How to Know You’re Addicted to Marijuana
Recognizing Addiction Signs
Recognizing the signs of addiction is the first step towards seeking help and beginning the road to recovery. When it comes to marijuana, it's important to be aware of the behavioral patterns and psychological symptoms that may indicate a dependency issue.
Behavioral Patterns
Addiction to marijuana, classified as a cannabis use disorder (CUD), affects about 10% of regular users, leading to the need for marijuana addiction treatment to break the cycle of abuse [1].
Adults seeking treatment for marijuana use disorders have used marijuana almost every day for over 10 years on average and have attempted to quit more than six times. Adolescents with marijuana use disorders often have other psychiatric disorders and may also be addicted to other substances like cocaine or alcohol.
Some people who use marijuana will develop a marijuana use disorder, meaning that they are unable to stop using marijuana even though it’s causing health and social problems in their lives.
These behavioral patterns may include:
- Increased tolerance to marijuana, requiring more to achieve the same effects
- Unsuccessful attempts to quit or control marijuana use
- Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from marijuana
- Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of marijuana use
Psychological Symptoms
In addition to the behavioral patterns, psychological symptoms can also be indicative of a marijuana use disorder. These may include:
- Strong cravings or desire to use marijuana
- Continued use of marijuana despite knowing it's causing physical or psychological problems
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop marijuana use
People who have marijuana use disorder may need to use more and more marijuana or greater concentrations of marijuana over time to experience a “high.” The greater the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana (in other words, the concentration or strength), the stronger the effects the marijuana may have on the brain.
It's important to note that these symptoms can vary in intensity and duration among different individuals. If you or someone you know is experiencing these signs and symptoms, it's recommended to seek professional help. Remember, recognizing the signs is the first step towards recovery.
Effects on Relationships
A crucial dimension to consider when understanding the magnitude of marijuana dependency is its impact on relationships. From social interactions to family dynamics, marijuana addiction can significantly influence an individual's connection with others.
Impact on Social Interactions
Regular cannabis use is predictive of failed relationships, making it evident that marijuana addiction can have a significant impact on one's social interactions. This can manifest in various ways, such as a decrease in social activities, a shift in friend groups, or conflicts with friends due to cannabis use.
The need to use more marijuana or greater concentrations of it over time to experience a “high” can further isolate individuals from their social circle, as the focus becomes more about sustaining the addiction rather than maintaining healthy relationships.
Influence on Family Dynamics
Cannabis use disorder not only affects the social realm but also seeps into family dynamics. It can lead to strained relationships with family members due to behavioral changes, neglect of responsibilities, and conflict over marijuana use.
Furthermore, individuals with a marijuana use disorder may also suffer from co-occurring psychiatric health conditions, adding another layer of complexity to family interactions [4].
However, families can play a crucial role in an individual's recovery journey. Peer support, including support from family members, is critical in marijuana addiction recovery. Studies show the effectiveness of participating in a 12-step program during rehabilitation in establishing a positive routine for a sober life [1].
In conclusion, understanding the effects of marijuana dependency on relationships is an integral part of recognizing addiction signs and seeking treatment. It highlights the broader implications of addiction, beyond the individual, underscoring the need for comprehensive treatment approaches that include the individual's social and family circles.
Seeking Treatment
Realizing that you're addicted to marijuana is the first step in overcoming the addiction. There are several options available for those looking to seek treatment, including a variety of therapy options and medication approaches.
Therapy Options
When it comes to tackling marijuana addiction, therapy plays a crucial role. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) have been shown to effectively address cannabis use disorder [1]. These forms of therapy target relapse triggers and promote sustained recovery.
Behavioral treatments have also been found to effectively reduce marijuana use, particularly among heavy users and those with chronic mental disorders [2].
Peer support is another essential component in the recovery process. Studies have shown the effectiveness of participating in a 12-step program during rehabilitation in establishing a positive routine for a sober life. Combining comprehensive therapy approaches and peer support can help individuals seeking marijuana addiction help reframe their thinking, embrace a sober future, and acquire the necessary tools for long-term health and well-being.
Medication Approaches
While the FDA has not yet approved any medications specifically for marijuana use disorder, research is active in this area. Studies are focusing on medications that aid in sleep and reduce withdrawal symptoms.
Medications like zolpidem (Ambien®), buspirone (BuSpar®), and gabapentin (Horizant®, Neurontin®) have shown promise in early studies or small clinical trials for treating marijuana use disorder. Other substances, such as N-acetylcysteine, FAAH inhibitors, and allosteric modulators, are also being studied for their potential in reducing withdrawal symptoms and inhibiting THC's rewarding effects.
The path to overcoming marijuana addiction is a journey that requires commitment and patience. With the right tools and support, those struggling with this addiction can gain control over their lives and look forward to a healthier future.
Withdrawal Symptoms
One of the key signs of marijuana dependence is the onset of withdrawal symptoms when the person stops using the drug. Understanding these symptoms can help identify if you're dealing with an addiction.
Common Withdrawal Signs
Withdrawal from cannabis is a well-documented phenomenon, especially among regular and dependent users. The most common features of cannabis withdrawal include anxiety, irritability, anger or aggression, disturbed sleep/dreaming, depressed mood, and loss of appetite. These symptoms typically begin 24-48 hours after cessation of cannabis use.
