How Do You Know If You Are Addicted to Marijuana?

The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines 11 criteria for cannabis use disorder. If you meet at least two of the criteria listed below within a 12-month period, then you have a cannabis use disorder:

Taking more marijuana than intended or for a longer period of time.

Repeated failure to reduce or control marijuana intake despite desiring to cut down.

Spending a great amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of cannabis.

Having strong cravings for cannabis.

Failure to fulfill major responsibilities at school, work, or home due to recurrent cannabis use.

Continued marijuana intake despite the drug’s adverse effects on social relationships. The addicted person will keep taking marijuana despite the negative consequences.

Giving up or reducing important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of cannabis use.

Recurrent marijuana use in situations in which it is physically dangerous.

Continued cannabis use despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by cannabis.

Tolerance, as defined by either a need for markedly increased cannabis to achieve desired effects or a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of cannabis. This means you need to take more marijuana just to achieve the same effect you used to get from a smaller amount.

Withdrawal, as manifested by either the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for cannabis or the use of cannabis (or a closely related substance) to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms. When you try to quit or cut back on marijuana, you experience withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, anxiety, and depression.

The severity of cannabis use disorder is determined by the number of criteria that are met, with a diagnosis of mild, moderate, or severe depending on the number of criteria met.

Although marijuana addiction can be difficult to recognize, you can watch out for these symptoms listed above to improve your chances of spotting the problem.

If you are experiencing these symptoms and are concerned that you may be addicted to marijuana, it is important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can help you determine if you have a problem and provide guidance on how to address it.

Medical marijuana refers to the use of the marijuana plant or its extracts for medicinal purposes. The marijuana plant contains a number of chemical compounds known as cannabinoids, which are responsible for its therapeutic effects.

Medical marijuana has been shown to have a number of potential benefits, including:

Pain relief: Medical marijuana has been shown to be effective in treating chronic pain, which is often difficult to manage with traditional medications.

Alleviates nausea and vomiting: Medical marijuana can be used to alleviate the symptoms of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy and other medical treatments.

Appetite stimulation: Medical marijuana can help to stimulate appetite in patients with conditions such as HIV/AIDS and cancer, who often experience loss of appetite and weight loss.

Muscle spasms and spasticity: Medical marijuana can be effective in treating muscle spasms and spasticity associated with conditions such as multiple sclerosis.

Relieves symptoms of anxiety and depression: Medical marijuana can help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and depression, which are common mental health conditions.

Seizures: Medical marijuana has been shown to be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures in patients with epilepsy.

The use of medical marijuana is not legal in all states or countries, and its use should always be supervised by a qualified healthcare professional. Knowing these benefits should help clarify why there is a misconception regarding the safety of marijuana. It has its uses in the medical field, but it does not mean it can be used recreationally without repercussions.

Although anyone can develop an addiction, some people are more likely to have this problem than others. The more risk factors you have, the higher the risk of developing an addiction. Having risk factors does not guarantee that you will eventually become addicted to a drug at some point in your life. It only shows the level of risk a certain individual is facing when it comes to cannabis use disorder.

As with other types of addiction, marijuana addiction has a genetic component. Individuals with a family history of addiction are more likely to develop an addiction to marijuana.

There are also environmental factors at play. Growing up in an environment where drug use is normalized or readily available can increase the risk of developing an addiction. In fact, starting marijuana use at a young age can also put you at increased risk of developing an addiction. The same goes for people who have experienced trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse.

Environment also refers to the people you surround yourself with. Peer pressure and social norms can play a role in marijuana abuse and addiction. Teenagers, young adults, and adults in stressful careers are most vulnerable to peer pressure. They may use cannabis to fit in with their friends, peers, and colleagues.

Individuals with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder may be more likely to abuse marijuana to cope with their symptoms.

Other factors that contribute to the development of addiction include personal factors such as low self-esteem or a lack of social support.

Understanding these risk factors can help individuals make informed decisions about their drug use and seek help if necessary. You can also protect your loved ones who have a greater risk of getting exposed to illicit drugs if you know what factors to consider.

At some point, prolonged abuse of cannabis can lead to marijuana dependence. A person who suddenly stops taking drugs after an extended period of abuse may experience mild to severe withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms associated with cannabis abuse can vary in intensity and duration, depending on the amount and frequency of use, as well as the individual’s physical and psychological makeup.

Some common symptoms of cannabis withdrawal may include: insomnia, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, restlessness, decreased appetite, headaches, sweating, nausea, tremors, and intense cravings.

These symptoms typically begin within the first few days after discontinuing cannabis use and can last for up to two weeks or more. In some cases, individuals may also experience more severe symptoms, such as depression, aggression, or suicidal thoughts, which may require medical attention.

The good news is that withdrawal symptoms can be managed through proper medical care and support. Seeking professional help is recommended for those who are struggling to quit using cannabis.

While there are no medications approved for the treatment of marijuana addiction, there are several treatment options that can help the person regain their sobriety.

Treatment options for cannabis use disorder typically involve a combination of behavioral therapies, medication, and support from loved ones. Here are some treatment options for cannabis use disorder:

Behavioral Therapies: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management are two effective behavioral therapies for treating cannabis use disorder. CBT helps individuals identify and change their negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with drug use, while contingency management provides rewards for positive behaviors such as abstaining from drug use.

Medications: There are currently no FDA-approved medications for treating cannabis use disorder, but some medications used to treat other substance use disorders, such as naltrexone and bupropion, have shown some promise in reducing cannabis use.

Support Groups: Joining a support group such as Marijuana Anonymous can provide individuals with a safe and supportive environment where they can share their experiences and receive emotional support from others who have struggled with similar issues.

Family Therapy: Family therapy can be helpful for individuals with cannabis use disorder, as it provides support and education for family members and helps them understand how to support their loved one in their recovery.

Treatment for cannabis use disorder should be tailored to each individual’s needs and condition. Depending on the patient, treatment may involve a combination of the above options.

Look for a rehab near you today and learn more about your treatment options for marijuana addiction. The road to recovery begins today.

Treatment is an addicted individualʼs best option if they want to recover. Beating an addiction not only requires eliminating the physical dependence, but also addressing the behavioral factors that prevent them from wanting to get better. Simply quitting may not change the psychological aspect of addiction. Some people quit for a while, and then take drugs or alcohol again, only to overdose because they did not detox properly. Recovery involves changing the way the patient feels, thinks, and behaves.