Why Is It So Hard to Quit Marijuana?

With the legalization of marijuana in many states, it’s used recreationally by more and more people. Many of these people can do so safely, but marijuana can be hard to stop for some people. About 30% of people who use marijuana will actually develop an addiction, known as cannabis use disorder.

Reasons Why It’s Hard to Quit Marijuana

Several factors can make it difficult to stop using marijuana.

Physical Dependence

Frequent use of marijuana can lead to a physical dependence on the drug. The THC in marijuana triggers the brain to release dopamine, a “feel good” chemical. Over time, the brain starts to need THC in order to release dopamine, which makes it difficult for the person to feed good without it. This physical dependence becomes an addiction and leads to withdrawal symptoms when use of marijuana stops.

Routine

For some, using marijuana becomes a part of their daily routine. They may use it after work to wind down, or before bed to help with sleep. It becomes a habit, which is hard to give up without replacing it with a new habit.

Underlying Mental Health Conditions

Some people use marijuana to self-medicate underlying mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. Marijuana can relieve anxiety and other mental health symptoms temporarily, which reinforces the use of the drug. However, over time, using marijuana can actually make mental health symptoms worse.

Social Influence

For some people, using marijuana is a social norm. They use it with friends and have a great time. If they decide to stop using but still see the same friends, it can be hard to abstain when everyone else is using.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Some people experience withdrawal symptoms when they quit marijuana, which can make it tempting to use again to ease the symptoms. This is one of the indicators that the person is addicted. Withdrawal symptoms may include:

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

Do You Have a Marijuana Addiction?

If you find it difficult to quit marijuana, you may have an addiction. While only a mental health professional can formally diagnose a cannabis use disorder, you can self-evaluate by looking at the 11 criteria for addiction from its formal definition. These 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 Addiction Treatment

Marijuana addiction, just like any addiction, usually requires treatment. Treatment may be inpatient or outpatient, and involves intensive therapy. If you have any underlying mental health disorders, these must be treated concurrently with the cannabis use disorder, which sometimes may include medications such as antidepressants.

The most common therapy used in treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). In CBT you learn how to recognize your irrational thoughts and emotions, and to challenge them with more rational thinking. For example, if you think “I feel anxious, I need a joint”, you’ll learn to recognize that that’s irrational, and come to a better conclusion like “I can do something healthy to feel better, like taking a walk.”

In treatment, this therapy is usually used in a group therapy format, which has proven to be very successful. Peers get to interact and share with each other, and learn that they are not alone in their struggles. Often, peers develop mutually supportive relationships that may last even after treatment.

Marijuana Addiction Treatment Programs

Treatment programs, as discussed, may be inpatient, outpatient, or both.

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.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment programs usually come in two forms.

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.

The other option is an intensive outpatient program (IOP), which 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’s not 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’re finding it difficult to stop using marijuana, you may have an addiction that needs to be treated. Bridges of Hope is here to help with many treatment options. We are committed to providing personalized, compassionate care so that you can begin a successful recovery journey. Give us a call today to learn more.