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Is Marijuana Addictive?

woman exhaling smoke while smoking marijuana

Marijuana has been used medicinally and recreationally for centuries. Today, marijuana, commonly known as weed or pot, is still controversial despite being legal or decriminalized in many states. While marijuana can provide health benefits, contrary to popular beliefs, it can be addictive. Understanding weed addiction and getting help is the best way to prevent addictions to more serious drugs. A marijuana addiction treatment center can provide safe and effective tools to overcome marijuana use.

If someone in your life is struggling with marijuana or you want more information about weed addiction, call Northpoint Nebraska today. Reach our staff now at 888.351.3834 to learn more about our programs for addiction recovery and mental health.

Is Marijuana Addictive?

The short answer is: yes. There is a longstanding debate about marijuana and addiction. Formally known as cannabis use disorder or CUD, weed addiction can develop from medicinal or recreational use. While there are benefits to THC and CBD compounds for chronic pain, nausea, and coping with cancer treatments, both THC and CBD can lead to addiction. CBD is most commonly used to treat chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia. It relaxes the nervous system and blocks pain to help people sleep or recover from injury. THC is the chemical compound that provides the “high” weed is known for. THC can alter the perception of color, shapes, and objects in space. It also promotes relaxation. For some, THC or THC overdose can also have the opposite effects, causing paranoia and hallucinations. The euphoric feelings of THC can lead to habitual cannabis use and addiction.

While relatively uncommon, someone can overdose on weed, whether smoking, vaping, or ingesting edibles. Signs of weed overdose include:

  • Intense nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Panic attacks
  • Paranoia
  • Hallucinations
  • High blood pressure
  • Increased heart rate

Frequent cannabis use can cause CHS, a syndrome that causes cyclical nausea, vomiting, and intense stomach pain. Prolonged CHS can cause problems with digestion and nutrient absorption, leading to malnutrition.

What Is Marijuana Abuse and Addiction?

While marijuana is not as harmful as illicit drugs, prolonged use is often a sign of an underlying mood disorder or unprocessed trauma. Like other drugs, marijuana creates a dopamine reward pattern in the brain. Each time someone smokes or ingests weed, their brain releases dopamine. This pleasure chemical can cause people to reuse quickly for another dopamine release. This release and reward is a normal part of the brain’s function. However, the continuous need for dopamine is often a sign of underlying disorders in need of treatment.

Marijuana provides an escape. Cannabis use disorder develops when someone is struggling with difficult feelings, high stress, or the need to self-soothe.

Comprehensive Marijuana Addiction Treatment in Nebraska

If you or someone in your life is dependent on weed, now is the time for help. While weed is less harmful than other substances, cannabis use disorder can quickly lead to other drug use, risk-taking behavior, or self-harm. A dual diagnosis and addiction recovery center is the best way to overcome marijuana addiction and prevent further drug use.

At Northpoint Nebraska, our state-of-the-art recovery center is here for you and your loved ones. Northpoint Nebraska provides flexible, comprehensive care with inpatient and outpatient programs. Our programs include:

  • Drug detox and rehab
  • Alcohol detox and rehab
  • Co-occurring disorder treatment
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Medical intervention
  • Relapse Prevention

Our brand-new facility provides patients with a gym, one-on-one counseling, and the support they need for long-term recovery in central Omaha.

Start Weed Addiction Treatment in Central Omaha Today at Northpoint Nebraska

Do not ignore the dangers of marijuana, especially if you or a loved one are struggling with use, abuse, or addiction. Call Northpoint Nebraska now at 888.351.3834 to get started with our programs and learn more about the effects of cannabis use disorder.