Marijuana
addiction is a phenomenon experienced by more than 150,000
individuals each year who enter treatment for their proclaimed
addiction to marijuana. Marijuana addiction is characterized
as compulsive, often uncontrollable marijuana craving, seeking,
and use, even when the individual knows that marijuana use
is not in his best interest. Marijuana addiction could be
defined as chronically making the firm decision not to use
marijuana followed shortly by a relapse due to experiencing
overwhelming compulsive urges to use marijuana despite the
firm decision not to. This contradiction is characteristic
of an addiction problem.
Symptoms
of Marijuana Addiction:
- Marijuana
tolerance:
Either need for markedly increased amounts of marijuana
to achieve intoxication, or markedly diminished effect
with continued use of the same amount of marijuana.
-
Greater use of marijuana than intended:
Marijuana taken in larger amounts or over a longer period
than was intended
-
Unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control marijuana
use
-
A great deal of time spent in using marijuana
-
Marijuana use causing a reduction in social, occupational
or recreational activities.
- Continued
marijuana use despite knowing it will cause significant
problems.
Marijuana
is both emotionally and mentally addictive. Once an individual
becomes addicted to marijuana it develops into part of who
they believe themselves to be. Avoiding their friends who
do not use, the addict will gravitate to others that do.
Marijuana is a topic that is always on their mind, whether
it be thinking about the next time they will be able to
get high or where their going to get their next sack. When
someone is addicted to marijuana eventually their friends
and the people close to them only know how they act when
their stoned because they no longer do anything without
first smoking. Their constant abuse is due to the misconception
that marijuana is what they need to solve their problems.
Sometimes addicts will take their stash with them wherever
they go, just in case an opportunity arises and they are
able to take a couple hits. They may even go through several
dealers in order to make sure they always have a constant
supply of marijuana.
If
you feel that your marijuana use is out of your control and interfering
with your personal goals and happiness and you would like to stop but can't
seek help from addiction treatment professional.