People have been using marijuana for centuries. Whether enjoying the drug’s euphoric or painkilling effects, people smoke or ingest weed medicinally and recreationally. For teens, marijuana is often the first drug they use when experimenting with altering substances. While there is great debate over marijuana, it can be addictive. Marijana abuse in teens can cause drug use later in life. Luckily, today there are marijuana addiction treatment programs specially designed to help teens understand addiction and holistically cope with stress.
If your teen is abusing marijuana, call Venture Academy today. Our programs help clients ages 18-25 with marijuana addiction treatment and other substance abuse recovery programs. Reach us now at 866.762.2211 to learn more about our marijuana addiction treatment for teens and find the answer to the question, “Is weed addictive?”
Is Weed Addictive?
So, is weed addictive? While highly debatable, it is possible to become addicted to weed. Formally known as cannabis use disorder or CUD, marijuana dependence can develop from medicinal or recreational use. Today, many products derived from cannabis provide specific effects.
There are two key chemical components that contribute to weed’s effects: CBD and THC. CBD is commonly used to treat chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia. It relaxes the nervous system and blocks pain. THC is the chemical compound that provides a euphoric high. It can change how people see colours and promote relaxation. It can also cause opposite effects like paranoia and hallucinations. The euphoric feelings of THC can lead to habitual cannabis use and addiction. While relatively uncommon, someone can overdose on weed, whether smoking or ingesting it.
Signs of overdose include:
- Vomiting and severe nausea
- Confusion
- Panic attacks
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- High blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
For some, frequent cannabis use can cause CHS, a syndrome that causes cyclical nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Someone living with CHS should seek medical attention. Prolonged CHS can cause problems with digestion and nutrient absorption.
Marijuana Abuse in Teens
While marijuana may not be as addictive as illicit drugs like meth, cocaine, and heroin, a person can become addicted to the dopamine reward they receive from smoking weed. For many, this shift in brain chemicals can promote self-medicating with cannabis. For teens, especially smoking week or enjoying edibles may be a way to avoid stress or cope with social pressures. Because marijuana is easy to get and popular among teenagers, it can be tough to know what marijuana use has become an addiction.
When a teen’s behaviours change, it’s time to get help. A weed addiction or marijuana abuse can often be a sign of an underlying mood disorder or unprocessed trauma. Unfortunately, many teens live with undiagnosed depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Others live with untreated childhood trauma. The effects of mood disorders and trauma can increase the chance of a teen becoming addicted to marijuana. Weed addiction is more common for those who begin using it in their teens.
Comprehensive Marijuana Addiction Treatment for Teens
If your teen is using marijuana, it’s time to talk to them. Stay open and curious while talking with your teen. If it’s unclear why your teen is using weed and their weed use is affecting their life, call Venture Academy today. With three clinics across Canada, our programs provide young adults with a range of mental health and addiction recovery programs. Our multidisciplinary team can assess and treat mood disorders and trauma alongside substance abuse. We know teens need support to stay on track in school and heal from substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. Get help right away with our crisis intervention program.
Choose Venture Academy for Marijuana Addiction Treatment for Teens
At Venture Academy, marijuana abuse in teens can be overcome in an addiction treatment program. Call Venture Academy now at 866.762.2211 or fill out our online form to get started with our programs and learn how Venture Academy can support your teen and your family.
