Alcohol Addiction - Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes

Who Is in the Most Danger of Becoming Addicted to Marijuana?

Certain individuals have a higher chance of becoming addicted to marijuana than others. It is important that these individuals, if they have been abusing the drug, seek treatment in order to curb their use or put a stop to it altogether.

Marijuana Users at Risk

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, "No single factor can predict whether a person will become addicted to drugs." However, certain factors make a person more vulnerable to problematic use if they choose to abuse drugs, and some relate specifically to the use of marijuana.

• The NIDA states, "People who begin using marijuana before the age of 18 are 4 to 7 times more likely to develop a marijuana use disorder than adults."
• According to the National Library of Medicine, those who smoke every day are also much more likely to become addicted than those who don't, in some cases, even twice as likely.
• Similarly to alcohol, those who have been using the drug consistently, usually for more than 10 years, have a strong chance of becoming addicts as well.

All the other risk factors associated with other types of drug abuse syndromes, including the biological, environmental, and developmental factors, apply to marijuana addiction as well. Therefore, there are many individuals who are in danger of becoming addicted to this drug, but because many people think an actual addiction to marijuana is not possible, they are unaware of their risk.

How Do I Protect Myself?

If you have a high risk factor for marijuana or any type of drug addiction, it is likely much safer to avoid using the drug. This is the only surefire way to protect you from developing a substance use disorder. Some individuals choose to be very careful with their use of the substance. Over time, though, this controlled use could become compromised, which is why abstaining is the only sure way to avoid addiction.

Marijuana Addiction is Serious

It is important to seek help if you believe you are already addicted to this drug or if you may be at risk of a substance use disorder. Without professional treatment, it can be just as hard to quit abusing marijuana as it is to stop abusing any other illicit substance.