It’s a common question. Is weed addictive? There’s a great deal of conflicting information about marijuana and whether it is safe to use. Even though this drug is being used more frequently in legalized situations, there is an addiction risk present. That’s one you need to take into consideration before you start using or, at least, when it becomes hard to control your use. At Bayview Recovery, we can help you determine if this addiction is impacting your quality of life and what to do about it.

Is Weed Addictive to Most People?

Marijuana is a type of drug used for many reasons. It is possible to develop a marijuana use disorder. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 30 percent of people who use weed will develop an addiction like this as the result of using it. The same report indicates that people who have started using the drug before the age of 18 are as much as seven times more likely to develop a substance use disorder from it. There is a real risk of addiction present here.

How Is Weed Addictive to Some People?

While this drug seems very benign and safe to use, that’s not always the case. Even if you do not use it often, it is possible to develop a dependency on the drug. That’s something you need to take into consideration for your long-term health and wellbeing.

Those who develop marijuana use disorders are likely to have dependence. Dependence occurs when they feel withdrawal symptoms if they do not take the drug. That means that if you are using the drug routinely, but they do not have access to it, you may feel:

• Pain
• Irritability
• Trouble sleeping
• Decreased appetite
• Cravings for the drug
• Restlessness
• Physical discomfort

Generally, those who have this addiction will find that it can take up to two weeks for these symptoms to dissipate. This type of dependence occurs because of the brain’s adaption to the drug’s use. It becomes dependent on it. If you do not have it, the brain struggles to work properly or at least in the most efficient manner. You can then find that you need to use more of the drug to reach the same effect.

Should You Stop Using Marijuana?

Is weed addictive so much so that you should stop using it? If possible, not using the drug is the right decision. It may be helping you with things like pain control and symptom relief. However, over the long term, weed can cause damage to the lungs and lead to addiction. When this is occurring, you may benefit from seeking help from a licensed therapist through a drug addiction treatment program, like what we offer a Bayview Recovery.

We provide a range of tools that can make it a bit easier for you to stop using weed as a treatment or a component of your wellbeing. This treatment includes helping you come to terms with what’s underneath the concerns through evidence-based therapies. These therapies may consist of options such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness meditation therapy.

When you get help for addiction, you may see several significant improvements in your health and wellbeing including:

• Better relationship management
• Improved mental clarity
• Less dependency on the drug to function
• Improved productivity
• Less risk of overdose or use of other illicit substances

It may seem that marijuana is nothing to worry about and that it is not addictive. However, it can create an addiction risk for many people. You can receive help for this at Bayview Recovery. Talk to us about our drug addiction rehab center and how it can change your future, making you less dependent on drugs.

Are You Ready to Find Help for Addiction at Bayview Recovery?

Is weed addictive? If you are using drugs like this and want to find a way to stop using, it’s time to turn to our team at Bayview Recovery. Work with our professionals to learn more about your treatment options as well as the tools available to help you take back your life. No matter where you are today, you can get help for any drug use. Our experienced counselors are available to you at 855.478.3650.