Cannabis is a commonly abused substance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Cannabis is the most commonly used federally illegal drug in the United States.” In addition, “Recent research estimated that approximately 3 in 10 people who use cannabis have cannabis use disorder.” Bright Mission Recovery uses evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies to help people addicted to cannabis recover from cannabis use disorder (CUD) and other forms of substance use disorder (SUD).
Can You Become Addicted to Cannabis?
Approximately 30% of individuals who abuse cannabis become addicted to the drug. Individuals with a prescription for cannabis can also become addicted if they use the substance in any way other than as instructed by a medical professional. You can develop significant side effects from abusing cannabis.
Risk Factors for Cannabis Addiction
Many factors contribute to CUD, including:
- Previous or co-occurring alcohol, prescription medication, or drug abuse
- History of mental health issues
- Family history of SUD or mental health disorders
- Environmental factors
- Genetics
- Cannabis abuse at an early age
- Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma
- Financial or social instability
Young people are more likely to abuse cannabis. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “The proportion of young adults who reported past-year marijuana use reached 43% in 2021, a significant increase from 34% five years ago (2016) and 29% 10 years ago (2011).” Younger individuals also have an increased risk of developing dependency and addictive behaviors due to chronic cannabis abuse.
Signs and Symptoms You May Be Addicted to Cannabis
Recognizing the signs of CUD can help you know when to get professional help. Everyone reacts differently to cannabis depending on the dose, type of the drug, and how frequently they abuse it.
Some of the most common warning signs and symptoms of CUD include:
- Increased tolerance and requiring more cannabis to achieve the same effects
- Inability to stop using cannabis despite negative consequences
- Frequently using more of the drug or for longer than intended
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, including cravings, during periods of abstinence
- Neglecting essential professional, personal, or social responsibilities to abuse cannabis
- Abusing cannabis even in situations where it may cause physical harm (e.g., smoking marijuana while operating a motor vehicle)
- Excessive time spent obtaining, using, and recovering from the drug
You should get help immediately if you believe you may have developed CUD. Unaddressed CUD may lead to severe health side effects, including life-threatening accidents or injuries. Early intervention and treatment are the best ways to avoid developing long-term health issues caused by chronic cannabis abuse.
Potential Long-Term Side Effects
Chronic cannabis abuse can lead to additional substance or mental health disorders. Adolescents and young adults who abuse cannabis have an increased risk of developing CUD and experiencing long-term or permanent side effects.
Some of the potential long-term side effects of chronic cannabis abuse include:
- Cognitive impairment
- Changes in brain development
- Chronic bronchitis and other respiratory issues
- Increased risk of depressive disorders and psychosis
- Decreased interest in achieving personal or professional goals
- Increased risk of heart attack or cardiovascular disease
- Changes to hormone levels affecting fertility
- Weakened immune system
Adolescents and young adults who chronically abuse cannabis may experience these side effects and more, including a permanent reduction in IQ and a higher likelihood of developing schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders.
When to Seek Professional Treatment
Anyone who believes they may have a problem should seek a medical diagnosis and immediate support. The professional treatment programs at Bright Mission Recovery provide additional services and the tools to effectively address your condition. Often, people with cannabis use disorder have difficulty abstaining from the drug without the assistance of rehabilitation programs. We offer comprehensive, personalized care for individuals struggling with CUD and co-occurring conditions.
How to Get Help If You Are Addicted to Cannabis
Individuals with diagnosed or undiagnosed CUD can get help from the following:
- A primary care provider
- Local mental health or addiction counselors or therapists
- Community centers or other places that provide community resource information
- Mental health and addiction rehabilitation facilities
- Online directories
You can also contact medical professionals in person or through telehealth to get diagnosed and receive tailored treatment planning. Bright Mission Recovery uses comprehensive assessments and screening tools to ensure an accurate diagnosis and provide clients with the best treatment options.
Cannabis Treatment Programs at Bright Mission Recovery
Rehabilitation programs allow people to heal in a nurturing environment. Bright Mission Recovery offers a continuum of care, including residential and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs). Clients collaborate closely with the care team to ensure they fully understand their options and make educated decisions about their care. Cannabis addiction can be successfully treated using evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies. Clients can access a wide range of therapeutic services, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), psychotherapy, peer support, and complementary therapies. Personalized treatment programs for cannabis use disorder provide the best outcomes for individuals struggling with SUD and co-occurring conditions.
Cannabis is one of the most commonly used addictive substances in America. People are often unaware of the potential for addiction and may use cannabis instead of other substances because they do not realize the potential dangers. Cannabis typically has mild side effects. However, for some individuals, cannabis abuse can cause severe, persistent, and sometimes permanent health issues. Psychotic episodes, addictive behaviors, and other potential side effects of cannabis abuse impact people’s mental health and make them more likely to develop additional substance use or mental health disorders. Bright Mission Recovery educates individuals on the dangers of cannabis abuse and treats the condition using evidence-based modalities. To learn more about our programs and services, call us today at (747) 444-3284.