Marijuana Addiction

An estimated 30% of people who use marijuana will develop a dependence. PACE helps young men to find meaning, drive, and purpose after marijuana addiction.

Marijuana Abuse

Marijuana is the most widely used drug in the United States, due in part to its widespread legalization. However, just because marijuana is culturally accepted and widely available doesn’t mean it is safe—far from it. Medical experts have sounded the alarm about a newly discovered link between frequent marijuana use and psychosis.

Marijuana Use Linked to Psychotic Symptoms, Schizophrenia

Marijuana impacts the parts of the brain that regulate sensory experiences, emotions, learning, memory, and motor coordination. According to researchers, smoking in a chronic or compulsive way rewires one’s brain; the body acclimates to a certain amount of THC, and neuronal communication changes. These effects are worsened if use begins at a younger age.

 A 2019 study published in The Lancet Psychiatry explained that daily use of marijuana, particularly high-potency strains, sharply increases the chance of a person developing psychotic symptoms. Psychosis is characterized by issues with sensory perception; men with it may see, hear, or feel things that aren’t there. They might also find themselves plagued with irrational or paranoid delusions. Research from the CDC indicates that this type of cannabis consumption can also lead to long-lasting mental disorders, including schizophrenia. Clients with these conditions require intensive, evidence-backed treatment to alleviate their symptoms and stop the cycle of addiction.

Prevalence of Marijuana Use Disorder

Marijuana is the most-used drug that is illegal on the federal level. An estimated 48 million people—18% of the U.S. population—used it at least once in the year 2019. Recent research dispels any belief that this drug is not addictive. In reality, around 30% of people who smoke, vape, ingest, or otherwise use marijuana will become addicted. The risk is compounded for those who begin consuming it before the age of 18. The younger someone is, the more strongly they are affected. Fortunately, it is possible to recover from marijuana use disorder.

Find Recovery at PACE

At our California drug abuse rehab, we understand that everyone has a story that led them to marijuana dependence. We help clients explore the factors contributing to their addiction and prepare for a healthy, happy future. Our treatment center offers residential and outpatient treatment options tailored to the needs of each client. The result is a new pattern of lifelong change. To learn more about addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one, contact our admissions center today.