 1-866-311-0003.