With several states making marijuana legal for recreational use, people are wondering, is marijuana addictive? Like any substance that alters your brain chemistry and causes euphoria, there is always a risk of forming an addiction. Drug addiction cases continue to increase all across the country, putting a strain on treatment centers and hospitals everywhere. Substance abuse counselor jobs are in high demand right now, and the need will only increase in the future.
At Behavioral Health Jobs, we offer a website specializing in jobs in the behavioral health industry for men and women looking for an exciting career as substance abuse counselors. You can search for jobs in private practices, state and federal agencies, and community centers in every city across the country. If you are still in school, many companies offer internships that can become a full-time career. Check out all available substance abuse counselor jobs near you on the Behavioral Health Jobs website today.
Is Marijuana Addictive?
Addiction is a psychological need for any substance or action that creates a pleasurable experience. Marijuana and other substances such as alcohol, opioid pain medication, and meth all have addictive properties that are unique to the individual. A person who uses marijuana to get relief from depression or social anxiety can form an addiction much faster than someone who takes marijuana recreationally.
Symptoms of marijuana addiction include:
- Losing interest in things they used to enjoy
- Personal and professional relationship troubles
- A high level of tolerance for marijuana
- Falling behind at work or in school
- An inability to quit alone
Because marijuana is not as strong as other drugs like heroin and meth, many people assume they will not become addicted and can take as much as they want. Over time, it can cause a marijuana dependency where they have a physical need for the drug. If they don’t take more, they will experience withdrawal symptoms that can last from 72 hours to several weeks.
Is marijuana addictive? Yes, but each person’s experience with drugs and alcohol is unique, and not everyone will be affected the same way.
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs
There is a shortage of substance abuse counselor jobs across the country as more and more people turn to drugs like marijuana. As more states make the drug legal for recreational use, experimentation will increase, as will the number of addiction cases. Marijuana dependency is a real concern for anyone using marijuana regularly.
Becoming a substance abuse counselor requires several years of education and clinical experience before you can diagnose and treat patients. The typical path to becoming a substance abuse counselor includes:
- An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in substance abuse, chemical dependency, or related field.
- Up to 3,000 hours of clinical experience. Students who have a master’s degree require fewer hours.
- Continuing education to stay up to date with new technologies and modalities.
- Obtain various certifications from the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCCAP).
Each state has different education and certification requirements. Check job requirements to see which certifications you need. Additional skills that will help you thrive in this challenging career include:
- Active listening skills
- Able to show empathy
- Excellent communication skills
- A strong desire to help people from all walks of life
- Able to separate work and personal life
Behavioral Health Jobs Is Your Number One Source for Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs
Behavioral Health Jobs is an online database of jobs in the behavioral health field. We have substance abuse counselor jobs near you and across the country if you are considering moving to a new city. Job seekers can search for jobs by zip code, city, or state. They can also search for jobs that offer remote work options if they prefer to work from home.
Start a new job search for substance abuse counselor jobs near you on the Behavioral Health Jobs website today.
