Marijuana addiction is a growing concern in the United States and beyond, partially due to the legalization of the substance across many states. While marijuana can be used in moderation, many are unprepared for the possibility of marijuana addiction. Today, we’ll explore whether marijuana addiction is physical, psychological, or both and how you can pursue effective marijuana addiction treatment options.
What is Marijuana Addiction?
At the time of this writing, some evidence suggests that 30% of those who use marijuana to some degree may eventually develop marijuana use disorder, also called marijuana addiction.1 Marijuana addiction is the physical, psychological, or physical and psychological compulsion to consume marijuana through smoking it, eating it, etc.
In other words, if you find yourself compulsively seeking out marijuana, you could be under the effects of marijuana addiction. Marijuana dependence can range from minor to severe – in the former cases, you may feel uneasy if you don’t have marijuana, but in the latter cases, you could be unable to function without the substance in your bloodstream.
Marijuana addiction affects everyone differently, and the substance can have different effects on individuals as well. Therefore, it can be difficult to know whether you are at risk of marijuana addiction before you consume the substance.
Marijuana’s Effect on the Brain
Marijuana can be addictive to many individuals because of THC: the primary psychoactive component in the marijuana plant. Put simply, THC activates various brain proteins called cannabinoid receptors. These are very critical areas of the brain associated with reward processing, memory, and learning.
In addition, THC absorption often causes the brain to release dopamine: a feel-good chemical that is associated with positive emotions. Because of these combinations, marijuana can be highly addictive if it is consumed in high amounts.
Furthermore, marijuana can be highly addictive to those in adolescence or those who already struggle with substance abuse disorders of some other type. For example, teenagers and their developing brains may have higher-than-average responses to marijuana, making the substance more dangerous to them compared to fully developed adults.
Regardless, marijuana can have a negative effect on anyone regardless of age, sex, or other physical attributes.
Physical vs. Psychological Addiction
To understand whether marijuana addiction is physical or psychological, you need to understand the difference between both types of addiction and dependence.
Physical dependence means that marijuana – or some other substance – causes measurable chemical changes throughout the body and brain. For instance, under the effects of physical marijuana addiction, the brain may be unable to produce dopamine through non-cannabis-related activities. Physical dependence often arises after several months or years of using a specific substance as the body “learns” to expect and rely on it.
Furthermore, physical addiction or dependence is associated with negative physical withdrawal symptoms. When the body is denied the substance it is addicted to, it could react negatively or uncomfortably.
Psychological addiction does not include physically addictive symptoms. Instead, psychological dependence means that there is an emotional or psychological need to use a substance like marijuana. If, for instance, someone with marijuana use disorder finds themselves thinking about cannabis all day long, they could have a psychological addiction.
So, is Marijuana Addiction Physical? Psychological? Both?
It could be both! Physical and psychological addictions are not exclusive. That is to say, someone can be both physically and psychologically dependent on a substance like marijuana at the same time.2
Marijuana certainly holds the capability to be both physically and psychologically addictive. It produces physical effects when it is consumed, and those effects are generally pleasurable. Feeling those effects too frequently could cause someone to become addicted in a physical way.
However, marijuana’s physical effects may also lead to psychological or emotional dependence. It’s possible for someone to be psychologically dependent on marijuana but not physically or vice versa.
Symptoms of Marijuana Addiction and Withdrawal
The most common symptoms of marijuana withdrawal include:
- Insomnia or fatigue
- Irritability
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Shakiness
- Chronic headaches
- Loss of appetite
Generally, the physical symptoms of marijuana dependence last for about 1 to 2 weeks, particularly if you quit “cold turkey.” Marijuana addiction and withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable or severe enough that it makes it difficult for someone suffering from them to maintain their withdrawal from the substance. In these cases, it’s a good idea to speak to compassionate, knowledgeable recovery specialists.
Getting Treatment for Marijuana Addiction
Long-term treatment for marijuana addiction involves treating both the physical and psychological effects and causes of the addiction. If you or a loved one suffer from marijuana use disorder, you should check into a rehabilitation clinic or attend a detox program.
The right rehabilitation clinic can:
- Teach you healthy habits, so you avoid relapsing
- Help you discover new ways to feel joy and positive emotions in your life
- Assist with overcoming the uncomfortable physical symptoms of marijuana withdrawal
- And much more
Perhaps most importantly, addiction treatment programs give you the social and medical support you need to recover from marijuana use disorder safely and healthily.
Contact Clear Life Recovery Today
In the end, the best treatment for substance addiction is checking into an addiction treatment program at Clear Life Recovery. Our California clinic is well-equipped and ready to assist you or a loved one with all elements of marijuana addiction, including detoxification and building long-term, healthy habits to prevent relapses. Contact us today to learn more.
Sources:
[1] https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-addictive
[2] https://mcwell.nd.edu/your-well-being/physical-well-being/drugs/marijuana-or-cannabis-sativa/quitting-marijuana-a-30-day-self-help-guide/myths-and-current-research/
