Commonly referred to as weed, pot, or Mary Jane, Marijuana has gained widespread acceptance and usage over the years. While often viewed as a benign or harmless drug, it is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States, particularly in regions where it has been legalized for medicinal or recreational purposes.
Despite its growing popularity and cultural acceptance, it is crucial to address the common misconceptions surrounding marijuana use, particularly the belief that it cannot lead to addiction. Let’s dive into how and why some individuals develop dependence on marijuana, look at the signs of marijuana addiction, and learn more about the importance of recognizing and treating it.
3 Common Misconceptions About Marijuana
Myth #1: Marijuana Is Not Addictive
One of the most pervasive myths about marijuana is that it is not addictive. This belief is rooted in the comparison of marijuana to other substances like alcohol, tobacco, or opioids, which are known for their high addiction potential. However, research has shown that marijuana can indeed be addictive. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that about 9% of users become dependent on marijuana. This percentage increases to about 17% among those who start using in their teens and 25-50% among daily users.
Myth #2: Marijuana Is Harmless Because It Is Natural
The argument that marijuana is harmless because it is a natural plant is another common misconception. While it is true that marijuana is a plant, this does not mean it is without risks. Many natural substances, such as tobacco and certain mushrooms, can be harmful. The psychoactive component of marijuana, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can have significant effects on the brain, particularly in areas involved in memory, learning, coordination, and judgment.
Myth #3: Marijuana Use Does Not Lead to Withdrawal Symptoms
Some believe that marijuana use does not result in withdrawal symptoms, which is a key characteristic of addiction. However, individuals who are dependent on marijuana can experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the drug. These symptoms can include irritability, mood swings, sleep difficulties, decreased appetite, cravings, restlessness, and various forms of physical discomfort.
What Is Marijuana Use Disorder?
Marijuana use disorder, like other substance use disorders, involves a problematic pattern of marijuana use leading to significant impairment or distress. This disorder can range from mild to severe, with addiction being the most severe form. People with marijuana use disorder often find it challenging to stop using the drug even when it interferes with their daily lives.
How Does Someone Become Dependent on Marijuana?
The development of dependence on marijuana involves a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. Here’s a closer look at these contributing elements:
Genetic Factors of Addiction:
- Family history of addiction: Individuals with close relatives who struggle with substance use are at higher genetic risk.
- Inherited variations in dopamine receptors and stress response: These genes influence how the brain processes rewards and stress, which can make someone more likely to become addicted to substances that affect them.
- Genetic differences in drug metabolism: Some people metabolize drugs faster or slower, which can affect addiction risk. Faster metabolism means a faster high but also that it fades quicker.
- Mood regulation: Some people have a more volatile mood or are genetically predisposed to being more impulsive.
Psychological Factors of Addiction:
- Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction can increase vulnerability to substance use as a coping mechanism.
- Chronic stress: Prolonged exposure to stress — especially without healthy coping strategies — may drive individuals toward substance use for relief.
- Mental health disorders: Depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and other conditions can co-occur with addiction and heighten the risk of self-medicating.
- Low self-esteem or self-worth: Feelings of inadequacy or internalized shame may make someone more likely to seek comfort or confidence through substances.
- Difficulty regulating emotions: Struggles with emotional regulation (especially anger, sadness, or shame) are linked to higher rates of substance use.
- Impulsivity and sensation-seeking behaviors: Individuals who frequently seek novelty or have poor impulse control are at a higher risk of experimenting with drugs or alcohol.
- Poor coping skills: A lack of healthy tools for managing grief, failure, or interpersonal conflict can lead to turning to substances for temporary relief.
- Cognitive distortions: Beliefs like “I can’t handle life without this” or “I’ll never be okay” can reinforce cycles of use and hinder motivation to seek help.
Environmental Factors of Addiction
- Family environment: Growing up in a home where substance use is normalized, condoned, or hidden can significantly increase the likelihood of later addiction.
- Peer Influence: Friends or social circles that encourage or model substance use can lead to experimentation, especially among teens and young adults.
- Access and availability of substances: Living in areas with high availability of drugs or alcohol (e.g., liquor stores, cannabis dispensaries, or illegal drug activity) increases the risk of use and addiction.
- Socioeconomic status: Economic hardship can lead to chronic stress, limited access to healthcare, and higher vulnerability to coping through substance use.