Duration and Severity
Withdrawal symptoms generally peak around days 2-6, with some symptoms lasting up to 3 weeks or more in heavy cannabis users. The severity and duration of these symptoms can vary widely among individuals, depending largely on the frequency of use and the presence of other substance use disorders.
In a meta-analysis pooling studies of more than 20,000 regular and dependent cannabis users, it was estimated that 47% of individuals reported cannabis withdrawal measured by standardized scales. The prevalence in community samples was 17%, increasing to 54% in outpatient samples and 87% in inpatients. The prevalence of cannabis withdrawal symptoms is higher in users with a history of daily cannabis use, concurrent cannabis and tobacco use, and other substance use disorders.
Although cannabis withdrawal does not carry a high risk of severe adverse outcomes, the presence of medical or psychiatric comorbidities, such as polysubstance use and dependence, may result in more severe complications and symptoms of cannabis withdrawal. Complicated withdrawal may occur in people with concurrent mental health and polysubstance use [5].
Understanding these withdrawal symptoms and their duration and severity can be a crucial step in recognizing a potential addiction to marijuana. The next step would be seeking the appropriate treatment options to manage these symptoms and overcome the dependency.
Long-Term Consequences
Understanding the long-term consequences of marijuana addiction is integral to fully comprehend the gravity of the situation. This knowledge can also help individuals recognize their addiction and encourage them to seek help if they identify with these consequences.
Cognitive Impairment
Chronic and frequent use of marijuana can result in cognitive impairments. Over time, these impairments can affect one's daily life, making simple tasks challenging and complex ones near impossible. Moreover, the body's physiological adaptation to the presence of marijuana can cause withdrawal symptoms upon cessation, further complicating the situation.
These symptoms tend to peak within the first week after quitting and can last up to 2 weeks. Individuals with a marijuana use disorder may also suffer from co-occurring psychiatric health conditions, and they may be addicted to other substances like cocaine or alcohol. This highlights the complexity and potential comorbidities associated with marijuana addiction.
Furthermore, individuals who use more potent marijuana, such as in the form of concentrates with 20%-80% THC (typical THC content is 2%-6%), may experience more intense withdrawal symptoms. Individuals with mood, anxiety, and personality disorders, and those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are more likely to experience severe withdrawal symptoms when quitting marijuana [6].
Social and Economic Impact
Marijuana addiction can also have significant social and economic impacts. Regular cannabis use is predictive of failed relationships, making it evident that marijuana addiction can have a significant impact on one's relationships.
Moreover, the economic impact of marijuana addiction shouldn't be overlooked. The costs associated with purchasing marijuana, coupled with potential job losses due to impaired cognitive abilities, can lead to financial instability.
In addition to this, the legal consequences of marijuana use can further exacerbate the economic strain. Depending on the jurisdiction, individuals may face penalties, fines, or even imprisonment for marijuana possession or use.
These long-term consequences underscore the importance of recognizing marijuana addiction and seeking appropriate treatment. With the right support and resources, individuals can overcome their addiction and mitigate these long-term consequences.
Research and Studies
In the journey to understanding marijuana dependency, researchers have performed numerous studies to explore the effects and treatments related to this issue.
Latest Findings
New findings reveal the extent of marijuana dependency and its implications. For instance, adults seeking treatment for marijuana use disorders have reportedly used marijuana almost every day for over 10 years on average, and have attempted to quit more than six times. Adolescents with marijuana use disorders often suffer from other psychiatric disorders and may also be addicted to other substances like cocaine or alcohol.
In terms of withdrawal, Cannabis withdrawal is a well-documented phenomenon that occurs in approximately half of regular and dependent cannabis users after abrupt cessation or significant reductions in cannabis products that contain Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The most common features of cannabis withdrawal are anxiety, irritability, anger or aggression, disturbed sleep or dreaming, depressed mood, and loss of appetite.
A meta-analysis pooling studies of more than 20,000 regular and dependent cannabis users estimated that 47% of individuals reported cannabis withdrawal measured by standardized scales. The prevalence in community samples was 17%, increasing to 54% in outpatient samples and 87% in inpatients. The prevalence of cannabis withdrawal symptoms is higher in users with a history of daily cannabis use, concurrent cannabis and tobacco use, and other substance use disorders [5].
National Initiatives
National initiatives have also been launched to address the issue of marijuana dependency. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline received 833,598 calls in 2020, reflecting a 27 percent increase from 2019 when the helpline received 656,953 calls.
Medications such as zolpidem (Ambien®), buspirone (BuSpar®), and gabapentin (Horizant®, Neurontin®) have shown promise in early studies or small clinical trials for treating marijuana use disorder. N-acetylcysteine, FAAH inhibitors, and allosteric modulators are also being studied for their potential in reducing withdrawal symptoms and inhibiting THC's rewarding effects.
Furthermore, the National Institutes of Health is funding the Adolescence Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, which aims to track young Americans from late childhood to early adulthood to investigate the impact of marijuana and other substances, either alone or in combination, on brain development.
The data from these studies and initiatives provide valuable insights into the nature of marijuana dependency, its effects, and potential treatments. As research continues, it's expected that even more information will emerge to enhance our understanding of how to effectively address marijuana addiction.
References
[1]: https://www.paatc.org/addiction-treatment-blog/can-marijuana-addiction-affect-my-relationships/
[4]: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/marijuana-rehab/long-term-effects
[5]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9110555/
[6]: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/withdrawal-timelines-treatments/weed-marijuana
