Recognizing the signs of marijuana addiction is the first step to recovery. However, for many people in Toronto, this is often the hardest step. Most of the time, it can be very difficult to remain objective when gauging your level of drug use.
Marijuana is an addictive substance often referred to as weed by many people. Today, it is one of the most popularly used controlled substances. Similarly, its use is championed by many facets of pop culture including music, art and movies.
In the same vein, the benefits of marijuana can make it difficult to spot the symptoms of addiction. Some people use medicinal marijuana for various health benefits. However, at the point of addiction, marijuana comes with detrimental side effects including paranoia and mental health problems.
As a result, it is very important that you are able to spot the signs of addiction to marijuana. Are you wondering how to know if a friend is addicted to weed? In this article, we will discuss the classic symptoms associated with marijuana addiction. More importantly, we will show you what to do if you have issues with marijuana addiction.
Related article: How to Overcome Marijuana Addiction?
The Signs of Addiction to Marijuana
There are many signs that point to addiction to marijuana. Although some people may exhibit all of the symptoms on this list, it is more likely that you may be experiencing only a few of them.
If you find that you are experiencing any of the signs on the list, then you may be addicted to marijuana.
Tolerance to marijuana
Although marijuana is a controlled substance, it’s just like any other drug. As with other drugs, regular use can lead to a tolerance for marijuana. If you find yourself needing to smoke more and more joints to get high, then you may be addicted to marijuana.
Marijuana withdrawal symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms come into play when you don’t have access to marijuana. With marijuana addiction comes a level of body dependence. This means that when you don’t have access to the drug, your body goes into withdrawal.
Common marijuana withdrawal symptoms that you should be on the lookout for include insomnia, irritability, anxiety and a loss of appetite. If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms when you don’t take weed, you may have an addiction issue.
Using more than intended
Smoking the whole joint when you intended to take only a couple hits is not a sign of “prowess”. In fact, in the world of addiction treatment in Toronto, it means a totally different thing.
If you find that by the end of the night, you have taken many more hits than intended, then you should seek professional help. Marijuana addiction is a gateway that leads to other equally serious addiction problems.
Inability to cut down on marijuana usage
Perhaps you have a school project or a new job. There are many reasons why you may have to cut down on marijuana usage. This is completely normal. However, the issue comes in when this is impossible.
If you find that you can’t do without a daily dosage of marijuana, then you may be addicted. Additionally, you may need expert addiction treatment services in Toronto.
Spending too much time high
The way you spend your time is usually a great indicator of whether or not you are addicted. If you can go days without getting high, you may have nothing to worry about. However, if the bulk of your time is spent getting high, this is a serious red flag. Marijuana is not a substance that you should dedicate time to. Get professional help ASAP!
Reduced physical activity
A lack of physical activity is one of the classic signs of addiction to weed. Therefore, to determine whether or not you may be addicted, review your daily activity. Usually, people who are addicted to marijuana replace the physical and recreational activity with getting high. Most of the time, they spend all day high, with zero room for exercise.
Lifestyle and relationship problems
A sure sign of addiction to marijuana is problems caused by your conduct. If you find that your conduct and obligations are being affected by marijuana, then it is time to close up shop. For instance, the fact that you keep getting high can cause you to get late to work. If you can’t stop this self-sabotaging attitude, it’s a sign of a deeper problem.
Using marijuana as a coping mechanism
There is no world in which marijuana should be a coping mechanism. Furthermore, the solution to work and relationship issues shouldn’t be to get high. Watch your pattern of behaviour. Most times, a symptom of marijuana addiction is reaching for a joint when you have real-life problems.
Depending on weed for relaxation and creativity
There are no studies that conclusively prove that marijuana can help you become creative. Although it has medicinal properties that may help you relax, weed shouldn’t be your sole source of relaxation.
One of the signs of addiction to weed is an inability to sleep or relax without a joint. Additionally, if you find that marijuana is a huge part of your creative process, you may have an addiction issue.
Choosing activities based on marijuana
A recreational or casual weed smoker can choose to attend events without a thought of whether they can get high. Most addiction treatment experts in Toronto find that addicts choose to spend time with others based on whether they can get high. If this is you, the probability is high that you are addicted to the substance.
Neglecting your daily activities
Everybody has important activities that they have to get done on a daily basis. However, an addiction to marijuana may cause you to shirk these important responsibilities in favour of getting high. Sometimes, it may be that you have a motivation problem. Other times, it may be that you have an addiction to weed.
Related article: How to Quit Marijuana: Key Steps to Kick the Habit
What do I do if I’m addicted to Marijuana?
You can’t get addiction treatment in Toronto if you don’t know that you are addicted to a particular substance. If you find any of the symptoms of addiction to weed in your life, then your first step should be to seek expert help from addiction treatment services around you.
The failure to get expert help can have severe consequences. For starters, addiction to weed can cause changes in your self-image. Also, it can lead to the wrong perception of others around you. You may start feeling like people are plotting against you or following you. In severe cases, weed addiction can lead to psychosis.
Start by getting rid of all traces of marijuana in your life. Sell that bong and flush the weed in your bedside table. In the same vein, you may have to make drastic lifestyle changes such as changing your friends and the places where you hang.
In Conclusion
The signs of addiction to weed may be difficult to spot. However, with the list above, you should be able to tell if you or a friend is getting addicted to weed.
Addiction Rehab is one of the leading providers of marijuana addiction treatment services in Toronto. We use modern treatment techniques to help our clients recover from addiction to weed and other controlled substances.
Feel free to speak to any of our experts for help with the signs of addiction to weed. Contact us today!
Related article: Do Marijuana Addiction Treatments Work?
