People recovering from marijuana use disorder (MUD) may experience relationship issues due to the symptoms and side effects of their condition. Non-residential treatment programs provide clients with the tools and resources they need to repair or strengthen relationships with loved ones. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal substance in the U.S. and its use is growing.” The Redpoint Center educates clients and their families about the dangers of marijuana misuse. The care team uses evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies to help clients and their loved ones heal from the effects of weed addiction.
Who Is at Risk of Developing Weed Addiction?
Individuals who misuse marijuana as adolescents or teens are more likely to develop weed addiction later in life. According to the previously mentioned article by SAMHSA, “Approximately 1 in 10 people who use marijuana will become addicted.” However, “When they start before age 18, the rate of addiction rises to 1 in 6.”
Some other risk factors for developing MUD include:
- Genetics
- Peer pressure
- Chronic health issues, including chronic pain
- Severe illness or injury
- Family history of substance abuse
- Co-occurring mental health disorders
Individuals at a higher risk of developing addictive behaviors benefit from attending professional addiction recovery programs if they begin to develop a dependency on marijuana. Treatment centers provide clients with a safe space to address underlying issues contributing to the addiction and offer couples the tools they need to heal together.
How Does Weed Addiction Impact Mental Health?
Over the last 50 years, marijuana has become more potent with higher levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of weed. According to Missouri Medicine, “Prior to the 1990s it was less than 2%. In the 1990s it grew to 4%, and between 1995 and 2015 there has been a 212% increase in THC content in the marijuana flower.” THC is what makes marijuana potentially addictive, and most modern products have a THC concentration of up to 95%. The research published in Missouri Medicine stated that the “purpose of these products is to produce a high, and the increased potency makes them potentially more dangerous and more likely to result in addiction.”
What Is the Impact on Relationships?
Any form of addiction negatively affects relationships, including MUD. Many people are unaware of the potential for addiction. Some individuals may try marijuana as a way to reduce stress, self-medicate, or connect with peers without considering the consequences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “People of any age, sex, or economic status can develop a substance use disorder for marijuana or other drugs.” Individuals who have difficulty abstaining from weed may notice it interfering with their relationships, social lives, work productivity, or education.
MUD also affects relationships in multiple ways, including:
- Inequality between couples or others who live together regarding household responsibilities
- Trust issues and other forms of conflict
- Health issues caused by marijuana misuse
Early intervention and treatment is the best way to avoid relationship issues caused by marijuana addiction.
Challenges Couples Face During Recovery From Weed Addiction
Significant others are often impacted the most by the side effects of MUD. According to Addiction Science and Clinical Practice, “Adults seeking treatment for marijuana abuse or dependence average more than 10 years of near-daily use and more than six serious attempts at quitting.” Repeated unsuccessful attempts to abstain from marijuana can strain relationships and cause conflict between partners. The condition may also contribute to financial instability, legal problems, or other issues affecting couples.
Recovering from MUD may be challenging for some couples due to the following:
- Unresolved conflicts
- Financial strain
- Incompatible or differing motivations
- Changes in the power dynamic
- Communication issues
In some cases, one partner may be less motivated to ensure positive lifestyle changes, putting a lot of pressure on the other person. Healing from substance misuse is challenging without the support of significant others. According to SAMHSA, “Families should be open to the options of support groups or family therapy and counseling, which can improve treatment effectiveness by supporting the whole family.” The Redpoint Center encourages families to actively participate in their loved one’s treatment and recovery.
How Does The Redpoint Center Help Clients Strengthen Relationships?
Clients going through recovery benefit from being supported and encouraged by their loved ones. Individuals with close relationships damaged by substance abuse use family therapy and individual therapy to address those issues and find healthy ways to reduce conflict and move forward. The Redpoint Center believes everyone should have a safe space to heal after completing treatment. Helping clients strengthen and improve relationships with partners or other loved ones provides additional support after treatment.
The care team prioritizes client safety and comfort. Families are encouraged to participate in their loved one’s recovery. However, clinicians are careful to ensure toxic individuals are not allowed to interfere with a client’s treatment plan. People are encouraged to discuss with their care team if they have concerns about loved ones playing an active role in their treatment. The Redpoint Center goes above and beyond to support, uplift, and protect the sobriety of individuals recovering from weed addiction and other conditions.
Marijuana remains one of the most commonly misused addictive substances in America. Millions of families are affected each year by the physical, emotional, and legal issues caused by weed addiction. The side effects and symptoms have the potential to significantly damage relationships. Individuals struggling with marijuana use disorder benefit from attending professional mental health and addiction recovery programs. Dedicated clinicians provide clients and their families with the resources and skill development they need to repair relationships and recover together. The Redpoint Center uses evidence-based treatments to help clients and their loved ones heal. To learn more about our programs and the services we offer, call our office today at (303) 710-8496.
