Long term effects of marijuana addiction (INFOGRAPHIC)

An INFOGRAPHIC on how marijuana addiction starts in the brain. How addictive is weed? And what are its basic effects? LIKE, SHARE, or COMMENT here.

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What is marijuana addiction?

As defined by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) addiction is: “the chronic, relapsing brain condition that is characterized by compulsive seeking behavior, and use despite being aware of harmful risks and side effects.”

Basically, addiction is the state of being enslaved to a habit, like smoking marijuana, to the extent of experiencing negative effects to health, work, or relationships. While many people deny the physical dependence aspect of weed, withdrawal symptoms have been clinical reported when regular use is discontinued. Withdrawal symptoms from marijuana can occur in long-term and frequent users and make the quitting process more difficult. They include, for example:

Long term effects of marijuana addiction (INFOGRAPHIC)

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  • agitation
  • anxiety
  • cravings for marijuana
  • loss of appetite
  • sleep problems

Further, marijuana addiction can cause psychological dependence, a less explored phenomenon among regular users.

Has weed changed your behavior?

So, if you or a loved one have realized that you need marijuana just to feel normal, be able to function and face life’s challenges – it may be time to consider getting some help. Especially if frequent or long-term marijuana use has  started to change your personality and behavior.

Also, if you have ever told yourself that you will stop smoking marijuana now, but constantly fail to succeed and keep away from smoking again and again, keep in mind that loosing control over use is one of the first signs of physical and psychological dependence.

Marijuana addiction and its treatment

Although not very common, about 1 in 11 marijuana users becomes addicted, and those are mostly users who use weed daily. If you have tried to quit marijuana use several times already, but go back to smoking again – you need to stop lying to yourself and seek help to stop using weed.

No medication therapy exist currently for treating marijuana dependence, but withdrawal symptoms can be managed separately by using over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies to treat their intensity. Treatment for marijuana addiction usually includes forms of behavioral therapy, such as motivational incentives and learning behavioral patterns that help recovering individuals avoid relapse and stay clean.

Effects of marijuana addiction questions

We hope you like our infographic about how weed affects the brain and gets you hooked.If you do, don’t forget to SHARE it with your friends on social media.

Also, if you’d like to ask or add something, feel free to post your comments in the section below. We try to respond personally and promptly to all legitimate inquiries.

About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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