Do you really need to stop marijuana addiction?

Marijuana is the top illegal drug used in the United States. Also called “gateway drug” it is the first drug that is often tried by users before they try other types of substances. It is very popular among youth and adults, especially that it is now more accessible in many states in the U.S.

Marijuana is highly addictive that nearly 10 percent of people who have tried it will eventually become addicted to it. Once addicted, they will begin showing changes in behaviors and manifest more bigger problems later in life. 

Everyday, a lot of people seek marijuana addiction treatment to get in control of their life again. However, only a few people will stop using the drug because they think that it is part of their social life. 

Marijuana addiction is a serious condition and needs immediate medical intervention. So why do users need to stop using cannabis? 

Here are 4 of the reasons why:

• Tendency to develop psychotic disorders. Marijuana addiction triples the chances of developing psychotic problems. A study revealed that marijuana users are more likely to have psychotic disorders such as major depression as compared to people who do not use the drug.
• Tendency to develop brain abnormalities. A research has found that those who smoke marijuana ages 18 to 25 years of age at least once a week have more chances of having problems in the emotion and reward centers of the brain. 

The study confirms that even casual users may develop other addictions aside from smoking marijuana. The abnormalities in the part of the brain may interfere with the user’s ability to control emotions.

• Marijuana addicts are 4 times more susceptible to have depression. One study has found that marijuana users are 4x more likely to have depression than those who do not use the drug.
• Marijuana is toxic to the adolescent’s brain.  A research has revealed that marijuana addiction that started at a young age makes the users to have lower IQs. The damage to their brain is irreversible even they stop smoking drugs.

When you or your loved ones have decided to quit marijuana addiction, then it is time to create a new life without drugs in it.  Know the factors or situations that trigger the addiction. It is important to know what drives a user to smoke marijuana and prevent it as much as possible.

If it is stress that is triggering marijuana addiction, learn how to manage it. If it is sadness or depression, then seek other people’s company. There are variety of ways to fight addiction, but one must have the motivation, patience and seek support from other people.