Changes in state laws mean marijuana is available to more people, for both medical and recreational use. But whether you use it legally or illegally, it’s possible to misuse it and get addicted to it. Marijuana is addictive as the primary chemical compound, THC, is highly addictive. With regular use, an individual can develop marijuana alcoholism dependency and marijuana tolerance, which can lead to marijuana addiction. When a person does become addicted, several types of psychotherapy can help him or her kick the habit.
- A formal diagnosis of cannabis addiction is referred to as cannabis use disorder.
- If you suspect marijuana use disorder, dependence, or addiction in yourself or someone else, help is available.
- Your first stop may be your primary care provider, or the doctor you see for regular check-ups and arising health needs.
- Marijuana dependence, also known as cannabis use disorder, occurs when a person becomes reliant on the drug, both mentally and physically.
Medical Treatment
The endocannabinoid system is involved in maintaining homeostasis, influencing mood, appetite, pain, and immune function. THC’s interaction with this system has profound effects on brain function. If you recently used or regularly use marijuana, your stomach may take longer to empty. That puts you at risk of your stomach contents coming back up and being sucked into your lungs. Using pot heavily, especially in your teen years, may leave more permanent effects. Imaging tests found that some adolescents who used marijuana had fewer connections in parts of the brain linked to alertness, learning, and memory.
Medicinal Use of Marijuana
Many people can use marijuana safely without becoming addicted or abusing it. But like any mind-altering substance, there’s always a chance that it can become problematic. These signs, along with any negative consequences from marijuana use, may signal a drug abuse problem. Despite the negative influence their addiction has on their life, however, someone with cannabis is weed addictive use disorder will continue to use marijuana. One of the major signs of cannabis use disorder, according to the DSM, is a strong craving to use marijuana.
What Makes Marijuana Addictive?
Marijuana smoke has a distinctive sweet-and-sour, pungent odor. Other ways to consume marijuana include mixing its parts (leaves, flowers, stems, or seeds) into food as weed edibles or brewing it as tea. Cannabis use disorder is more common than many realize—and more serious, too. While marijuana is often seen as harmless or even medicinal, especially with changing laws and cultural attitudes, the truth is more complex. Drug abuse and addiction can be scary and uncertain, but it’s treatable, and there’s help out there. There are a variety of treatments available, and if one doesn’t work, another one may be better for you.
- As with many substances, regular use of marijuana can lead to tolerance and dependence.
- Marijuana addiction can lead to various physical health issues, particularly when use is frequent or long-term.
- The use of cannabis during pregnancy may have harmful effects on a baby’s health after birth.
- The primary psychoactive compound in marijuana, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is crucial in its addictive potential.
These include panic attacks, paranoia, psychosis, respiratory issues and an increased risk of addiction. It can be hard when you’re living with marijuana abuse or watching someone you care about deal with it. They can help identify treatment options that are appropriate for your situation and provide resources for family and friends. Accurate diagnosis of mental health disorders and appropriate treatment, including medication, may help to reduce attempts to self-medicate with marijuana. Substance abuse occurs when an individual regularly uses drugs or alcohol and experiences negative consequences as a result. This can include missing work or school, getting in trouble with the law or school authorities, or putting oneself in dangerous situations.
Marijuana FAQs
Motivational incentives are part of CM, since it uses operant conditioning on positive behaviors you want to increase. The incentives are most effective when there are plenty of opportunities to get reinforcement. The reinforcement immediately follows the behavior, and the value of the motivator is significant to the person. Finding others who are dealing with the same issues as you can be validating, and you can learn from one another about different ways to cope.
The Impact on Public Health and Addiction Rates #
This chemical compound is highly addictive, and it is responsible for its mind-altering effects and the recreational ‘high’ that users of marijuana chase. There are several slang for marijuana, like Mary Jane, bud, grass, pot, herb, ganja, weed, 420, etc. People who use marijuana like to roll it into joints or crush the dried flower of the Cannabis Sativa plant and smoke through bongs, vapes, or pipes.
Increased Cancer Risk
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), marijuana use can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, which is a diagnosis used to describe addiction to marijuana. Studies have shown that about 9% of people who use marijuana will become addicted to it. While weed and alcohol have some similarities, there are also significant differences between the two substances. One of the main differences is the way in which they affect the body and mind. Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down the central nervous system, leading to drowsiness, slurred speech, and a loss of coordination. In contrast, weed is a stimulant, which can cause increased heart rate, dry mouth, and bloodshot eyes.
A person first uses a substance such as marijuana repeatedly. After regular use over time, they build a tolerance, where the effects of the substance are not noticed as much or at all. The person experiences symptoms when they stop using the substance, which makes them feel the need to use it again. Addiction happens when a person uses a substance such as alcohol, marijuana, or another drug in excess. It is usually marked by a change in behavior, where the person becomes consistently focused on using that substance regardless of potential negative outcomes.
