Marijuana Addiction

What Marijuana Does To The Body

THC binds to receptors that govern memory and coordination.

THC, marijuana's active compound, works by binding to cannabinoid receptors concentrated in the basal ganglia, hippocampus, and cerebellum — regions responsible for short-term memory, coordination, learning, and problem-solving.

Like other addictive substances, marijuana directly activates the brain's reward pathway, enhancing dopamine signaling in the nucleus accumbens.

Causes

Why marijuana addiction develops.

Risk depends partly on the potency and frequency of use. Hereditary factors matter too — people with a first-degree relative who has an addiction face a higher risk — as does environmental exposure to regular users, peer pressure, low socioeconomic status, and a lack of parental guidance.

Signs & Symptoms

Recognizing marijuana use.

Physical signs

• Impaired body movement
• Increased appetite
• Irritated lungs, breathing problems
• Altered senses — quieter sounds, brighter colors
• Increased heart rate
• Hindered brain development (younger users)

Behavioral signs

• Impaired memory
• Difficulty with cognitive tasks
• Mood changes
• Altered sense of time
• Loss of IQ points (teenage users)
• Temporary hallucinations (long-term users)
• Temporary paranoia (long-term users)
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Suicidal thoughts

Long-Term Effects

The lasting impact of chronic use.

• Flare-ups of schizophrenia
• Increased depression and anxiety
• Cognitive impairment
• Respiratory issues

Withdrawal

What withdrawal from marijuana looks like.

Marijuana and its metabolites typically remain in the system for 4–21 days, after which withdrawal symptoms become more common. Symptoms usually disappear entirely within 90 days.

Physical & mental signs

Cravings, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, decreased appetite, digestive issues and cramps, depression, depersonalization, headaches, dizziness, mood swings, nausea, sweating, and an altered sex drive.

Overdose signs

Increased heart rate, heart palpitations, heart arrhythmias, heart attack, bloodshot eyes, dry mouth, anxiety, an irritated respiratory system, hallucinations, delusions, depersonalization, dilated pupils, unresponsiveness, panic attacks, shallow and labored breathing, and loss of consciousness.

Treatment At Two Dreams

How we treat marijuana addiction.

Two Dreams treats marijuana addiction through our 3-7-3 Model — three treatment phases (Coming In, Looking In, Looking Out), seven wellness dimensions (abstinence, peer support, professional guidance, medication review, nutrition, exercise, and ritual), and three outcomes we help each client establish and sustain: mental peace, physical well-being, and personal productivity.

Treatment combines 12-step philosophy with behavioral therapies, motivational enhancement therapy, psychiatric care, daily process groups, individual counseling, physical activity, nutritional guidance, journaling, and mindfulness practice. Two Dreams does not provide on-site detoxification but is glad to refer clients to nearby clinics before admission, and the program maintains a maximum of 10 clients at a time so each person's progress can be evaluated individually.