Despite changing regulations regarding its legality, marijuana can be addictive. Cannabis use disorder, also called CUD, most frequently affects people who begin using marijuana as teenagers. 30 percent of people who start smoking at a young age develop CUD, while nearly 10 percent of older users also become addicted. At Northpoint Recovery, we understand cannabis addiction and treatment.
Northpoint Recovery is here to help people in Nebraska struggling with marijuana addiction. Our Omaha clinic provides compassionate and flexible care for addiction and co-occurring disorders. To learn more about our outpatient marijuana addiction treatment programs, call us now 402.685.9404 for a free assessment.
Is Marijuana Really Addictive?
The short answer to this question is: yes, marijuana can be addictive. The active ingredient, THC, that provides a euphoric high can cause some users to become addicted. While people have used marijuana for centuries, modern strains have become more potent and thus more addictive. Effects of THC include:
- Changes in sensory perception: brighter colors, enhanced taste, people look different
- Enhanced relaxation
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Calmness
- Reduced memory recall
- Blood pressure changes
- Heart attack
- Abnormal heart rate
- Breathing problems (coughing, wheezing)
- Signs of marijuana use include:
- Low appetite, followed by binge eating
- Low energy
- Reduced short-term memory
- Lack of motivation
- Sleeping more often
- Financial trouble
- Changes in work, school, or athletic performance
As the marijuana industry has advanced in the last several decades, more potent strains have increased. This can make using marijuana more dangerous.
Is Marijuana Dangerous?
Contrary to popular misconceptions, marijuana can lead to other drug use and overdose. Marijuana overdose can cause:
- Physical pain from vomiting and severe nausea
- Confusion, panic, and anxiety at extreme levels
- Abnormal fear and distrust
- Hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t there)
- High blood pressure and increased heart rate
While fatal overdose is uncommon, marijuana addiction often points at underlying issues like unresolved trauma, mood disorders, and prolonged stress. Like any addiction, marijuana dependency is often a method of self-soothing. Because marijuana is easy to get, trendy, and increasingly easy to take, it’s a popular choice for self-medicating.
Frequent marijuana use can cause a syndrome called CHS, which causes cyclical nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Symptoms of CHS are a sign it’s time to seek medical attention.
Marijuana Addiction Rehab at Northpoint Omaha
When a person experiences marijuana withdrawal and cravings, it’s time to seek professional help. Withdrawal is the first sign someone has developed an addiction. Common withdrawal signs include:
- Anxiety
- Uncontrollable drooling
- Low heart rate
- Aggressive behavior
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
While some people may try to detox at home and quit cold turkey, it’s always safest to seek medical and psychiatric help. Medically assisted detox and behavioral therapy can decrease the risk of reuse and ease withdrawal symptoms.
At Northpoint Recovery, we’re dedicated to helping the community understand and overcome marijuana addiction. Because marijuana addiction can lead to other addictive drugs that can be fatal, it’s important to treat marijuana as seriously as other substance abuse.
Our center provides outpatient programs to fit our patients’ lives and needs. We know everyone’s experience of addiction is different. That’s why we provide individualized care with one-on-one therapy, detox, and aftercare planning for a successful recovery.
Marijuana Rehab in Omaha at Northpoint Recovery
If you or someone in your life is addicted to marijuana, call Northpoint Recovery today. The staff at Northpoint Omaha is here to help you safely and effectively detox and recover from marijuana. Don’t let stigmas and misinformation keep you from recovery. If you’re ready to learn more about how Northpoint Omaha can help, call us now 402.685.9404 for more information about marijuana addiction recovery treatment.