Marijuana is often seen as a harmless recreational drug. For some it’s a way to relax, unwind or socialize. But for others what starts as casual use can turn into something more serious – addiction. As marijuana becomes more mainstream the signs of addiction can get overlooked. If you think marijuana is taking over your life or the life of someone you love, understanding the signs of marijuana addiction is the first step to recovery.
At Jaywalker we get the unique struggles men face with addiction. Whether marijuana is the substance or part of a larger issue we can help. Recognizing early can make all the difference in getting the support and treatment you need.
What Is Marijuana Addiction?
Marijuana addiction, also called cannabis use disorder, is a tricky thing. You might think it’s not possible to get addicted to weed but the truth is, it is. In fact, marijuana is one of the most commonly used substances among adults and teens. While some people can smoke it recreationally without a problem, others find themselves coming back to it again and again.
The reason is simple: marijuana is habit forming. When you first start smoking it, you might feel relaxed and euphoric. But as your body adjusts to the THC, you need more and more of it just to feel that way again. This is called tolerance. It’s a sneaky thing because you don’t even realize you’re addicted until you try to quit or cut back. Withdrawal symptoms are mild at best, if you experience them at all. But the craving for it is strong.
The bigger issue is dependence. Over time, marijuana affects how your brain functions. THC changes the way your brain cells communicate with each other. It tricks your brain into releasing dopamine, a feel-good hormone, by stimulating the reward centers of your brain. At first, this is a good thing. But as you continue to smoke marijuana, your brain starts to rely on it to feel normal. This is called physical dependence. You might not even realize it but your brain is craving the high of marijuana just to feel normal. And that’s when you know you’re in trouble.
Physical Signs of Marijuana Addiction
If you or someone you care about is using marijuana often, the physical signs can become more noticeable. While marijuana doesn’t usually show the same physical symptoms as harder substances like alcohol or opioids, there are still clear changes that may suggest an addiction.
Here are some physical signs to watch for:
- Bloodshot or red eyes: This is a common and consistent effect of marijuana use.
- Chronic coughing or respiratory issues: Regularly smoking marijuana can irritate the lungs.
- Changes in appetite or weight fluctuations: Frequent use might lead to overeating or a loss of appetite.
- Dry mouth and increased thirst: Often referred to as “cottonmouth,” this is a typical side effect of marijuana.
- Fatigue or lethargy: A general lack of energy or motivation can be associated with marijuana dependence.
Identifying these physical signs early on can help assess whether marijuana use is crossing into addiction.
Behavioral and Emotional Signs of Marijuana Addiction
Marijuana use affects so much more than just your body. It affects your mind, your emotions and your relationships.
Here are some red flags to look out for:
- Loss of interest in hobbies and activities: As marijuana use increases, so does the desire to do anything. You used to love playing guitar or hiking but now it seems like too much work. You’re not as into spending time with friends and family and you’ve started to neglect responsibilities at work or school.
- Withdrawing from friends and family: You used to love hanging out with friends and family but now you’d rather isolate yourself at home or with your buddies. You might feel embarrassed about using marijuana or ashamed of how much you’re using. You might feel like you can’t relate to anyone unless you’re high or that no one will understand you if you quit.
- Problems with friends and family: You cancel plans with friends and family over and over again. You miss important events and gatherings and can’t seem to remember anything anyone talks about. You feel like you’re letting everyone down and they probably don’t want to be friends with you anymore.
- Irritability, anxiety or paranoia: Coming down from a high can be rough and you might experience mood swings or irritability. But if you’re anxious or paranoid when you’re high, that’s a whole different story. You might feel like you’re losing your mind or that the world is ending. If you need marijuana just to feel normal or to avoid those feelings, you might be addicted.
Mental Health Impacts of Marijuana Addiction
Marijuana addiction goes far beyond physical withdrawal symptoms. It’s a deeply mental and emotional issue. In fact, people who use marijuana regularly are more likely to deal with anxiety and depression. Many turn to weed as a way to cope with stress and negative emotions but it ends up being the root of the problem.
Not to mention, marijuana has a profound effect on the brain. THC, the active ingredient in pot, can cause significant memory problems and affect your ability to focus and learn new information. You might not notice it when you’re high but when you come down you might struggle to remember things or hold conversations. You might have a hard time reading a book or watching a movie because you can’t follow what’s going on. In extreme cases, marijuana addiction can cause serious mental health issues like psychosis and hallucinations. It can make you feel paranoid and confused, foggy and unclear.
You might not notice it when you’re high but when you come down you might struggle to make decisions, handle stress or complete daily tasks. If pot is getting in the way of you living the life you want, if you can’t enjoy time with friends and family or complete projects at work, it’s time to get help. Asking for it is not a weakness, it’s a sign of strength. You can get your life back and we’re here to help you do just that.
When Casual Use Becomes Addiction
It’s easy to get sucked into marijuana. In fact, it’s one of the most popular substances around. You might have started smoking it casually with friends or to help you unwind after a long day. But over time, what was once a fun way to relax has turned into a daily habit.
The truth is, it’s easy to become dependent on marijuana. In fact, you might not even realize you are until you try to go without it. Ask yourself this: Could I go a full day without smoking marijuana? If the answer is no, you might be dependent on it. The sad truth is many people know pot is bad for them but can’t stop using it despite the harm it’s causing. That’s addiction.
Have you blown off responsibilities or hurt relationships because of marijuana? If so, it could be a sign of addiction. When pot starts taking priority over things that are important to you, it’s a red flag. Don’t ignore it. Addressing it now can make all the difference in your life.
How Jaywalker Can Help
At Jaywalker, we recognize that addiction is a multifaceted challenge, and we’re dedicated to assisting men in overcoming it. We focus on dual diagnosis treatment, which is especially vital for those dealing with both addiction and underlying mental health issues. Marijuana addiction frequently aligns with conditions like anxiety or depression, making it essential to tackle both aspects in therapy.
Our treatment method involves personalized therapy, counseling, and support groups designed to meet each individual’s specific needs. We ensure a safe and nurturing environment where men can delve into their addiction and develop healthy coping strategies. Whether you’re fully committed to treatment or simply seeking guidance, we’re here to support you in taking that important next step toward recovery.
Recovery is achievable, and with the right support, you can escape the grip of addiction. Our team at Jaywalker is ready to assist you every step of the way, providing the tools and resources necessary to help you rebuild your life.
