Treatment Options for Heavy Daily Marijuana Users

The legalization of marijuana in many states has made obtaining and using marijuana much easier, which has increased the number of people who choose to use marijuana recreationally in some form. However, marijuana does have the potential to be addictive and can carry other long term risks. Heavy daily marijuana users are more vulnerable to developing an addiction and suffering consequences and may need intensive treatment in order to stop.

Why Addiction Is More of a Risk for Heavy Daily Marijuana Users

While even light marijuana users can develop an addiction, heavy daily users are more at risk. Larger THC levels in the blood can lead to faster tolerance to the drug, meaning that you need more THC to get the same effects, which can lead to physical dependence.

This happens because THC triggers the release of dopamine, a “feel good” chemical, in the brain. Over time, the brain adapts and begins to expect THC and doesn’t release dopamine without it. This makes it difficult to feel good without using marijuana.

When you stop using marijuana, the brain becomes out of balance, leading to withdrawal symptoms. For heavy users, these symptoms can be more intense and last longer, which often leads people to start using again. This is characteristic of marijuana addiction.

Are You Addicted to Marijuana?

Just because you’re a heavy daily marijuana user, you’re not necessarily addicted. While only a professional can formally diagnose a marijuana addiction, formally known as a cannabis use disorder, the clinical definition specifies 11 criteria that indicate the disorder. You can do a self-evaluation using these criteria, which are:

1. Using more marijuana than intended or for longer than intended
2. Wanting to reduce or stop marijuana use but not being able to
3. Spending excessive amounts of time using marijuana or recovering from using
4. Feeling cravings for marijuana
5. Failing to live up to responsibilities due to marijuana use
6. Having relationship problems because of marijuana use
7. Giving up activities that you enjoy in order to use marijuana instead
8. Engaging in risky behaviors like driving while under the influence
9. Continuing to use marijuana in spite of negative consequences like health issues
10. Needing more marijuana to get the same effects
11. Having withdrawal symptoms when you are not using marijuana

Having two to three of these symptoms indicates a mild cannabis use disorder, four to five is considered moderate, while six or more is severe.

Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms

Marijuana withdrawal is not dangerous, and not everyone has withdrawal symptoms. However, some people who have used marijuana heavily for a long time may have symptoms that include:

• Irritability
• Anger or aggression
• Anxiety
• Decreased appetite
• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting

Risks of Long-Term Marijuana Use

If you are a heavy marijuana user, you may not necessarily think that you need to quit, but you should be aware of the risks of long-term marijuana use.

Mental and Cognitive Health

Regular, long-term use may impact memory, attention, and learning. Some users experience reduced motivation or difficulty concentrating. In some people, marijuana can worsen anxiety, depression, or increase the risk of psychosis, particularly if there is a personal or family history of mental health disorders.

Respiratory Health (When Smoked or Vaped)

Smoking marijuana can irritate the lungs and airways, leading to chronic cough, bronchitis-like symptoms, and reduced lung function over time.

Brain Development (Younger Users)

Using marijuana regularly during adolescence when the brain is still developing may interfere with normal brain growth, potentially affecting decision-making, emotional regulation, and cognitive performance.

Heart and Physical Health

Marijuana can increase heart rate and blood pressure temporarily, which may pose risks for people with heart conditions. Some users also experience changes in appetite, sleep patterns, and energy levels.

Marijuana Addiction Treatment Options

Several options are available for marijuana addiction.

Inpatient Treatment

A 30 to 90 day inpatient treatment program includes a period of detox, during which you are kept as comfortable as possible through your withdrawal period, and intensive therapy, both individually and in groups. Most of your time will be spent in group therapy.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) allows you to live at home while attending treatment for four to six hours per day, five days a week. The program may last anywhere from four to ten weeks. The treatment involves therapy similar to that of inpatient treatment, both in groups and individually.

A PHP program is often a transitional treatment that occurs after inpatient treatment, although it can be an alternative to inpatient treatment.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) generally involves two to three hours of therapy three days a week for eight to twelve weeks. Often, treatment sessions are in the evenings so that you can still go to work or school during the day. Treatment, again, involves individual and group therapy.

IOPs can be standalone treatments, or they can be attended after inpatient treatment, a PHP, or both.

Support Groups

Some people with cannabis use disorder don’t attend treatment at all but instead attend support group meetings. While this may be effective for some people, it should not be a standalone option for those who have a severe addiction. It can, however, complement other forms of treatment for everyone.

Comprehensive Treatment

The most effective treatment for cannabis use disorder, particularly if it is severe, is a comprehensive treatment program that consists of an inpatient program, a PHP, and an IOP. Research shows that success rates increase the longer the treatment program. Even after IOP, support can continue through support groups, individual therapy, or both. Recovery from marijuana addiction, or any addiction, is a lifelong process that requires dedication and a strong support network.

In Closing

If you are a heavy marijuana user and trying to stop but don’t seem to be able to do it on your own, help is available. At Bridges of Hope, we offer several treatment options and are committed to providing personalized, compassionate care so that you can live a healthier, more fulfilling life. Give us a call to learn more.