Many people turn to weed as a way to relax, and a lot of people use it. In 2021, about 19% of Americans reported using cannabis in the previous year. It can also have a variety of medical uses when prescribed by a doctor, such as relief from chronic pain and sleep issues.
Despite how common it is, there are a lot of misconceptions about weed. Many people think that using it is no big deal and that it’s impossible to become addicted.
However, 10% of people who use weed end up meeting the criteria for cannabis addiction. Weed addiction can affect your mind and body. Your mind might crave weed or you may feel like you have to use it all the time. Cannabis can affect your body by making it harder for you to sleep and causing irritability.
While it doesn’t have as immediate of risks as other substances, and can be used to reduce other harmful problems, weed addiction can disrupt your relationships, work, and quality of life.
8 myths and facts about cannabis addiction
While there is a common belief that cannabis is non-addictive, cannabis use disorder is listed as a diagnosable substance use disorder in the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The diagnosis of cannabis use disorder refers to the health and behavioral effects of chronic cannabis use. As with other psychiatric conditions, the cannabis use disorder diagnosis depends on whether or not chronic cannabis use causes problems or interferes with daily life.
Knowing and learning the facts about cannabis use disorder can help you determine if you need to find support when cannabis use is impacting your well-being and daily life.
Let’s explore eight myths and facts about weed addiction, so you can separate fact from fiction.
1. Myth: You can’t get addicted to weed.
Fact: Weed addiction is possible.
Many people think smoking weed is harmless and that it’s not possible to become addicted. However, as mentioned earlier, 10% of cannabis users develop cannabis use disorder. People with this addiction may experience cravings, use weed more than anticipated, or feel unable to reduce their use. Weed addiction can begin to affect relationships, get in the way of work or school, or disrupt daily routines. Over time, people with this condition may prioritize weed over their responsibilities or personal goals.
2. Myth: Weed does not lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Fact: There are many symptoms associated with withdrawal.
Studies show that 47% of people who use weed experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop after heavy, long-term use.
Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Nervousness
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Decreased appetite
- Anger or irritability
- Depressed mood
These withdrawal effects typically appear within the first 24-48 hours after stopping or significantly reducing use. While everyone’s experience with cannabis withdrawal is different, symptoms may last up to two weeks. If you want to make the decision to cut back or reduce your cannabis use, talk to your provider about how to do this safely. At-home treatments like staying hydrated and eating nutritious foods may help ease the symptoms.
3. Myth: Only younger people become addicted to weed.
Fact: Weed addiction can develop at any age.
You don’t need to be a teenager to get addicted to weed. However, the risk of cannabis use disorder is higher for people who begin using weed before the age of 18 because their brains are still developing. Even if you’re older than 18, you can become addicted over time, especially with regular use. Genetics, stress, and frequency of use factor into how likely you are to develop a weed addiction. Even occasional use can turn into something more. If you experience cravings, have trouble cutting back, or find yourself prioritizing weed over your responsibilities, you can take steps at any age to reduce cannabis use.
4. Myth: Weed reduces stress, so it can’t cause problems.
Fact: Weed can relieve stress temporarily, but long-term use may worsen anxiety or depression.
People may turn to cannabis to ease stress from a hard day and think it’s easy to keep use recreational. However, using weed to cope can turn into a cycle. Studies have found that adults with cannabis use disorder were three times more likely to experience generalized anxiety disorder. The overwhelming stress may also contribute to CUD. If you think you have depression or anxiety in addition to a weed addiction, it’s OK to reach out for support treating both conditions.
5. Myth: Weed is natural, so it’s harmless.
Fact: Sometimes natural substances have risks.
While marijuana is plant based, that doesn’t mean it is totally harmless. It contains a compound that can impair memory, judgment, and motor skills. Long-term smoking may increase coughing, breathing issues, and the risk of bronchitis or lung cancer.
6. Myth: Cutting back or stopping weed is easy.
Fact: Reducing or discontinuing use can take time.
Even if you want to decrease or quit using weed, it may take time. You may experience cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and temptations to fall back into familiar patterns. However, change is possible, and help is available. Professional support can make reducing or stopping weed easier. At Groups, we can guide you through effective coping strategies and create a personalized treatment plan to help you gradually reduce or discontinue cannabis use.
7. Myth: You can’t overdose on weed.
Fact: While a fatal overdose is extremely rare, it is possible to overdose on weed.
Large amounts of weed may lead to severe physical and psychological symptoms known as cannabis poisoning. Common symptoms of cannabis poisoning include:
- Extreme anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- High blood pressure or heart rate
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Impaired coordination
- Pale skin
The severity of an overdose depends on the amount consumed, potency, and the tolerance of the person using it. If the following severe symptoms develop, seek medical attention immediately:
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Suicidal thoughts
- Unresponsiveness
- Uncontrollable shaking
If you have a preexisting heart condition or mental health disorder, a weed overdose may worsen your condition. Even if you aren’t experiencing these symptoms, it’s OK to reach out to your provider to discuss how you can prevent them from occurring and protect your health.
8. Myth: Using weed doesn’t affect mental health.
Fact: Regular cannabis use may impact your mental health.
Cannabis use may lead to paranoia and hallucinations, causing people who use to hear and see things that aren’t there. Many studies have explored schizophrenia’s association with cannabis use with one study at Yale reporting 75% of participants with early schizophrenia having a history of cannabis use.
How cannabis use disorder can connect with other substances
Cannabis use disorder may occur on its own. But it can also occur with alcohol, stimulant, or opioid use disorder. One study found that about half of the people with cannabis use disorder may also fit the criteria for alcohol use disorder. Addressing two connected conditions together may make recovery more effective.
Groups can help you with weed addiction
Now that you know that weed addiction is possible, you can confidently make more informed choices to protect your health. Cannabis can affect your mental health and well-being. While many people can use it recreationally, it could turn into addiction or long-term effects. Separating fact from fiction, you can determine if your weed use is becoming more than occasional or harmless use. With this knowledge, you can decide if you want to cut back or stop using weed completely. If you’d like to make these changes, you don’t have to navigate them alone.
At Groups, we offer support for cannabis use disorder in Iowa, and we’re working to expand this service in the future. If you would like extra support, please reach out to us.
Give our Recovery Support Coordinators a call today at 888-858-1723 for more information or to begin your recovery. We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our 130+ local offices. If Groups doesn’t offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.
