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Cannabis—commonly known as marijuana, weed, or pot—is a psychoactive substance used worldwide. While it’s often prescribed or consumed for medical purposes, many people also use it recreationally to unwind or ease stress. For some, however, this reliance can become habitual. Over time, individuals may find themselves needing marijuana to function in daily life—whether it’s going to work, running errands, or socializing with friends. If you or someone you love is struggling with cannabis dependence, our marijuana rehab in Orange County, CA, offers compassionate, evidence-based treatment to help you regain balance and control.
Marijuana refers to the dry, often-sticky leaves from a hemp plant called Cannabis sativa. In the plant, one can find two natural compounds: cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These two natural compounds are what affect the individual’s mind and body and make them feel relaxed or high.
It can be consumed in many forms but some of the more popular ones would be rolling it and smoking it like a cigarette, smoking it through a bong, or consuming it by incorporating it in your food known as edibles. Although there are some benefits of marijuana, many people grow a dependence on the drug and end up becoming addicted, thus needing proper medical treatment.
New Leaf Detox accepts all PPO plans, which can cover up to 100% of treatment costs. Contact our team today for a free, confidential verification of your benefits.
Yes, marijuana can be addictive. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has stated that roughly 10% of people in the United States who use marijuana develop an addiction. That risk increases to about 17% for those who begin using during adolescence, when the brain is still developing. For individuals who use marijuana daily, the likelihood of developing a dependence rises even higher — to between 25% and 50%.
Many advocates of marijuana use claim that it is a harmless, natural substance without addictive potential. Because cannabis is derived from a plant, some assume it poses little to no risk compared to other drugs or alcohol. However, these beliefs are not supported by scientific research. Studies consistently show that marijuana can lead to dependence, particularly when used frequently or started at a young age.
At New Leaf Detox & Treatment Center in Orange County, our team of licensed addiction and mental health professionals provides evidence-based marijuana addiction treatment for both men and women throughout Southern California. Our comprehensive approach helps clients overcome dependence, restore mental clarity, and build lasting recovery.
A lot of people often claim that marijuana is harmless and should not be considered as a substance abuse drug. In some states, it is even wholly legal to use specific amounts of marijuana sparingly. Because of this, many people find it challenging to recognize when using marijuana could potentially be causing health problems, some severe enough to require abuse treatment from a proper addiction center before seeing improvements to the user’s physical or mental health state.
There are various symptoms that may confirm the development of an addiction to marijuana, many of which occur when attempting to stop using.
While marijuana may not produce the same intense physical dependence seen with substances like opioids or alcohol, it can still lead to significant psychological addiction. Many individuals struggling with cannabis dependence experience cravings, irritability, sleep disturbances, and difficulty functioning without the drug. This form of psychological dependence can be just as challenging to overcome as other behavioral addictions, such as gambling or compulsive internet use.
Interestingly, public perception of marijuana often minimizes these risks. A 2013 Gallup poll found that a majority of Americans supported legalizing marijuana—even as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported that more than 950,000 people sought treatment for marijuana use that same year.
Much of the misconception that marijuana is “non-addictive” stems from the fact that it typically doesn’t cause severe physical withdrawal or visible deterioration seen with drugs like heroin or methamphetamine. However, the absence of obvious physical symptoms doesn’t mean there’s no harm. Dependence on marijuana can still impact motivation, emotional regulation, and overall mental health—often in ways that quietly disrupt daily life.
There is a wide variety of both short and long-term effects that can be caused when using marijuana. Obviously, the symptoms vary from one person to another because of several contributing factors such as the user’s size, medical history, or any pre-existing conditions, to name a few. Industry professionals agree that among the most common negative side-effects of long-term marijuana abuse include:
Studies have shown that frequent and long-term use or abuse of marijuana can cause permanent damage to the brain. Often this damage directly contributes to as much as an 8 point IQ loss if the abuse started at an early age. It should be understood that many of these damages will not return, even after the use of marijuana is completely eliminated for the rest of your life.
Those individuals who choose to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana can cause numerous dangerous effects to both themselves and others on the road. A couple of these effects are: decrease in coordination, difficulty reacting to important sounds and signals, slower reactions, and weaving in between lanes.
Despite the different professional sports organizations negotiating whether marijuana should be an included substance in the drug violation testing, tests have proven that marijuana affects an athlete’s overall performance. The main performance aspects that are affected include: coordination, timing, and movement speed.
The use of marijuana has shown to affect performance at one point or another that determines how successful people can be during crucial times in life. Further research has shown how marijuana users are more likely to experience: relationship complications with both family members and close friends, decreased number of goals and career achievements that are met, overall satisfaction of life rarely meets the user’s expectations, schoolwork and other daily responsibilities receiving more frequent adverse outcomes.
Specific reports have gone on to explain the link between moderate and severe depression to the use of marijuana, as well as anxiety and many other forms of psychotic episodes. Although tests have resulted in this conclusion, there is no definitive scientific evidence that has been found that directly correlates marijuana as being the primary cause.
When the user of marijuana continues their habits during pregnancy, it is vital to know any complications that the may drug may be causing. An article on marijuana and pregnancy published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) professionals layout that some of these effects are: Various growth restrictions, Stillbirth Premature and other dangerous issues at birth, brain development complications that often directly result in decreased cognitive functioning abilities and hyperactivity.
Treating and recovering from marijuana addiction can be a difficult process. At New Leaf Detox and Treatment, we only use evidence-based practices that have proven to be effective to help you overcome your substance use disorder. Our medical and admissions staff will work with you to develop a treatment plan that adheres to your specific needs.
Our rehab in Laguna Niguel offers a variety of treatments such as residential living and continuing care programs that are all designed to encourage a successful recovery. Learn more about the treatment programs we offer for marijuana addiction, we can help you build a life of lasting recovery.
