Like other addictions, cannabis use disorder can cause problems with physical or mental health and serious disruptions to work, school, or interpersonal relationships. One of the studies included in the meta-analysis found that the risk of heart attack peaked about one hour after marijuana consumption. At The Recovery Village Rehab Centers, we take the extra steps to treat your addiction or mental health needs is marijuana addictive by offering a full continuum of care.
Episode 4: Behind the brain science of addiction with Erin Calipari
The American Council on Science and Health is a research and education organization operating under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. We raise our funds each year primarily from individuals and foundations. Recurrent substance use in situations in which it is physically hazardous.
Marijuana
Therefore, hyperactivation by exogenous cannabinoids during development could disrupt the maturation of GABAergic interneurons in the PFC and desynchronize PFC circuits (Caballero and Tseng 2012). Thus, adolescent cannabis use may affect brain development and result in enduring alterations in the GABA/glutamate balance in the PFC (Renard et al. 2016). There are no FDA-approved medications to treat marijuana use disorder specifically, but medications can help address accompanying issues like insomnia or co-occurring mental health disorders like depression or anxiety.
Links to NCBI Databases
Physical dependence occurs when the body builds a tolerance to a drug and requires more of it to achieve a certain effect. In fact, roughly 30% of cannabis users meet the criteria for addiction. If you’re ready to address your cannabis use disorder and begin a journey towards long-term recovery, Trafalgar Residence is here to help. Our team of experienced professionals is committed to providing personalized care, helping you to overcome addiction and improve your overall well-being.
- The NIDA highlights research suggesting that 22% to 30% of people who use cannabis have CUD.
- Additionally, people who are pregnant or nursing should avoid using cannabis products that contain THC or CBD.
- These changes may reinforce the compulsive use of marijuana despite adverse consequences, which is characteristic of substance addiction.
- Marijuana addiction can significantly impact an adolescent’s educational outcomes and future opportunities.
- “Cannabis addiction is far more dependent on patterns of use and psychological factors than sheer quantity alone,” Caplan says.
- Someone with CUD may experience cravings and an increased tolerance for cannabis.
- Millions of Americans can pick up, and put down, marijuana relatively easily.
- But the mere presence of these symptoms, irrespective of the reason, is sufficient to diagnose cannabis use disorder, at least as the DSM criteria are now written.
- While THC is present in all parts of the plant, it is particularly concentrated in the resin of the flowering tops of the female plant.
- If you’re dependent on cannabis, you could go through withdrawal for weeks or relapse after you quit.
- These can help you change thoughts and behaviors that make it hard to quit.
- These symptoms typically occur when an individual reduces or stops heavy use.
Medications such as antidepressants may be prescribed to treat co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. You can consult your healthcare professional to see if this is a viable treatment option. Addiction is a recurring cycle that worsens over time and involves neuroplastic changes in the brain reward, stress, and executive function systems (Koob and Volkow 2016). While there’s been debate over whether the use of marijuana can cause physical addiction or physical dependence, it’s been known to be psychologically addictive. People who use marijuana frequently can experience psychological dependence and mental side effects that make it challenging to quit. Cannabis has always been a deeply controversial drug, and while it can be a therapeutic substance, it also comes with a risk of addiction or dependence.
The only way to truly prevent addiction is to avoid marijuana altogether. Amanda Stevens is a highly respected figure in the field of medical content writing, with a specific focus on eating disorders and addiction treatment. Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Purdue University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, which serves as a strong educational foundation for her contributions.
Does Marijuana Cause or Help Dementia?
Regular or heavy use can lead to physical and psychological dependence, where the individual feels compelled to continue using the drug despite adverse effects on their life. 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. By raising awareness of marijuana addiction and its consequences, we can better support those affected and work towards a society that values both individual freedom and collective well-being. Marijuana addiction can lead to various physical health issues, particularly when use is frequent or long-term. These health consequences can affect multiple bodily systems and may worsen over time.
Not everyone who uses marijuana will develop an addiction, but certain factors can increase the risk. These risk factors can be genetic, environmental, or related to the individual’s history of substance use. Trafalgar Residence provides various addiction treatment options, including inpatient rehab, outpatient counseling, and online rehab programs. These programs are tailored to each client and are delivered by a team of accredited professionals with extensive clinical and research experience. One criticism against using marijuana as a treatment for other addictions is that it may increase the risk of using other drugs (11).
Social and Cultural Perspectives on Marijuana Use #
The debate surrounding the classification of marijuana addiction as physical or psychological is ongoing and inconclusive. Some contend that marijuana addiction is primarily physical, while others assert that it is primarily psychological. Expert consultation is necessary to determine if certain symptoms are a result of marijuana withdrawal or cannabis withdrawal. Some studies suggest that the heightened potency of today’s marijuana could lead to increased physiological dependency in certain individuals.
