MARIJUANA ADDICTION TREATMENT

What Is Marijuana and Is It Addictive?

Marijuana is a drug made from the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant. The plant contains a chemical called THC, which alters the mind, along with similar compounds. Extracts can also be made from the cannabis plant. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, cannabis is one of the most commonly used drugs in the United States, with a large number of young people reporting using it in the past year.

As marijuana use becomes more common, concerns around dependence have grown. While not everyone who uses marijuana develops an issue, some individuals can experience addiction. Achieve Whole Recovery provides marijuana addiction treatment in Colorado in Denver, Westminster, and Colorado Springs.

How Marijuana Is Used and Changing Perceptions

People use marijuana in a variety of ways, and methods of consumption have expanded significantly in recent years. Traditional methods still include smoking it in joints, pipes, bongs, or blunts. To avoid inhaling smoke, some people use vaporizers or vape pens, which heat cannabis products into an inhalable vapor. Marijuana is also commonly consumed in edible forms such as gummies, chocolates, baked goods, and beverages, as well as oils, tinctures, and capsules. Concentrated products like wax, shatter, and other THC-rich resins are also widely used.

In states like Colorado, where marijuana is legal for both medical and recreational use, public perception has shifted. Many people now view it as relatively safe or low-risk. However, increased accessibility and potency—especially with edibles and concentrates—can raise the risk of overuse, dependence, and unintended side effects. In response to these evolving trends, Achieve Whole Recovery has developed comprehensive marijuana addiction recovery programs tailored to meet the needs of individuals affected by prolonged or high-potency marijuana use.

Effects of Marijuana on the Brain and Body

As the use of marijuana becomes more prevalent, the need for effective marijuana addiction treatment in Colorado becomes increasingly important to address its effects on mental and physical health. Marijuana dependence can have both short-term and long-term effects on the brain.

THC, the chemical in marijuana that causes the “high,” quickly enters the bloodstream and affects the brain and other organs. Smoking or eating marijuana can alter senses, time perception, mood, and impair movement, memory, thinking, and problem-solving. High doses of marijuana can lead to hallucinations, delusions, and psychosis.

Long-term marijuana dependence can impair brain development, especially in teenagers, affecting their thinking, memory, and learning functions. Studies show that people who start using marijuana heavily as teenagers and continue to use it as adults can lose IQ points, and the lost abilities may not fully return if they quit using marijuana. However, it is unclear whether the IQ decline is directly caused by marijuana or other factors like genetics and family environment. Researchers are conducting the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study to better understand how marijuana and other substances affect adolescent brain development. Understanding the risks associated with marijuana, especially for adolescents, is a critical aspect of the marijuana addiction treatment in Colorado offered by Achieve Whole Recovery. These serious implications underscore the need for effective marijuana addiction recovery strategies.

Physical Health Effects of Marijuana Use

Marijuana dependence can have physical and mental effects on the body. The physical effects of marijuana use include breathing problems such as a daily cough, phlegm, frequent lung illness, and a higher risk of lung infections. Although researchers have not found a higher risk of lung cancer in people who smoke marijuana, those who smoke marijuana frequently may have the same breathing problems as those who smoke tobacco.

Marijuana dependence also raises heart rate for up to three hours after smoking, which can increase the chance of a heart attack in older people and those with heart problems. Achieve Whole Recovery’s approach to marijuana addiction treatment emphasizes the importance of early intervention and personalized care for those experiencing marijuana-induced health issues.

Pregnant women who use marijuana may face problems with child development during and after pregnancy, such as lower birth weight and increased risk of brain and behavioral problems in babies. Additionally, marijuana use during pregnancy may affect certain developing parts of the fetus’s brain, which may lead to problems with attention, memory, and problem-solving compared to unexposed children. Moderate amounts of THC are also excreted into the breast milk of nursing mothers, which can affect the baby’s developing brain.

Regular, long-term marijuana dependence can also lead to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome, causing users to experience regular cycles of severe nausea, vomiting, and dehydration, sometimes requiring emergency medical attention. These health issues are important considerations in our marijuana addiction treatment program.

Mental Health Effects of Marijuana Use

Long-term marijuana use has been associated with mental illness in some people, including temporary hallucinations and paranoia. It can also worsen symptoms in patients with schizophrenia, a severe mental disorder characterized by hallucinations, paranoia, and disorganized thinking.

