Alcohol vs. Marijuana: Is One Safer Than the Other?

Marijuana Use 

Between alcohol and cannabis, many people see marijuana as the lesser evil. You might not even know that weed is addictive.⁷ As legalization becomes more widespread in the U.S., so do studies shedding light on cannabis use, weed’s potential risks and benefits,⁸ and addiction.

Medicinal Benefits of Marijuana

When you use it safely, marijuana has many medicinal benefits.⁹ It’s especially helpful for people with chronic pain. Some see cannabis as a safer alternative to prescription opioids and other narcotics. Natural chemicals like THC and CBD, which appear in most strains of marijuana, also have several other effects.

For example, CBD oil can help with anxiety¹⁰ and depression. It can also protect against neurological issues like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. 

There’s no doubt marijuana can help people. But it’s up to you to decide if marijuana products will benefit you in the long run. Thinking about your relationship with substances is always a great place to start.

Is Marijuana More Addictive Than Alcohol? 

Whether marijuana is more addictive than alcohol is a complex question, and there’s no simple answer. On the surface, cannabis might seem like a medicine that does more good than harm. But just about any substance can be addictive¹¹—even seemingly harmless ones like caffeine or ibuprofen. And marijuana is no exception. 

The health effects of marijuana use, however, are generally less risky than those of alcohol. Many studies suggest cannabis has a lower risk for health-related harms¹² like cancer, death from severe withdrawal, and liver damage. And one study found that marijuana has a much lower risk of overdose than alcohol. Still, we need more data on weed and addiction.

Effects of Excessive Marijuana Use 

Abusing marijuana has both short and long-term impacts¹³ on your health. Some of its short-term effects might be enjoyable, but others are dangerous:

• Enhanced sensory perception and euphoria: You may feel happy, and sights and sounds may become more profound.
• Drowsiness and relaxation: Some strains of marijuana have more powerful sedative effects than others.
• Slowed reaction times: Marijuana makes activities like driving more dangerous.
• Problems with balance and coordination: Marijuana can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
• Anxiety: Marijuana can increase anxiety levels over time—not just while you’re using it.

Continuing marijuana use over time also has long-term effects:

• Chronic cough and frequent respiratory infections: The more you smoke marijuana, the more harmful toxins go into your lungs. Over time, this can lead to serious physical problems.
• Learning and memory problems: Studies show regular marijuana use alters memory,¹⁴ learning, and impulse control. 
• Mental health issues: Excessive ongoing marijuana use can lead to anxiety,¹⁵ depression, and psychosis.

When to Seek Help for Marijuana Abuse 

It can be even harder to recognize marijuana addiction than alcohol abuse. If you think you might need help, you can start by answering these questions:

• Do you usually use high doses of marijuana?
• Is it hard to go a day without using marijuana? 
• Do you use marijuana at work or school?
• Is marijuana use causing problems in your life? 
• Are you detaching from the people closest to you or spending most of your time with other friends who use marijuana?
• Have you ever had a relapse after trying to stop using marijuana? 
• Do you drive while high?
• Are your loved ones concerned about your marijuana use?
• Do you think you have a marijuana addiction?

If you answered yes to some or all of these questions, you might want to share your responses with a clinical expert. They’ll be able to give you a proper diagnosis and help you plan for the future.

Treatment Options for Marijuana Abuse

Treatment for marijuana abuse¹⁶ normally includes a combination of therapies. Depending on where you go to rehab, you may have access to a variety of options: 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy 
• Contingency management
• Motivational enhancement therapy (MET)
• Peer support groups

It’s important to find a program that can support your personal goals for recovery. If you need help with marijuana addiction, learn more about treatment at marijuana rehabs.

Treatment Options for Alcohol Abuse 

When you start treatment for alcohol addiction, you’ll probably need to attend detox first. Without proper medical care, alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous or even fatal. Healthcare professionals can help you safely begin recovery.

Once you complete detox, your rehab may provide a variety of alcohol addiction treatment options:¹⁷

• Cognitive behavioral therapy 
• Motivational enhancement therapy (MET)
• Family counseling
• Medications
• Peer support groups

Browse alcohol rehabs that offer these therapies and more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol vs. Marijuana