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The Link Between Marijuana Addiction and Mental Illness

a person holds their head and looks sad as they recognize the link between marijuana addiction and mental illness

You may have heard that marijuana isn’t addictive. However, research has shown that marijuana addiction is a real and serious problem. In fact, the link between marijuana addiction and mental illness is strong.

If you or someone you know is struggling with marijuana addiction, Northpoint Seattle can help. Our marijuana addiction treatment program can break the cycle of addiction to build a better future. Call 888.483.6031 to get started.

Is Marijuana Addictive?

Contrary to popular belief, marijuana is addictive. In fact, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 30% of people who use marijuana will develop an addiction. If you start smoking weed as a teenager, your risk of addiction is even higher. So, what are the signs of marijuana addiction?

The most common sign of addiction is continued use despite adverse consequences. For example, you may keep smoking even though it’s causing problems in your relationships or at work. You may also develop tolerance, which means you need more and more weed to get the same effect. Withdrawal symptoms are another sign of addiction. These can include irritability, anxiety, cravings for weed, and sleep problems.

The Link Between Marijuana Use and Mental Health

Marijuana use can cause or worsen mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, psychosis, and schizophrenia. Research has shown that people with a history of mental illness are more likely to develop an addiction to marijuana. This is because THC, the main psychoactive chemical in weed, can worsen the symptoms of mental illness—making someone more susceptible to the effects of addiction.

Some of the specific links between marijuana addiction and mental illness include:

Marijuana and Depression

Depression is a common mental illness that can be made worse by marijuana use. People who use weed are more likely to experience depression than those who don’t. This may be because THC can interfere with the way the brain processes serotonin, a chemical that helps regulate mood.

Marijuana and Anxiety

Anxiety is another common mental illness that can be worsened by marijuana use. THC can increase anxiety levels by causing paranoia and fear. CBD, another chemical in weed, may also contribute to anxiety.

Marijuana and Psychosis

Marijuana use can cause or worsen psychosis, a mental illness characterized by delusions and hallucinations. THC can trigger psychosis in people who are vulnerable due to a family history of mental illness or other risk factors.

How to Break the Connection Between Weed and Mental Illness

If you’re struggling with both addiction and mental illness, it’s important to get help from a qualified professional who can treat both conditions simultaneously. It’s also important to understand that recovery takes time; don’t be discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Remember that every day you stay sober is a victory.

When you find marijuana addiction treatment, you may go through multiple stages, including:

  • Inpatient treatment – This is typically the first stage of treatment. During inpatient treatment, you’ll live at the treatment center and receive 24-hour care.
  • Outpatient treatment – Outpatient treatment usually follows inpatient treatment. During outpatient treatment, you’ll live at home and visit the treatment center for therapy and other activities during the day.
  • Partial hospitalization treatment – Partial hospitalization treatment is a type of outpatient treatment that provides more intensive care than traditional outpatient treatment.

Marijuana Addiction Treatment at Northpoint Seattle

At Northpoint Seattle, we offer comprehensive treatment for marijuana addiction and mental illness. Our treatment programs are designed to meet the unique needs of each patient. We offer a variety of therapies, including individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy.

If you or someone you love is struggling with marijuana, don’t wait to get help. Call 888.483.6031 or contact us online today.