- Cultural norms and media exposure: Media portrayal of substance use as glamorous or stress-relieving can influence attitudes, especially in cultures where drinking or drug use is part of celebrations or coping rituals.
- School and work environments: High-pressure academic or work settings, bullying, or a lack of support at school or work can contribute to stress-related substance use.
Experiencing or witnessing violence, neglect, or abuse — whether in the home, community, or school — creates a lasting psychological impact that can fuel addiction.
Recognizing the signs of marijuana addiction is crucial for early intervention and treatment.
Common signs of marijuana addiction
- Increased Tolerance: Needing more marijuana to achieve the same effect is a sign of developing tolerance, a hallmark of addiction.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, loss of appetite, and cravings when not using marijuana.
- Loss of Control: Using more marijuana than intended or being unable to cut down or stop use despite trying.
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Failing to fulfill obligations at work, school, or home due to marijuana use.
- Continued Use Despite Problems: Persisting in marijuana use even when it causes or exacerbates physical or psychological problems.
- Spending Excessive Time on Marijuana: Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, and recovering from the effects of marijuana.
- Isolation and Relationship Issues: Withdrawing from social activities and experiencing conflicts in relationships due to marijuana use.
Marijuana addiction treatment
Recognizing marijuana addiction is the first step toward seeking help and recovery. It is essential to approach the topic without stigma and judgment, as this can create barriers to treatment. Here are some reasons why recognizing and treating marijuana addiction is vital:
Impact on Mental Health
Chronic marijuana use can worsen symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. Addressing addiction can lead to better mental health outcomes. Effective treatment can help individuals regain emotional stability and improve their overall psychological well-being.
Physical Health Risks
Long-term marijuana use can have adverse effects on lung health (for those who smoke), cardiovascular health, and cognitive function. Treatment can mitigate these health risks. By quitting or reducing marijuana use, individuals can reduce the strain on their bodies and enhance their physical health.
Improved Quality of Life
Overcoming addiction can enhance overall well-being, improve relationships, and increase productivity and engagement in daily activities. Achieving sobriety can open up new opportunities for personal and professional growth, leading to a more fulfilling life.
Preventing Further Substance Use Disorders
Early intervention can prevent the progression of other substance use disorders. Marijuana use, particularly during adolescence, is associated with an increased risk of using other drugs. Addressing marijuana addiction early can reduce the likelihood of experimenting with more harmful substances.
Treatment Approaches
Treating marijuana addiction involves a combination of behavioral therapies, support groups, and sometimes medications. Here are some evidence-based approaches:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals identify and change problematic behaviors and thought patterns associated with marijuana use.
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET): MET is designed to evoke rapid and internally motivated change by helping individuals resolve ambivalence about drug use.
- Contingency Management (CM): CM provides tangible rewards for abstaining from marijuana use, reinforcing positive behaviors.
- Support Groups: Groups like Marijuana Anonymous (MA) offer peer support and a community of individuals with similar experiences.
- Integrated Treatment: For those with co-occurring mental health disorders, integrated treatment approaches that address both marijuana use and mental health issues are crucial.
Dispelling the misconceptions surrounding marijuana use and recognizing its potential for addiction is essential for promoting informed and responsible use. While marijuana may be beneficial for some individuals, particularly for medicinal purposes, it is not without risks.
Understanding the factors that contribute to marijuana dependence, recognizing the signs of addiction, and seeking appropriate treatment can help individuals lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with marijuana use, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Remember, acknowledging the problem is the first step toward recovery.
About Cumberland Heights
Cumberland Heights was founded in 1966 with a firm, focused mission: to transform lives, giving hope and healing to those affected by alcohol or drug addiction.
We’re a nonprofit organization, a resource of leading clinical expertise, and the first Tennessee addiction treatment center to achieve certification from the American Society of Addiction Medicine. We’re also a community. At Cumberland Heights, staff, alumni, and advocates walk with each patient through every step on the journey to recovery, helping them rewrite their story – a story of hope, healing, and happiness.
We exist to serve those who are seeking addiction treatment in Middle Tennessee, and we have a Cumberland Heights program near you! Our main campus is located in Nashville, Tennessee, but we have treatment centers across the state of Tennessee in Jackson, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Murfreesboro, Franklin, Clarksville, Crossville, Cookeville, and more.
We’re here to help. If you or a loved one would like to learn more about Cumberland Heights, click here or call 615-314-3856.