Additionally, marijuana dependence has been linked to other mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts in teenagers. However, research findings on this topic have been inconsistent. Recognizing these mental health risks is a pivotal part of marijuana addiction treatments, where specialized programs aim to address these complex challenges.

Marijuana Overuse and Safety Risks

The use of a drug is considered an overdose when it produces life-threatening symptoms or death. While there have been no reports of marijuana dependence causing deaths among teens or adults, there have been cases where people experienced very uncomfortable side effects, particularly when using products with high THC levels.

These side effects include anxiety, paranoia, and, in rare cases, psychotic reactions that require emergency medical treatment. Psychotic reactions can happen regardless of the method of use, but there has been a growing number of cases involving marijuana edibles. This is especially true for preteens and teens who may not realize that the effects of edibles take longer to feel and consume more to get high.

In addition, there have been cases where young children have ingested marijuana or marijuana edibles and become seriously ill. In light of these risks, especially among younger users, Achieve Whole Recovery emphasizes the importance of education and intervention in their marijuana addiction recovery programs.

Cannabis Use Disorder Treatment in Denver and Colorado Springs

Marijuana use can lead to a substance use disorder, which is a medical condition where a person is unable to stop using even if it causes health and social problems. Research shows that between 9% and 30% of marijuana users may develop a use disorder, and those who start using before the age of 18 are at higher risk.

Quitting marijuana use can be challenging, as many long-term users report mild withdrawal symptoms such as mood changes, sleeplessness, and anxiety. Currently, there are no medications available to treat marijuana use disorder, but behavioral support has been proven effective. Therapy and motivational incentives, such as rewards for remaining drug-free, are examples of marijuana addiction treatment options. Ongoing research may lead to new medications to ease withdrawal symptoms, block the effects of marijuana, and prevent relapse.

If you are struggling with marijuana dependence or mental health issues, learn more about our psychiatry and substance abuse counseling services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get addicted to weed?

Yes, marijuana can be addictive for some individuals. This condition is known as cannabis use disorder and occurs when someone continues using marijuana despite negative effects on their health, relationships, or daily life. Research suggests that up to 30% of users may develop some level of dependence, with higher risk among those who start using at a younger age or use frequently.

What are marijuana withdrawal symptoms?

Marijuana withdrawal symptoms are typically mild to moderate but can still be uncomfortable. Common symptoms include irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances, decreased appetite, mood changes, and cravings. Some individuals may also experience headaches, restlessness, or stomach discomfort as the body adjusts to functioning without THC.

How long does marijuana withdrawal last?

Withdrawal symptoms usually begin within 24 to 72 hours after stopping marijuana use, peak within the first week, and improve over one to two weeks. However, some symptoms—especially sleep problems or cravings—can last longer depending on the individual and how frequently marijuana was used.

What happens when you quit weed?

When you quit marijuana, your body and brain begin adjusting to the absence of THC. In the early stages, this may lead to withdrawal symptoms such as irritability or sleep issues. Over time, many people experience improvements in focus, memory, mood stability, and overall mental clarity. Quitting can also reduce long-term risks related to mental and physical health.

How to stop smoking weed?

Stopping marijuana use often requires a combination of strategies. Many people benefit from behavioral therapy, support groups, or structured treatment programs. Identifying triggers, building new routines, staying active, and having a support system in place can make the process more manageable. Professional guidance can significantly improve long-term success, especially for those experiencing withdrawal symptoms or repeated relapse.

Is marijuana safe?

Marijuana is often viewed as low-risk, but it is not without potential health effects, especially with frequent or long-term use. In the short term, it can impair memory, coordination, judgment, and reaction time, which may increase the risk of accidents or poor decision-making.

Over time, regular use can negatively affect the overall quality of life. Some people experience decreased motivation, difficulty concentrating, and reduced productivity at work or school. Long-term use has also been linked to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and increased risk of psychosis in vulnerable individuals. It may also worsen existing mental health conditions.

In addition to these effects, dependence can make it harder to stop using even when it begins to interfere with relationships, responsibilities, or personal goals. While the level of risk varies depending on age, frequency of use, and individual health, it’s important to recognize that marijuana use can have meaningful impacts on both mental well-being and day-to-day productivity.