However, research is limited and the details of the negative effects on the brain are not fully understood. But it’s possible to get hooked on marijuana, also known as cannabis. Studies show about 1 in 10 adults who use marijuana can get addicted. According to Norberg MM et al.’s 2013 study titled “Primary Prevention of Cannabis Use,” published in the Plos One Journal, community-based prevention programs decrease marijuana use rates by up to 25% among adolescents when implemented effectively. Education efforts should focus on the legal implications of marijuana use, health risks, and coping strategies for resisting peer pressure. The diagnosis of marijuana addiction involves a comprehensive evaluation that takes into account various factors such as clinical evaluation, self-assessment tools, adherence to DSM-5 criteria, patient history, and psychiatric assessment.
How To Treat Weed Addiction
THC is responsible for the reinforcing properties of marijuana and subsequent addiction because it stimulates the brain’s reward system and promotes the release of dopamine, a “feel-good” hormone. This is at a higher level than normally seen with naturally rewarding stimuli, which can lead to addiction. Though these symptoms can be unpleasant, they’re not usually life-threatening like the withdrawal symptoms from alcohol or opioids. These symptoms can persist for days or weeks, however, after enduring them one can enjoy the benefits of quitting weed. Even in areas where marijuana has been decriminalized or legalized for medical or recreational use, legal issues related to marijuana addiction can still arise. To better understand the nature of marijuana addiction, it is helpful to compare it to other substance addictions, particularly in terms of severity, withdrawal, and societal impact.
- This emotional turmoil can severely affect coping mechanisms and quality of life.
- As with many substances, regular use of marijuana can lead to tolerance and dependence.
- The risks of marijuana use involve cognitive decline, respiratory issues, and an elevated likelihood of developing mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis.
- Education efforts should focus on the legal implications of marijuana use, health risks, and coping strategies for resisting peer pressure.
- These findings support the theory that adolescent cannabis use causes lasting deficits in memory.
- Learn more about marijuana addiction, risk factors, effects on the brain, and more.
As marijuana use increases, so does evidence showing it harms the heart
Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. To learn more about all AAA offers or become a member, visit AAA.com. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety conducted two separate but complementary studies to 1) analyze cannabis consumers’ thoughts, perceptions, and reasons for driving under the influence, and 2) develop messages that might deter this behavior in the future. In a process initiated under Biden, the DEA is currently reviewing marijuana’s classification.
Inpatient Treatment
Healthcare professionals may grade is marijuana addictive CUD as mild, moderate, or severe depending on how many of the above criteria a person meets. 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.
- Kamel and his team conducted the retrospective study using data from TriNetX, a global health research network that provides access to electronic medical records.
- Marijuana addiction can be challenging both for the person experiencing the addiction and for those around them.
- It is usually marked by a change in behavior, where the person becomes consistently focused on using that substance regardless of potential negative outcomes.
- In the retrospective study, researchers found that cannabis users younger than age 50 were over six times as likely to suffer a heart attack compared to non-users.
- While marijuana addiction is often considered less severe than addiction to substances like opioids or alcohol, it can still have significant negative impacts on an individual’s health, relationships, and quality of life.