How People are Impacted by Dependence on Marijuana

Some people think marijuana isn’t addictive, but it can lead to a serious physical dependence. While not everyone becomes struggles with dependence on marijuana, it can happen more often with marijuana than with other illegal drugs.

What’s the Difference Between Dependence and Addiction?

Being dependent on marijuana (or “cannabis”, or “weed”) doesn’t always mean you’re addicted. Many people develop a tolerance, which means they need more of the drug to feel the same effects.

• Dependence means your body has become used to marijuana. If you stop using it, you may feel withdrawal symptoms like trouble sleeping or feeling unwell.
• Addiction is when you feel a strong urge to use marijuana even when it causes severe problems in your life. You may feel like you can’t go a day without it, and it may cause you anxiety thinking about how to get more.

Signs of Marijuana Dependence

Knowing the signs of dependence can help you decide if it’s time to seek help. Common symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Low energy or feeling down
• Sweating
• Trouble focusing
• Increased anxiety

These symptoms can vary from person to person.

Physical Dependence on Marijuana

Physical dependence happens when your body feels it needs marijuana to work properly. When the drug wears off, your brain may struggle to function as it did before. This can make it feel like marijuana is necessary just to feel normal.

Psychological Dependence

Psychological or emotional dependence means you believe you need marijuana to feel okay. Even after physical symptoms go away, people may still crave the drug or feel anxious without it.

This type of dependence can make daily life harder. It might affect your mood, relationships, or ability to focus at work or school.

What Is Marijuana Withdrawal?

Withdrawal symptoms can happen when you try to quit marijuana. These might include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Sweating
• Trouble sleeping

These symptoms usually last a few days to two weeks. How long they last depends on how often you used marijuana, how much you used, and if you used other drugs too.

How Dependence Affects Your Life

Marijuana use, whether it leads to dependence or not, can affect many parts of life. It can harm your:

• Memory and thinking
• Job or school performance
• Relationships
• Finances
• Physical and mental health

Taking the Next Step

Noticing signs of dependence is the first step toward change. Whether it’s physical, psychological, or both, understanding your use can help you make better choices.

Getting help from a doctor or a support programme can make quitting easier and safer. Support is available through:

• Healthcare providers
• Counselling services
• Addiction recovery programmes

At Smarmore Castle, we provide a medically managed detox to help patients manage their withdrawal symptoms safely, as well as evidence-based treatment that provide therapy for the root causes of addiction. Contact a member of our team today to learn more about our treatment options.