How to Know You’re Addicted to Marijuana

April 23, 2024

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Signs of Marijuana Addiction

Recognizing the signs of marijuana addiction is the first step towards understanding the extent of its impact on an individual's life. These signs can manifest in various ways, including behavioral changes and social impact.

Behavioral Changes

One of the key signs of marijuana addiction is a change in behavior, particularly in relation to the use of the drug. Individuals addicted to marijuana often exhibit an insatiable urge to use the drug regardless of negative consequences. This could include behaviors such as getting high at work or spending beyond their means on the drug. These changes in behavior are indicative of a compulsion to use marijuana, a common characteristic of addiction.

Chronic and frequent marijuana use can also lead to physical dependence. This means the body adapts to the presence of the drug and may experience withdrawal symptoms when use is reduced or stopped. These symptoms can include irritability, sleep difficulties, decreased appetite, anxiety, and cravings. In some cases, these symptoms can last up to 2 weeks.

Social Impact

Another significant sign of marijuana addiction is the impact it has on an individual's social life. Those struggling with addiction may find their relationships, work, and daily activities negatively affected by their drug use. They may isolate themselves from friends and family or lose interest in activities they once enjoyed.

Moreover, individuals with a marijuana use disorder often have co-occurring psychiatric conditions and may also be addicted to other substances like cocaine or alcohol. This polysubstance use can further exacerbate the social and personal impacts of addiction [2].

Given the potential for significant behavioral changes and social impact, it's crucial to recognize the signs of marijuana addiction. Early recognition can pave the way for seeking help and treatment, ultimately leading to recovery and improved quality of life.

Understanding Marijuana Use Disorder

Recognizing addiction to marijuana involves comprehension of the diagnostic criteria for marijuana use disorder and understanding the related co-occurring conditions that often accompany such a disorder.

Diagnostic Criteria

Healthcare professionals employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th edition (DSM-5) to diagnose a marijuana use disorder. This involves assessing an individual against 11 diagnostic criteria, including compulsive marijuana use, a growing tolerance to the drug, withdrawal symptoms in its absence, and a negative impact on daily life [2].

Here are the 11 diagnostic criteria for marijuana use disorder:

Marijuana is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control marijuana use.
A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain marijuana, use marijuana, or recover from its effects.
Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use marijuana.
Recurrent marijuana use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.
Continued marijuana use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of marijuana.
Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of marijuana use.
Recurrent marijuana use in situations in which it is physically hazardous.
Continued marijuana use despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by marijuana.
Tolerance, as defined by either a need for markedly increased amounts of marijuana to achieve intoxication or desired effect or a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of marijuana.
Withdrawal, presenting as either the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for marijuana or marijuana is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Co-occurring Conditions

Individuals diagnosed with a marijuana use disorder often have co-occurring psychiatric conditions. In many cases, they may also be addicted to other substances, such as cocaine or alcohol. These conditions need to be addressed concurrently in treatment programs, which may include therapies targeting mental health disorders and polysubstance use [2].

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, adults seeking treatment for marijuana use disorders have, on average, used marijuana nearly every day for over 10 years and have tried to quit more than six times. Adolescents with marijuana use disorders may also suffer from other psychiatric disorders and may use or be addicted to other substances such as cocaine or alcohol.

This complex interplay between marijuana use disorder and other psychological conditions makes treatment and recovery a multifaceted process. It underscores the importance of comprehensive treatment plans that address all aspects of an individual's health and well-being.

Long-term Effects of Marijuana Abuse

While the short-term effects of marijuana use might be immediately apparent, it's equally important to understand the long-term consequences, particularly for those who might be grappling with marijuana addiction. These long-term effects can impact mental health and cognitive abilities.

Mental Health Consequences

Persistent use of marijuana, especially when it starts in adolescence, can lead to various mental health issues. These can include depression, anxiety, amotivational syndrome, and even schizophrenia. However, it's important to note that establishing a direct causal relationship can be challenging due to various influencing factors, and more research is needed to confirm these associations.

Additionally, adolescent marijuana use has been correlated with long-term mental deficiencies, such as a loss in IQ points, and an increased risk of developing mental health problems. This includes a heightened risk of schizophrenia, further underscoring the potential risks of early marijuana use [1].

Cognitive Impairment

Cognitive abilities can also be significantly impacted by long-term marijuana abuse. Studies suggest that regular marijuana use can lead to functional impairment in cognitive abilities. The degree and duration of impairment depend on the age of onset, quantity, and duration of usage.

Notably, persistent marijuana use disorder with frequent use starting in adolescence has been associated with an average loss of 6 to 8 IQ points into mid-adulthood. Those who used heavily in their teenage years and stopped as adults did not regain the lost IQ points.

Moreover, chronic THC exposure may accelerate age-related loss of neurons in the hippocampus, which can decrease the ability to learn new information.

In summary, while marijuana might seem harmless to some, the long-term effects on mental health and cognitive abilities can be significant. Recognizing these potential consequences is a crucial step in understanding how to know you're addicted to marijuana and seeking appropriate help.

Withdrawal Symptoms and Dependence

One of the key aspects of understanding marijuana addiction is recognizing the signs of physical and psychological dependence, as well as the expected duration of withdrawal symptoms.

