How to Recognize Marijuana Addiction

Hundreds of thousands of Americans enter rehabilitation programs each year due to marijuana addiction. Marijuana is both physically and psychologically addictive, and chronic use can lead to serious health and social problems. If you suspect that a loved one has a drug problem, here's how to recognize marijuana addiction.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Look for physical signs of addiction. Dilated pupils, bloodshot eyes, dry mouth, increased heart rate, short-term memory loss, fatigue and food cravings are some of the most common physical symptoms of marijuana use.
2. Search for drug paraphernalia like pipes, cigarette rolling papers or small seeds. Marijuana users can make bongs to smoke marijuana using common household objects like empty soda cans. Also look for eyedrops and incense, used to cover up bloodshot eyes and the odor of marijuana, respectively.
3. Listen to the person's language. Slang terms for marijuana, such as reefer, skunk, ganja and boom, are not always obvious to people who don't use the drug. There are also hundreds of types of marijuana available, with street names like Texas Tea and chronic.
4. Observe social behavior. Marijuana addicts tend to withdraw from social interaction as their drug use increases in frequency and quantity. As their tolerance goes up, addicts crave more marijuana and are often unable to control usage. Life becomes centered around getting and using marijuana, which isolates addicts from peer groups.
5. Recognize the psychiatric symptoms of marijuana addiction. Heavy users often suffer from depression, social withdrawal and intense mood swings. Marijuana overdose can lead to psychosis, delusional thinking and uncontrollable anxiety. These serious conditions can lead to destructive behavior and require immediate medical attention.
6. Talk to the person about his or her problem. Marijuana addicts are often unable to quit although they express a strong desire to stop using. Intense physical cravings for the drug along with psychological dependence on the euphoric effects of marijuana, often have a strong hold over individuals from which they cannot break free. Often, the addict is unable to recognize the severity of addiction and will only become aware of the extent of the problem through outside intervention.
7. Offer to help. Attempt to convince your friend or loved one to enter a drug rehabilitation program. If you're unsuccessful, arrange for an intervention. During an intervention, friends and family members confront the addict in a non-confrontational manner to convince him to get help. A professional therapist facilitates the intervention and helps the addict recognize the severity of marijuana addiction and how it's impacting his life and relationships.

Tips & Warnings

• If you know a pregnant woman who is addicted to marijuana, speak to her about the harm she is causing her unborn child. Babies born to addicted mothers often have low birth weight, experience drug withdrawals and are at risk for birth defects. If she refuses assistance, speak to a drug rehabilitation center to determine the next step.
• An intervention can anger your loved one and may strain your relationship for a period of time. Remember that your intent is to help, no matter the consequences. In the long run, if an addict receives treatment and recovers from addiction, she will be appreciative of your role in her transformation.