Marijuana is widely perceived as a socially acceptable substance with little or no downside. However, this image conflicts with some complex realities. First, like all forms of cannabis, marijuana is addictive, especially when used often or in heavy amounts. The drug can also damage your physical and mental health in other ways. In addition, research shows that marijuana use can potentially damage your relationships. With help from effective marijuana treatment, you can protect yourself from these kinds of harm.
The General Impact of Substance Abuse on Intimate Relationships
Addiction specialists and marriage counselors know how substance abuse can damage relationships. As a rule, abuse occurs when you use a substance in ways that harm your ability to function. Problems associated with this kind of heavy use include such things as:
- Higher risks for conflicts and arguments
- Disruption of the bonds that hold relationships together
- Destabilization of the larger family unit
Substance abuse is also known to increase the risks of intimate partner violence.
Does Smoking Weed Affect Relationships? – What the Research Says
Marijuana has a benign reputation compared to almost all other drugs. It’s certainly true that not everyone who smokes marijuana will develop relationship problems. However, studies show that drug use increases your chances of experiencing these kinds of issues. Statistically speaking, it also increases your chances of ending your relationship with a spouse or partner.
How Marijuana Affects Relationships in Negative Ways
What explains the ways in which marijuana affects relationships? Research shows that multiple potential factors can play a role. These factors include:
- Marijuana’s ability to create a disconnect between you and other people
- The drug’s potential impact on your energy levels and day-to-day productivity
- Episodes of paranoia triggered by habitual or heavy marijuana use
A drug-related disconnection between you and others can make communicating with your spouse or partner harder. It can also cause you to take harmful actions that you mistakenly believe are helping your relationship. Reduced energy and lower productivity can have a negative impact on your job performance. They can also make you less active on the home front. In turn, both of these issues can contribute to relationship problems. Recurring bouts of paranoia can erode trust in profound ways.
Some of the potential effects of weed on relationships are surprising. Many people believe that drug use increases feelings of acceptance and empathy. But in reality, heavy marijuana use can have the opposite effect. As such, it can make you colder and less tolerant, and as a result, it can reduce your ability to take your spouse or partner’s point of view seriously.
Treatments That Help You Overcome the Effects of Weed on Relationships
Effective treatment for marijuana problems can potentially help you repair your damaged relationships. This treatment often takes the form of psychotherapy. One useful option here is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can help you recognize damaging thoughts, emotional reactions, and behaviors. It can also help you develop better habits in each of these areas. In addition, many people in marijuana treatment benefit from relationship or family counseling.
Find Out More About How Marijuana Affects Relationships at Northpoint Colorado
Does smoking weed affect relationships? In some cases, the answer to this question is yes. Are you concerned about the impact of marijuana use on your intimate connections? Talk to the professionals at Northpoint Colorado.
Northpoint offers a full slate of treatments for anyone affected by marijuana addiction. We also feature family therapy. With our help, you can break your reliance on marijuana. In addition, you can take the steps needed to improve your relationships. Want more information? Call us today at 888.231.1281. You can also contact us through our brief online form.