Drug Addiction Treatment | Marijuana Addiction is Real

Years ago, I never thought about marijuana being a 'gateway' drug, nor that someone would need a drug addiction treatment center to help them get through withdrawals. My views have changed. Just because it wasn't necessarily my drug of choice, although I'd have smoked it if it were there, that doesn't mean others do not suffer and need the help of a drug addiction treatment center.

People who use marijuana compulsively and for a long period of time can develop an addiction. When I say compulsively I mean the smoke it regardless of how it interferes with family, school, work, and recreational activities. In 2008, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, estimated that 7 million Americans classified with dependence on or abuse of illicit drugs, 4 million were dependent on or abused marijuana. 15.8% of people entering drug abuse treatment programs in 2007 reported marijuana as their primary drug of abuse (61% of those under 15).

Along with craving, withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, sleeping problems, and anxiety can make it difficult for long-term marijuana smokers to quit. Past research has shown that approximately 9% of people who used marijuana may become dependent.