Alcohol and Marijuana Addiction Treatment | AspenRidge Recovery
Alcohol And Marijuana Addiction

Due to the constantly changing social views and perspectives on marijuana addiction, understanding the risks of its intake may seem challenging. However, research shows increased negative outcomes of marijuana intake in Colorado. In 2019, approximately 20.62 percent of Colorado high school students took marijuana within 30 days.

Alcohol and marijuana are the most popularly combined substances, and their effects on brain development can be critical. When an individual combines both substances, there’s typically an increase in their depressant effects in the body.

Alcohol and marijuana addiction may cause depressive effects. However, proper treatment can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and manage cravings. AspenRidge Recovery offers alcohol and marijuana addiction treatment to help you and your loved ones. Call us at (855) 281-5588, recovery is possible and a fulfilling life starts here.

Alcohol And Marijuana Addiction Treatment

Does Alcohol Make You Addicted?

Alcohol is one of the most commonly used addictive substances in the United States. Hence, it’s certain that alcohol makes individuals addicted. According to a report from the NCADD, approximately 17.6 million people in the U.S have challenges relating to alcohol dependence.

You may experience alcohol addiction when your body becomes dependent on the substance. The two major causes of this dependence are physical and psychological factors. Here’s a breakdown of why those factors can make individuals feel addicted:

  • Physical Factors: Drinking causes the brain to release dopamine and more endorphins. Hence, individuals may experience a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction as these chemicals are also natural painkillers. Due to the increase in these pleasure chemicals, the brain’s reward center may become overloaded, causing cravings.
  • Psychological Factors: Since alcoholism may also be a learned behavior, psychological factors like stress can cause addiction. Symptoms of stress may contribute to addiction, as consistent alcohol intake serves as a coping mechanism.

Does Marijuana Make You Addicted?

Marijuana has a high tendency to make individuals develop an addiction. Recent studies show that 30 percent of individuals using the substance experience a degree of marijuana use disorder. Research also shows that people who take the substance before age 18 have between four to seven times the possibility of developing marijuana use disorder.

Similar to alcohol use disorder, marijuana use disorders also relate to dependence. Individuals who develop dependence may experience withdrawal symptoms when not taking the substance.

Long-Term Side Effects of Marijuana

Over time, consistent intake of marijuana can affect an individual’s physical and mental well-being. One of the most common side effects it causes is altered brain development, especially in young people below eighteen or twenty-five. The notable long-term side effects of marijuana intake include:

  • School Challenges: Some experts relate frequent intake of marijuana with the higher possibility of school challenges. However, it’s important to note that marijuana may not be a cause for school challenges but only a risk factor.


  • Cognitive Impairment: In marijuana, THC intoxication may cause cognitive impairment on a number of levels. Examples include basic motor coordination and also the ability to handle complex tasks.


  • Altered Brain Development: Studies showed that adults who smoked marijuana had lesser neural fibers in certain brain regions. In younger individuals, this may cause a significant disruption in brain development.


  • Feeling Less Satisfied: Chronic levels of marijuana may increase feelings of anxiety and depression. Individuals may feel worse about their current life experiences or past happenings.

Combined Effects Of Alcohol And Marijuana Addiction

Combined Effects of Alcohol and Marijuana Addiction

According to the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute (ADAI), the mixture of alcohol and marijuana has an unpredictable effect. Some individuals may experience nausea and vomiting, while others experience paranoia or both.

Depending on the individual’s state of mind, intake of both substances can cause significant anxiety levels. According to the Harvard Mental Health Letter, 20 percent to 30 percent of individuals who smoke experience panic attacks.

Other significant effects of alcohol and marijuana addiction include:

  • Impaired judgment
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Lack of motivation
  • Memory loss
  • Panic attacks
  • Increased heart rate

How to Stop Alcohol and Marijuana Addiction

The first step to stopping the cycle is to admit to the substance use disorder. If you’re struggling with alcohol and marijuana addiction, the good news is that there’s a path to recovery. However, it’s also imperative to note that experiencing addiction is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness.

Once an individual can recognize the condition’s presence and decide to make a change, there’s a high chance of success.

Deciding to discontinue intake of alcohol and marijuana may signify the need to change certain lifestyle choices, including:

  • Ways of dealing with stress
  • What to do in my free time
  • The medications you take
  • How you think about yourself

Apart from those imperative points, you should visit an addiction recovery clinic near you for support. Most recovery centers will provide detox, behavioral counseling, medication, and long-term follow-up.

What is Marijuana Detox and Withdrawal?

Marijuana Detox is a natural process of ridding the substance from the body. During marijuana detox, individuals may develop severe withdrawal symptoms. However, when managed in a treatment facility, various sets of suitable interventions exist. Examples of these include medications and other therapies to manage the symptoms safely.

Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms

Some of the major withdrawal symptoms of marijuana withdrawal include:

  • Depression
  • Sleep problems
  • Fever
  • Reduced appetite
  • Anxiety
  • Cravings to use the substance
  • Negative mood
  • Shakiness
  • Excessive sweating
  • Dehydration
  • Stomach pains
  • Headaches

What Is Marijuana Detox And Withdrawal?

How Long Does Marijuana Detox Take?

The time it takes for marijuana detox depends on factors like the amount consumed and the length of use. However, marijuana withdrawal usually begins on the first day after quitting. Within two to three days, the symptoms may become more severe. Then, these symptoms may improve over the next two weeks.

During the third week of detox, most of the major side effects of marijuana addiction disappear. However, certain individuals may experience certain mental side effects for several months.

AspenRidge Recovery Colorado Centers

Every individual experiencing alcohol and marijuana addiction can get the help they need. No one is alone in this journey. Speak to a trusted loved one and get help from us at AspenRidge Recovery. At our recovery center, we want you to know that recovery is possible and you’re on your way to a fulfilling life.

We provide alcohol addiction treatment programs and other suitable treatments for alcohol and marijuana abuse in Colorado.

Not sure which program is right for you? Call us at (855) 281-5588. Reach out to us today and get the help you need.