Marijuana is a mind-altering drug that changes the way the brain works. The strength of the drug is determined by the amount of THC in the marijuana, and the amount of this chemical present has been increasing over the years. People who use marijuana for a prolonged period of time do run the risk of addiction which is a serious problem.
The length of time it takes to become addicted to marijuana varies from person to person. Marijuana has many different levels of THC, so the potency of the drug isn’t consistent. The higher the level of THC and prolonged used of the drug increases the risk of addiction, but every user will experience this in a slightly different way. Once a person is no longer able to function normally without marijuana, she is addicted.
The THC in marijuana is rapidly absorbed into the body’s fat cells, so it’s common to be able to detect marijuana in a urine test several days after smoking just one cigarette. People who are addicted to marijuana can have traces of the chemical in their systems for weeks after stopping the drug.
The short-term effects of marijuana abuse can quickly become overwhelming. At the very least, marijuana use can alter the way a person’s brain works and effect his ability to make good choices. Other short-term side effects of marijuana use include the following:
Once people experiment with marijuana, they begin to build up a tolerance to the drug and it takes more and more to produce the same result. This is how drug use turns quickly to addiction.
Addiction to marijuana happens at different rates to different people, but long-term use is the biggest factor. Other factors that put people at risk for marijuana use include the following problems:
When people become addicted to marijuana, the most important thing to them is getting more of the drug. This can lead to a state of mind that is willing to do anything to satisfy the craving. School, family relationships, friendships and career can all be negatively impacted by marijuana addiction.
If you or someone you love is addicted to marijuana, there is hope. Through medically supervised detox and drug rehab, marijuana users can get control of their life again. After rehab, there are ongoing support groups and programs to help you or your loved one stay clean. Your medical team will help you find programs and create an intervention plan that can increase your chances of a life free from marijuana.
If you need help finding the right treatment program for marijuana addiction, we can help. Call our toll-free 24 hour helpline and get the help you need. Call now and begin your recovery today.
