Can marijuana be addictive?

Dr. M.K. (Khal) El-Yousef is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in psychopharmacology and addictions. He founded Fairwinds Treatment Center over 25 years ago to pursue his dream of healing individuals who suffer from addiction problems, returning them to their families to lead happier and healthier lives.

To do this, Dr. El-Yousef pioneered his effective dual diagnosis method of treatment, which involves therapeutic counseling in addition to clinical treatment for physical symptoms. He knew that addiction isn't created exclusively through physical means, but is often triggered by underlying emotional and psychological pain.

In order to help a patient achieve long-term recovery, the staff at Fairwinds use a holistic approach and focus on healing the person's mind, body and spirit. Only then can an individual return to society and lead a fulfilling, healthy life.

Many people believe that marijuana isn't addictive or dangerous, however, this may not always be the case. According to the 2013 edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, almost 17 percent of those people who get high as teenagers will become addicted.

Marijuana ingestion has also been known to lead people into dangerous situations, some of which end at the hospital or in jail. Part of the problem is the cultural perception that marijuana is completely harmless no matter the situation. On the contrary, a team of Columbia University researchers found that marijuana use contributed to 12 percent of fatal car accidents in the United States in 2010.

If you believe your marijuana use is damaging your relationships, work, health or is stopping you from treating other addictions or mental illnesses, contact Fairwinds — one of the top dual diagnosis treatment centers in the nation — to find out about your treatment options.