Marijuana addiction is classified under the DSM-5 as a substance use disorder with varying severity levels based on the number of criteria met within 12 months. These criteria include loss of control over use, social impairments, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and continued use despite negative consequences. The withdrawal symptoms of marijuana are anxiety, depression, insomnia and nausea. These withdrawal symptoms occur in individuals who have developed dependence and suddenly stop using it.
Marijuana Addiction Statistics: How Many People Are Addicted?
These studies reinforce the role of glutamate upregulation during cannabis abstinence on clinical outcomes such as craving and relapse. In addition to its role in HPA axis dysfunction and reward processing, the hyperactivation of the eCS may also play a role in the executive dysfunction sometimes observed in cannabis use. The eCS is highly active in adolescent brain development, particularly in the PFC, a region that exercises executive function (Dow-Edwards and Silva 2017). Activation of presynaptic CB1 receptors inhibits glutamate transmission onto GABAergic cells in the PFC, reducing the function of inhibitory prefrontal Substance abuse circuits. Therefore, hyperactivation by exogenous cannabinoids during development could disrupt the maturation of GABAergic interneurons in the PFC and desynchronize PFC circuits (Caballero and Tseng 2012).
- Ultimately, the best approach is simply to be aware of the potential risks and make informed decisions about marijuana use.
- People develop cannabis dependence for different reasons, so it’s important to address any underlying issues.
- People use marijuana for various reasons, both recreational and medicinal.
Why Is Marijuana Considered a Gateway Drug?
Other factors, such as hydration levels, metabolism, and physical activity, also influence how quickly marijuana is eliminated from the system. Although some detox methods claim to speed up the process, there is no foolproof way to clear THC from the body rapidly. Marijuana stays in your system for anywhere between 24 hours and 90 days, depending on the frequency of use, metabolism, and type of drug test, according to Healthline in “How Long Does Weed Stay in Your System? ” The active compound in marijuana, THC, has a half-life of approximately 24 to 48 hours, but its metabolites linger in the body much longer.
Levels of Care in Marijuana Treatment Programs
- They may be able to recommend a different kind or dose or whether you should be using it at all.
- Some are even dependent on the drug, using it daily and going through withdrawal if they try to quit, but they still remain functional.
- Alcohol addiction primarily affects the GABA and glutamate neurotransmitter systems, leading to significant alterations in mood, motivation, and self-control.
- If you use marijuana at least once a week, you might need more anesthesia.
Cannabis sativa L plants containing very small, non-intoxicating amounts of delta-9 THC, which are also called hemp, are mainly used for textile fiber and for their edible seed oils. Unless mentioned otherwise, the information on this webpage is only about cannabis products containing how is marijuana addictive intoxicating amounts of delta-9 THC. Unlike opiate misuse, which can set in fairly quickly with heavy use, marijuana misuse can take months or even years to develop. A user might not immediately realize that they’ve crossed the line into addiction.
Cannabis use disorder (CUD)
In a study published in 2003 psychologist Brent A. Moore, now at Yale University, and his colleagues found that 41 percent of successfully treated marijuana addicts had relapsed within six months. Scientists are searching for ways to bring about long-term abstinence more consistently. The number of adults in the U.S. who smoke marijuana has more than doubled since 2013.
Delta-9 THC is the most abundant form of THC in the cannabis plant. It has intoxicating effects, meaning it can temporarily alter a person’s mood, thoughts, and perceptions. So, a drug can cause dependence but not abuse, as is the case for some people prescribed opiate pain medication. Or a drug can cause no withdrawal at all, as in the case of cocaine, but still pose a high likelihood that a person will develop an addiction when using it. You’re more likely to get CUD if you misuse other drugs, like alcohol.
- Factors such as peer pressure, family attitudes toward drug use, and accessibility can all influence an individual’s likelihood of trying and becoming dependent on marijuana.
- This dependence triggers withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and sleep disturbances when attempting to quit.
- The abuse of marijuana often involves escalating use, where individuals use it more frequently to counteract tolerance or turn to more potent forms of cannabis, such as concentrates, to achieve a more potent high.
A 2020 study found that people have “genetic liability” with cannabis use disorder, meaning they are born with specific genes that increase their risk. However, experts agree there are usually more contributing factors, such as environment, access to marijuana, socioeconomic status, and more. Another study found that those who begin using marijuana before the age of 18 are four to seven times more likely to develop a cannabis use disorder later in life. Experts are finding a link between the age you begin using cannabis and the likelihood that you’ll develop a dependence on it. One study found that people who used cannabis starting at age 14 to 15 had a higher probability of developing dependence.
Psychiatric assessment evaluates co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, that complicate marijuana addiction. This assessment aids in understanding how marijuana use interacts with other mental health issues, shaping treatment recommendations based on a comprehensive view of the individual’s psychological health. The effects of marijuana addiction are physical health issues, mental health disorders, social disruption, and economic consequences. Physically, addiction impairs memory, coordination, and respiratory health. Mentally, it is linked to anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline.