Marijuana use can lead to addiction. People often argue that marijuana is safe because the withdrawals are not as intense as they are with other substances. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (2018), “marijuana use disorder becomes addiction when the person cannot stop using the drug, even though it interferes with many aspects of his or her life.”
Anyone of any age, race, ethnicity, social status, or gender can become addicted to marijuana. Sometimes, other substances are unknowingly added to it. Synthetic marijuana is very common today and contains other drugs and substances that can be fatal.
Fentanyl is a very powerful and deadly drug, which is often added to marijuana to increase the intensity of euphoria. Health experts in Vermont say some drug dealers lace marijuana with fentanyl. Deborah Hopkins, the operations director for Vermont Substance Abuse Services stated dealers do this “with the hope and expectation that people like it and think it’s just strong THC and go back and get more. And what happens is that creates a dependency on the fentanyl,” Hopkins said (Cyrus, 2018). The smallest amount of Fentanyl is more potent than heroin and morphine.
Marijuana is stronger today than it was 10 years ago, increasing the severity of withdrawal symptoms. A person who uses marijuana on a regular basis will experience withdrawal symptoms when he or she tries to stop.
Withdrawal symptoms are unique to each individual, and include:
- Depression
- Lack of appetite
- Anxiety
- Disruptive sleep patterns
- Severe headaches
- Irritability
- Increased tardiness or absences from school or work
- Less productivity
- Relationship problems
- Mental and physical health issues
When a person will only focus on getting high, they have developed an addiction. Marijuana use creates a physical dependence; however, not everyone who is physically dependent will become addicted. The mild withdrawal symptoms falsely lead a person to think he or she will not become addicted to marijuana.
Marijuana use can lead to harmful consequences. It can cause a person to engage in risky behavior. Marijuana is also considered a gateway drug. That means it has the potential to influence people to experiment with other drugs, which also increases the risk for addiction. If you or a loved one is addicted to marijuana or any other substance, get help now.
Nexus Recovery Services specializes in addiction treatment and is an exclusive experience for individuals who truly want to change. We encompass holistic therapy for the mind, body, and soul. Our mission is to provide tools and support for every client’s seamless transition into a meaningful and fulfilling life of sobriety. We offer a free and confidential consultation. Call us to get started: 310-881-9151