Like other substance use disorders, cannabis use disorder and addiction can lead to withdrawal symptoms, dependence, social challenges, legal issues, and more. Marijuana use can make it hard to think, learn, or pay attention. If you drive while high, you’re more likely to have a car wreck.
Addiction Information & Treatment
Studies of identical twins raised in different families support this theory. They have higher rates of an addiction co-occurring, which means that if one of them develops an addiction, the other is at greater risk for developing one, than fraternal twins raised apart. They add that people who use marijuana before age 18 are 4 to 7 times more likely to develop this use disorder than adults. Today’s marijuana is not the same as what existed 20–30 is weed addictive years ago. THC concentrations in modern strains and cannabis products (vapes, dabs, edibles) have increased dramatically—some concentrates contain over 90% THC.
How does marijuana affect the brain? #
- These signs lead to long-term mental health issues if not addressed.
- Marijuana use manifests in various physical signs that can be noticeable to others.
- A 2016 study suggests that non-inhaled delivery methods, such as an oral mouth spray, may not affect levels of misuse, dependence, or diversion, which is the illegal distribution or misuse of prescription drugs.
- While there is no research yet on how higher potency affects the long-term risks of marijuana use, more THC is likely to lead to higher rates of dependency and addiction.
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. A diagnosis requires at least two of these criteria to be present. Addictive disorders can produce a range of symptoms that were previously (DSM-IV) described using the terminology “psychological dependence” and physical dependence. In the new DSM-5, addictive disorders related to cannabis are defined as Cannabis Use Disorder, a condition that can impair the ability to control use, and have social impact. The impact may be broad, including impaired control, social impairment, risky use and pharmacological criteria (including tolerance and withdrawal).
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- Healthcare professionals may grade CUD as mild, moderate, or severe depending on how many of the above criteria a person meets.
- The legal implications of marijuana use and addiction can have lasting effects on individuals and communities.
- The following subsections explore how addiction can lead to a decline in productivity, challenges in maintaining responsibilities, and an overall deterioration in the quality of life.
- While marijuana withdrawal may not be as severe as withdrawal from harder drugs, these symptoms are real and can make quitting cold turkey extremely challenging.
- This pattern can interfere with work, relationships, and overall well-being.
The NIDA reports that the higher potency of marijuana available today—specifically in regard to its THC levels—may be a what is alcoholism factor in the rising number of people who develop a problem. Some people may find that being in a calm, non-stimulating environment helps their recovery. Doctors may also suggest counseling to help someone develop healthy coping skills and modify behaviors they wish to change. This may cause people to use the substance again to relieve their symptoms, which may lead to dependence. Short-term use of these substances may heighten dopamine activation, increasing feelings of happiness and pleasure. Cannabis use may alter brain processes, although researchers are continuing to investigate its exact effects.