Tolerance to Delta 8 develops quickly, which can be a bummer, we know.
After only three to four weeks of regular use, you’ll need to nearly double the dose of Delta 8 to get the same effects. But is Delta 8 addictive?
There’s no clear-cut answer on whether or not Delta 8 is addictive. Like most things in life, moderation is key, and the excessive use of anything, including Delta 8 THC, can potentially lead to addiction.
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What Is Delta 8 THC?
Tetrahydrocannabinol, or Delta 8 THC, is a minor cannabinoid.
Although it is one of the more than 100 cannabinoids identified in cannabis sativa plants, Delta 8 isn’t found in high concentrations. Therefore, CBD extracted from hemp is often used to produce concentrated levels of Delta 8 THC. Even when the amount taken is the same as with Delta 9, the “high” is often less intense, and there is less anxiety and paranoia.
We get addicted to things for a variety of reasons. Addiction is a complex condition that is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
Some people are born with a hereditary susceptibility to certain addictions. For instance, several genes influence a person’s propensity for alcoholism. However, scientists don’t yet understand how these genes interact, making it challenging to pinpoint those who are more susceptible to alcohol abuse issues.
Others could have had early-life traumatizing experiences that led to the later development of addictive behaviors. Some individuals simply enjoy the sense of euphoria they experience, or the ability to escape reality, while others use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate for mental health problems like depression or anxiety.
There are many different aspects to consider, but the two most important ones are dopamine release and hedonic adaptation, which means we become used to certain experiences over time and they eventually become less enjoyable.
Is Delta 8 Addictive?
As with any other substance, Delta 8 THC may become addictive if misused.
Users of Delta 8 have the opportunity to momentarily forget about reality. It can help individuals calm their minds and ease tension, anxiety, or depression. If you start depending on Delta 8 to provide you with this sort of relief on a daily basis or more than once a day, you run the risk of becoming addicted.
It’s crucial to identify the reason why you are using a particular substance, including Delta 8. Are you simply blowing off steam once in a while, or are you using it as an unhealthy coping mechanism to deal with anxiety, stress, or depression?
Instead of using a substance to escape reality, you should try to figure out what is making you feel this way. Instead of asking “Is Delta 8 addictive?”, ask yourself, “Am I using Delta 8 responsibly?”.
Does Delta 8 Addiction Cause Withdrawal?
When a person who has a physical addiction to a chemical stops using it, they experience withdrawal.
When people who are addicted to alcohol stop drinking, they may have withdrawal symptoms like tremors, dizziness, irritability, depression, and anxiety. They won’t be able to avoid the withdrawal symptoms unless they keep drinking.
Delta 8 use rarely results in withdrawal. Only in the most severe cases of Delta 8 addiction do people experience mild withdrawal symptoms such as tiredness, minor headaches, or nausea. These symptoms tend to only last for three to four days before disappearing entirely.
Despite the fact that they are unpleasant, these effects are nowhere near the withdrawal symptoms associated with alcohol, opiates, benzodiazepines, and other substances.
How Quickly Does Delta 8 Tolerance Occur?
Tolerance develops rather quickly. For regular users, Delta 8 tolerance may develop in as little as a few days. When the body loses sensitivity to a drug’s effects over time and requires more of the substance to produce the same degree of effect, this is referred to as “tolerance.”
You’ll probably find that, after approximately two weeks of daily consumption, you have to take amounts that are around 25–50% greater to achieve the same effects.
But individual circumstances, such as the frequency and amount of usage, as well as any underlying medical issues, might affect how quickly tolerance develops.
How Can You Prevent Delta 8 Addiction?
Asking yourself why you’re taking Delta 8 is the best approach to avoid becoming addicted to it. Do you have a positive or negative association with Delta 8? You won’t likely get hooked on it anytime soon if you just use it sometimes as a means to unwind and relax.
If you use it despite the fact that it clearly has a negative impact on your relationships, finances, or health because the thought of stopping makes you feel uneasy or out of habit, you may be developing an addiction. Tolerance breaks may help frequent users avoid addiction.
A “tolerance break” or “T break” means taking regular breaks to give the body time to unlearn any tolerance it may have built up for a substance. The most effective way to approach a Delta 8 tolerance break is to take off three days per week. But some people prefer to take one week off every three weeks. Luckily, tolerance is lost as quickly as it is formed. Even the most tolerant users report full reversals in two weeks or less.
After a tolerance break, start with a lower dose than usual, as your usual dose could be stronger than you expect.
Conclusion: Is Delta 8 Addictive?
To summarize, is Delta 8 addictive? This depends. Many factors affect whether or not a person becomes addicted to a particular substance. But if you abuse it or use it to avoid negative life stressors, the potential for addiction increases.
After prolonged use, your body will develop a tolerance to Delta 8 THC. To continue to enjoy the effects of Delta 8 and to prevent potential dependency or addiction, we recommend taking tolerance breaks three days a week, or at the very least, one week per month.
DISCLAIMER: THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information in this article, including but not limited to text, images, graphics, and other material contained herein, is for informational and educational purposes only and is solely intended to be used as a self-help tool. The information in this article and website does not substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Always seek guidance and advice from a qualified healthcare provider before undertaking a new healthcare regimen.
