Following the 2014 policy changes and the 2018 legalization of recreational cannabis, daily cannabis use has seen a surge. The implications for patient health outcomes of changes in the medical cannabis program and legalization of recreational use remain an important area for future research. Key to navigating this is building a robust set of healthy coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, and life’s larger hurdles, which can significantly reduce the appeal of turning to substances for relief. While abstaining from use altogether is a foolproof method to avoid addiction, it’s recognized that some individuals may still want to casually use cannabis without developing a dependency. Detox aims to alleviate discomfort while the body adjusts to functioning without cannabis, employing strategies such as hydration, balanced nutrition, and rest.

Changes in Behavior and Daily Functioning #

From medical detox to rehab to aftercare, we are focused on supporting your recovery every step of the way. A variety of self-assessment tests are available online to help individuals understand their marijuana use and evaluate the risk of addiction. These assessments typically ask about the frequency of use, changes in behavior, and any negative consequences experienced as a result of marijuana consumption. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a widely used method that addresses the thought patterns and behaviors linked to drug use. It equips individuals with healthier coping mechanisms and aids in reframing negative thinking. Studies have shown that CBT — along with motivational enhancement therapy — can lead to lower and less severe cannabis use.

• As we move forward in an era of changing attitudes and policies regarding marijuana, it is essential to balance the benefits of legalization and medical use with a clear understanding of the risks.
• Through cross-disciplinary research, Calipari and her team are finding the answers to questions like, “Is TikTok truly addictive?
• Marijuana addiction can make it difficult for individuals to maintain their responsibilities and achieve their goals, both in their personal and professional lives.
• Marijuana’s impact on cognitive function is one of the most concerning aspects of long-term use, particularly for individuals who use the drug regularly or begin using it at a young age.
• Such treatments primarily focus on psychotherapy, but researchers are also exploring medications that might someday be helpful.

Physical Signs of Marijuana Use #

Marijuana use disorder is a growing problem, but fortunately, addiction treatment can be effective in addressing marijuana addiction. Like other drug abuse treatments, the treatment programs for marijuana use disorder are tailored to the individual and their unique use patterns, history, and is marijuana addictive possible co-occurring disorders. As research progresses, it is essential to translate our understanding of the effects of cannabis on the developing adolescent brain into more effective behavioral treatment options. These symptoms can indicate a serious dependency on marijuana and may require professional intervention. Treatment options typically involve behavioral therapies and support for co-occurring mental health disorders. Research has consistently shown that THC acts on the brain’s reward system.

Do I Have an Addiction to Marijuana?

We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.

Cannabis Addiction and the Brain: a Review

Healthcare professionals may grade CUD as mild, moderate, or severe depending on how many of the above criteria a person meets. Over time, use may undermine dopamine production, causing someone to use more of the drug or to use it more often to attain the same feelings of pleasure, which can lead to dependence and addiction. As well as the frequency of cannabis use, factors that may affect someone’s risk of CUD include a family history of substance use and how long someone has been a cannabis user. However, court-mandated drug treatment may affect this rate, since people may have a choice of rehab with a CUD diagnosis or incarceration. CUD is a type of substance use disorder that may occur when someone frequently uses cannabis. The NIDA highlights research suggesting that 22% to 30% of people who use cannabis have CUD.

• Additionally, they may include both the immediate effects of marijuana intoxication and the withdrawal symptoms experienced when not using the drug.
• Research does suggest cannabis has the potential for addiction, especially when a person uses it frequently or starts using it during childhood or adolescence.
• Marijuana has withdrawal symptoms, although they are generally less severe than those of heroin or alcohol, but you can still benefit from a medical detox.

I agree with the authors, therapeutic uses of drugs under physician supervision, be they opioids or marijuana, are not necessarily “addictive” based solely on the changing dosage and presence of withdrawal symptoms. Applying the current DSM criteria in a therapeutic setting makes little sense and needlessly labels patients as having a substance use disorder – the damage to patients with chronic pain using opioids is already well established. Over time, the American Psychiatric Association, the group responsible for the DSM, changed its definition of addiction, describing “substance use disorder,” emphasizing the behavioral rather than physiologic signs and symptoms. Based on this criteria, someone using low-to-moderate doses on a daily basis who feels incapable of functioning without weed is at greater risk for addiction than someone who takes a higher dose to simply have a good time. Early use can disrupt brain development and increase the likelihood of addiction and other mental health issues later in life.

Effects on Relationships, Work, and Social Life #

Recognizing the physical symptoms of marijuana addiction, or cannabis use disorder, is essential. Additionally, they may include both the immediate effects of marijuana intoxication and the withdrawal symptoms experienced when not using the drug. Other data indicates that the number of adults who use cannabis daily or near-daily now exceeds the number of adults who drink with the same frequency.

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a psychoactive drug derived from the Cannabis plant. Sign up for InsideHook to get our best content delivered to your inbox every weekday. As a millennial, I’ve seen the reputation of potheads elevate from burnouts buying incense and Grateful Dead shirts at the mall to successful adults who don’t drink but enjoy unwinding and having a good time. The legalized cannabis era has even cultivated a surprising conversational common ground. Marijuana addiction can significantly impact an adolescent’s educational outcomes and future opportunities.