Recognizing the warning signs of marijuana use in someone you care about is crucial for offering support. This guide outlines the top 10 signs of marijuana abuse to help you identify if your loved one might be struggling.
What is Marijuana Abuse?
Marijuana, colloquially known as pot, weed, or Mary Jane, is derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. It’s consumed in various forms, including hand-rolled joints, water pipes (bongs), blunts (cigars filled with marijuana), and edibles (foods infused with marijuana). Notably, marijuana smoke contains more carcinogens than tobacco smoke.
The psychoactive compound in marijuana, THC, triggers its effects. Smoking marijuana allows THC to quickly enter the bloodstream, affecting the brain and other organs almost immediately. Edibles introduce THC more slowly, but the effects can linger for up to four hours. Smoking introduces significantly more THC into the system than other methods.
Chronic misuse of marijuana can lead to dependency and addiction, making it difficult for individuals to cease use despite the potential for negative impacts on their personal, social, and professional lives. Addiction can diminish scholastic and occupational achievements and strain family relationships.
Persons with a marijuana dependency might prioritize the drug over other aspects of their life, engaging in compulsive drug-seeking behaviors despite adverse consequences. Marijuana is also labeled a “gateway drug” for potentially leading to the use of more potent substances like heroin, cocaine, or meth.
Battling marijuana addiction is a lifelong struggle for many, overshadowing aspirations and the ability to function without the drug. Yet, acknowledging addiction can be challenging, as many individuals dismiss their dependency, comparing it to more socially accepted substances or more potent drugs.
Addiction, fundamentally, is characterized by an uncontrollable craving and compulsive use of a substance despite harmful outcomes. Overcoming such addiction often necessitates external intervention and support.
Signs of Marijuana Abuse
- Tolerance and Withdrawal: Escalating doses required for the same effects and experiencing physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms signal dependency.
- Physical and Behavioral Changes: Noticeable signs like red eyes, delayed reactions, and a marked increase in solitary activities or social withdrawal reflect marijuana’s impact.
- Challenges in Quitting: A strong dependency makes reducing or stopping use difficult, often due to marijuana’s role in basic functions like sleep and appetite.
- Prioritizing Consumption: Increasing amounts of time and resources are dedicated to obtaining and using marijuana, often at the expense of other interests and responsibilities.
- Continued Use Despite Negative Consequences: Persistent consumption despite the clear adverse effects on personal, social, and professional life indicates a deep-rooted addiction.
- Using Marijuana as an Escape: Resorting to marijuana to avoid dealing with stress, problems, or to achieve relaxation and happiness points to an unhealthy reliance.
- Dependency for Enjoyment and Functioning: Feeling incapable of relaxing, enjoying life, or performing daily functions without marijuana underscores a serious dependence.
- Financial and Legal Issues: The financial burden of maintaining a constant supply, alongside potential legal problems due to possession or use, highlights the sacrifices made for addiction.
- Avoidance of Drug Testing Employment: Steering clear of job opportunities that could reveal marijuana use reflects the prioritization of substance use over career progression.
- Variety in Consumption and Acquisition Methods: Experimentation with different methods of consumption and going to great lengths to ensure supply, including risking financial and legal repercussions, reveals the depth of addiction.
These ten signs of marijuana abuse offer a comprehensive overview of stressing the importance of recognizing early signs and seeking appropriate treatment to overcome addiction.
Start Your Marijuana Abuse Treatment in Chattanooga, TN
Is frequent marijuana abuse taking a toll on your life and well-being? At our marijuana rehab in Chattanooga at Iris Wellness Group, we stand by your side as you confront and triumph over your dependency. Through our comprehensive addiction therapies, we empower you with strategies to steer clear of relapses. Additionally, we prescribe medications tailored to mitigate marijuana withdrawal symptoms. Our adaptable outpatient programs enable you to engage in various care levels without uprooting from your daily life.
Ready to discuss you or your loved ones journey to recovery? Call us at 423-564-6114 to being your marijuana addiction treatment journey.