Physical and Psychological Dependence

Chronic and frequent marijuana use can lead to physical dependence. This is characterized by withdrawal symptoms like irritability, sleep difficulties, decreased appetite, anxiety, and cravings. These symptoms can last for up to two weeks after discontinuing use.

Psychological dependence on marijuana is also a significant concern. It's characterized by a perceived need to use the drug regularly to feel good or to avoid feeling bad. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th edition (DSM-5) outlines 11 diagnostic criteria to diagnose a marijuana use disorder, with symptoms including compulsive use, tolerance, withdrawal, and negative impact on daily life [2].

Withdrawal Duration

Withdrawal from marijuana is primarily psychological. Symptoms can include irritability, insomnia, cravings, depression, restlessness, changes in sleep and eating patterns, and anxiety. These symptoms typically surface within a week of discontinuing marijuana use and can persist for up to two weeks.

However, some individuals may experience Post-Acute Withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) that can last up to 24 months. These include restlessness, irritability, agitation, cravings, and other challenges.

Withdrawal Symptoms	Onset	Duration
Acute withdrawal symptoms	Within a week	Up to two weeks
Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS)	After acute withdrawal symptoms	Up to 24 months

Understanding the nature and duration of withdrawal symptoms is crucial in managing marijuana dependence and seeking appropriate treatment. It's important to note that individuals with a marijuana use disorder often have co-occurring psychiatric conditions and may also be addicted to other substances like cocaine or alcohol. Therefore, treatment options may include therapies addressing mental health disorders and polysubstance use.

Seeking Help for Marijuana Addiction

If there's suspicion or confirmation of a marijuana addiction, it's essential to seek help immediately. The following are some treatment options and resources available to assist in overcoming marijuana addiction.

Treatment Options

Healthcare professionals use the 11 diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th edition (DSM-5), to diagnose a marijuana use disorder. Symptoms include compulsive use, tolerance, withdrawal, and negative impact on daily life. Once diagnosed, suitable treatment options can be explored [2].

Individuals with a marijuana use disorder often have co-occurring psychiatric conditions and may also be addicted to other substances like cocaine or alcohol. While there is no FDA-approved medication for marijuana use disorder, treatment options may include therapies addressing mental health disorders and polysubstance use. Such treatments often focus on behavioral modifications, counseling, and support groups. It's also important to note that treatment is usually tailored to the individual's specific needs and circumstances.

Support Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health in relation to substance use, there are several resources available. Canada-wide services are available for those who need help with substance use, including overdose prevention and tobacco cessation. Culturally sensitive resources are also available for First Nation, Inuit, or Métis individuals in need of help with substance use, with programs such as the National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program and the National Youth Solvent Abuse Program.

Community-based prevention programs can be accessed through community nursing stations, health centers, band councils, or local regional offices for information on substance use. These programs provide invaluable support and guidance for individuals struggling with marijuana addiction, offering a safe and supportive environment for individuals to share their experiences and learn from others who have faced similar challenges.

The Canadian Mental Health Association's Naloxone 101 Toolkit provides information on how, why, and when to use a naloxone kit, as well as where to obtain one for free. This information can be crucial for individuals who are at risk of experiencing an overdose.

Addiction is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach to treatment and recovery. By seeking help and accessing available resources, individuals can overcome their addiction to marijuana and embark on a path towards improved health and wellbeing.

Impact of Marijuana Use

The impact of marijuana use extends beyond the personal level and can have significant effects in both the workplace and broader society.

Workplace Effects

The influence of marijuana use on workplace productivity and safety is a topic of growing concern. Employees who tested positive for marijuana on pre-employment urine drug tests had a significantly increased risk for industrial accidents, injuries, and absenteeism in the workplace. Specifically, among postal workers, those testing positive for marijuana had 55% more industrial accidents, 85% more injuries, and 75% greater absenteeism compared to those who tested negative for marijuana use, as reported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Marijuana Impact	Percentage Increase
Industrial Accidents	55%
Injuries	85%
Absenteeism	75%

Regular marijuana use can also harm cognitive function, potentially impacting job performance. Chronic THC exposure may accelerate age-related loss of neurons in the hippocampus, which plays a key role in learning new information [3].

Societal Implications

On a societal level, heavy marijuana use has been linked to lower income, greater welfare dependence, unemployment, criminal behavior, and lower life satisfaction. Studies have shown a significant association between heavy marijuana use and various negative life outcomes, indicating poorer educational attainment, higher chances of developing dependence, using other drugs, and attempting suicide.

Furthermore, studies suggest that regular marijuana use in adolescence is associated with altered connectivity and reduced volume of specific brain regions involved in executive functions, memory, learning, and impulse control in comparison to non-users [3].

In terms of mental health, marijuana use can lead to dependence, addiction, and increase the chances of developing mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, amotivational syndrome, and schizophrenia. However, it should be noted that there is still not enough evidence or research to confirm absolute truths about the psychological consequences of prolonged marijuana abuse.

Overall, the societal and workplace effects of marijuana use highlight the importance of education and intervention efforts. Understanding the potential risks can help individuals make informed decisions about marijuana use and seek help if they suspect they have developed an addiction.