If People Don’t Overdose On Marijuana, Why Is It Considered A Dangerous Addiction?

Marijuana is one of the least lethal drugs upon which people develop a chemical dependency. Despite calls to incorporate marijuana into opioid addiction treatment, use for treating depression, and a growing national progression toward marijuana legalization, marijuana use disorder is still a viable mental health disorder. The Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders added marijuana use disorder recently, officially highlighting the concern that the cannabinoid drug is indeed addictive. However, compared to other substance use disorders, like opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder, marijuana use disorders seems less harmful. To date, no one has ever died of an overdose on marijuana. Some studies have estimated it would take tens of thousands the amount of the average marijuana user’s intake of marijuana to produce anything close to an overdose. Other harmful effects have been found, like long term brain damage, complications in cognitive development, and damage to the lungs from smoking. Otherwise, marijuana is physically harmless.

Psychologically, on the other hand, marijuana can present many problems. Marijuana use disorder evidences the fact that chemical dependency on marijuana can negatively influence the way someone is able to live their life. Similar to other substance use disorders, people who become addicted to marijuana find themselves experiencing symptoms of withdrawal when they are not able to use marijuana. Unable to think clearly, eat, sleep, have anxiety, have panic attacks, or become severely depressed, it becomes obvious that their lives are focused on marijuana. Buying marijuana in high quantities can be expensive and take a toll on someone’s financial life. Additionally, being “stoned” or being “high”, otherwise stated as being intoxicated on marijuana, can negatively impact relationships, the ability to work, and even lead to social isolation- all the makings of an addiction.

Other addictions which are considered dangerous like process addictions, are still taken seriously for their psychological effect. Marijuana addiction does not have to worsen and cause a serious situation in someone’s life for it to be taken seriously. If you believe you or a loved one are struggling with marijuana addiction, recovery is available.

Harmony Place offers a full continuum of luxury residential care, providing detox services and residential inpatient along with other treatment options. For a private consultation and more information, call us today at  1-855-627-1417.