Marijuana, also known as weed, cannabis, or grass, is a drug that is derived from the cannabis plant. It contains the chemical compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for its mind-altering effects. There are numerous ways to ingest weed, with the most common being smoking it by either rolling it in paper or using a specialised pipe.

Some people also ingest weed by baking it into food such as brownies or cookies. Weed also has recognised medical uses, and its recreational use has become increasingly more tolerated, if not outright legal. That said, growing, distributing, using, and possessing weed is still illegal in many places.

At Liberty Home Clinic, we provide effective treatment for marijuana misuse through our primary care programme.

What is Marijuana Addiction?

Marijuana addiction, or cannabis use disorder, is a medical condition in which a person engages in compulsive marijuana use regardless of what happens to them. For a person who has a cannabis addiction, the need to use cannabis will supersede anything else in their life.

They’ll want to use cannabis even if they suffer negative consequences such as strained familial relationships, financial difficulties, or a degradation in their mental health.

It should be noted that while marijuana is illegal, it is seen as a ‘soft’ drug; there are some places wherein it is legal for medical or recreational use. That said, cannabis addiction can still negatively impact an individual’s overall quality of life. There are treatment options available to help users overcome their use.

Is Marijuana Addictive?

Yes, marijuana is an addictive substance. That said, it should be noted that many people use marijuana regularly without becoming addicted to cannabis. Marijuana is seen as a ‘soft’ drug because it is believed that its use doesn’t have the same harmful consequences as other substances such as meth, cocaine, or even alcohol.

That does not mean, however, that marijuana is completely safe and that marijuana abuse is not concerning. People who are struggling with cannabis dependence need help the same way as anyone who is unable to stop using other substances does.

What Causes Cannabis Addiction?

The causes of cannabis addiction are numerous. It’s believed that there’s a genetic component to addiction and that someone who has a close family member who is an addict is more likely than others to become addicted to a substance themselves.

A person’s environment can also play a role in addiction. If they grow up in an environment that normalises drug use or around people who regularly use drugs, then that can make them more likely to engage in substance use themselves, either because they see nothing wrong with it or through peer pressure.

Mental health can play a major role in addiction. It’s not uncommon for people to use marijuana or other substances as a means of coping with depression, anxiety, stress, or trauma.

Signs of Marijuana Addiction

Several signs can identify marijuana addiction. Some of the signs include increased tolerance, where larger amounts are needed to achieve the same high as before. Users can also experience withdrawal symptoms when they’re unable to ingest marijuana.

Some users may see a decline in performance at work or school, and users often neglect responsibilities and hobbies. Social relationships can suffer as some users prioritise marijuana use over other activities.

People who are addicted to marijuana may also spend a significant amount of time obtaining, using, and recovering from the effects of marijuana. Continued use, despite knowing the adverse consequences it has on physical and mental health, is a clear sign of addiction.

The Effects of Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana addiction can have detrimental effects on a user’s physical and mental health. Physically, users may experience respiratory issues, as smoking marijuana can irritate the lungs, which may lead to chronic bronchitis.

Marijuana use can also significantly impact mental health, with increased risks of anxiety, depression, and, in some cases, psychosis, especially among those who are predisposed to mental health disorders.

Marijuana Addiction Treatment

A cannabis addiction is a treatable condition. Some of the options for cannabis addiction treatment include:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a widely used therapeutic approach that helps patients identify and change negative thought patterns. It aims to alter dysfunctional thinking and behaviour to improve emotional regulation and develop personal coping strategies. CBT can effectively treat a wide variety of mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and various forms of addiction.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Motivational interviewing is a client-centred approach to counselling that enhances motivation to change by exploring and resolving a patient's ambivalence. It involves listening with empathy, non-judgemental support, and collaborative goal-setting. This helps individuals recognise the negative impacts of marijuana use and empowers them to pursue healthier behaviours.

Motivational Interviewing

Inpatient treatment is when a person who struggles with addiction checks into a specialised facility wherein they can receive intense support and round-the-clock monitoring to help them overcome addiction. Many treatment centres offer a wide range of treatment services, such as detox and aftercare, though it should be noted that some choose to focus their resources entirely on primary care.

Inpatient Rehab Treatment

The Benefits of Inpatient Rehabilitation

Inpatient treatment can be disruptive to day-to-day life as it requires a person to check into a facility for a few weeks to several months, depending on their needs. However, residential care can come with numerous benefits.

One main benefit is that residential care patients will have continuous daily support. Regardless of when they need it, someone will be there to care for them.

Another benefit is that addiction treatment programmes are personalised, which means that they can get the care that they need in the way to which they’ll best respond.

Residential care also puts patients in a controlled environment. In this environment, they’ll have no access to drugs unless the care feels it is medically necessary, and even then, its administration will be strictly managed. They’ll also be away from triggering circumstances and enablers, giving them the space that they need to focus on their treatment and rehab.

Substance use can have a detrimental impact on a person's interpersonal relationships. Family therapy aims to repair some of the damage that was done and educate family members and other loved ones on the nature of addiction so they can better help someone recover from cannabis misuse.

Family Therapy

Group therapy can help a person maintain recovery and prevent relapse. One of the primary benefits of group therapy is that by joining a support group, a person in recovery can find a community of people who have had similar struggles as them. Within that community, they also receive encouragement and accountability.

Group Therapy

Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms

Cannabis withdrawal symptoms can be challenging and vary in intensity depending on an individual’s length and severity of use. Common symptoms of withdrawal include irritability, anxiety, and mood swings, often leading to feelings of depression. Sleep disturbances are frequent, with insomnia and vivid, unsettling dreams disrupting rest. Physical symptoms may include headaches, stomach discomfort, and decreased appetite, sometimes resulting in weight loss.

Cravings for weed can be intense, making it difficult to resist the urge to use the drug again. Individuals might also experience restlessness, agitation, and difficulty concentrating, affecting daily activities and productivity. Sweating, chills, and tremors are less common but can sometimes occur.

Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within a few days after the last use and can last for several weeks.

You Are Not Alone in Your Healing Journey

Being addicted to a substance can feel isolating. While they mean well, your loved one may not understand what it’s like to depend on a substance.

However, some people do understand the nature of addiction and recovery. They know how hard it can be to recover and what it takes to overcome addiction. Many of these people devote their lives to helping people the same way they were helped.

At Liberty Home Clinic, our staff know all too well what addiction is like and what it can do to a person. But they also know that addiction is beatable because they’re in recovery themselves. By understanding the challenges and emotional distress, our team of highly professional experts recognise every step of the healing journey and will give support at every stage.

We provide primary care with a personalised treatment plan for every patient designed to meet their unique requirements. Located in Cape Town, South Africa, we may seem a world away from receiving our treatment, but with regular direct flights from all major cities in the world, we are much closer than you think. With our first-class service and upmarket clinic, you may find we are a much more affordable option compared to other rehab centres.

To find out more about us, our services, and our facility, please feel free to call. We will be delighted to discuss our treatment programme with you and help you make informed decisions without obligation.