They’re looking at antidepressants, cannabinoid agonists, mood stabilizers, and insomnia medication, but there are no FDA-approved meds for CUD. People who use marijuana a lot are more likely to be jobless and not happy with life. If you use it every day, you might get withdrawal symptoms a day or two after stopping. These include insomnia, mood problems, or cravings you can’t control. The main difference between marijuana addiction and alcohol addiction lies in their mechanisms of action and the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol addiction primarily affects the GABA and glutamate neurotransmitter systems, leading to significant alterations in mood, motivation, and self-control.
It also addresses the ongoing debate is marijuana addictive surrounding the addictive potential of marijuana, comparing it to other substances and examining the broader social and economic implications of its use. By shedding light on these issues, this guide aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of marijuana addiction and its consequences, helping individuals make informed decisions about their use of the drug. Treatment options for marijuana addiction include evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational enhancement therapy (MET), and support groups like Marijuana Anonymous. In some cases, medical detoxification is necessary, especially for those with co-occurring mental health disorders or other substance dependencies such as alcohol addiction. Anti-anxiety medications are also prescribed during withdrawal to alleviate acute symptoms and facilitate the recovery process.
Signs of cannabis use disorder
Marijuana has been utilized for thousands of years for both medicinal and recreational purposes. Its origins trace back to Central or South Asia, where it was used in various traditional medicines, as reviewed by Leal-Galicia P et al.’s 2018 study titled “A Brief History of Marijuana in the Western World,” published in Revista De Neurologia Journal. There’s evidence that it was used in Central Asia and Western China to treat health issues such as arthritis, asthma, pain, and depression.
- Ben Bernstein, Ph.D., is a Performance Psychologist who works with CEOs, athletes, parents, stage performers, healthcare professionals, and test-takers to do their best.
- In a process initiated under Biden, the DEA is currently reviewing marijuana’s classification.
- There are risks of use, even medicinally, and addiction is one of them.
- That puts you at risk of your stomach contents coming back up and being sucked into your lungs.
Marijuana Addiction: Signs, Effects, and How to Get Help
The THC in marijuana binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, disrupting communication between cells. This can lead to short-term memory loss, impaired judgment, and slowed reaction times. Prolonged use, especially in adolescents, can result in permanent cognitive deficits.
Cannabis Science
In one preclinical study, chronically administering a synthetic cannabinoid agonist to adolescent rats impaired short-term working memory in adulthood (Renard et al. 2016). Specifically, this chronic cannabinoid exposure altered PFC structure and impaired cortical synaptic plasticity from reduced long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus-PFC circuit. These findings support the theory that adolescent cannabis use causes lasting deficits in memory. However, they are likely age-specific effects as preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated a lack of long-lasting cognitive impairments from adult chronic cannabis use (Renard et al. 2016).
There are various protective factors, such as a strong support system and healthy coping mechanisms, that help prevent or decrease the likelihood of developing addiction. These behavioral signs collectively illustrate how marijuana addiction disrupts various facets of an individual’s life. Physical signs refer to observable changes in the body that indicate potential marijuana misuse. These signs range from mild to severe, impacting daily functioning and health.
- THC, along with other cannabinoids present in marijuana, interacts with the brain’s endocannabinoid system, a crucial network of receptors that regulates various physiological processes, including mood, memory, appetite, and pain sensation.
- When your body is calm, your mind is confident, and your spirit is focused, you become resilient.
- Neuroadaptations in glutamatergic signaling resulting from repeated cannabis use are likely also implicated in periods of cannabis abstinence and craving (Samuni et al. 2013).
Substance Use Helpline
These physical symptoms can provide clues that someone may be using marijuana habitually. Research suggests that genetics play a significant role in an individual’s susceptibility to addiction, including marijuana addiction. A treatment center will attempt to verify your health insurance benefits and/or necessary authorizations on your behalf. We cannot guarantee payment or verification eligibility as conveyed by your health insurance provider will be accurate and complete. Payment of benefits are subject to all terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the member’s contract at time of service.
How Do You Know If You Have CUD?
Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, irritability, insomnia, appetite loss, and physical discomforts such as headaches and stomach pains. Le et al. 2023 presented a rare case of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) caused by fentanyl-laced marijuana. A patient presented with hemoptysis following an overdose, highlighting the growing dangers of synthetic fentanyl adulteration. DAH, though rare, is life-threatening and necessitates early recognition and treatment. With the rising prevalence of fentanyl-laced substances, cases of DAH will increase. As cannabis becomes more widely used, relevant and engaging public health messaging will be more critical than ever.
Marijuana Addiction Criteria
A lobbyist for Curaleaf, a marijuana company based in New York, is listed as the organization’s treasurer, and it is bankrolled by the cannabis industry. Recurrent substance use in situations in which it is physically hazardous. Doctors will not typically prescribe anything to relieve cannabis intoxication. They may encourage completely stopping cannabis use if someone has CUD. People can speak with a doctor for more advice and information if they experience any of the above criteria.
