When we think of addictive drugs, weed may not be the first to come to mind. It’s all natural, it’s legalized in some states, it is often used for health reasons (medical marijuana), and it doesn’t produce the rapid and obvious decline that many other drugs cause. But it does have addictive tendencies.

The main factor behind cannabis addiction is withdrawal symptoms. After using the drug for some time, your brain gets used to having it in its system. An adjustment period is required until you can return to normal functioning.

This article will dive more deeply into marijuana addiction, so you can determine how it may affect you.

What Does Addiction Actually Mean?

Let’s start by looking at the various factors that qualify addiction.

Addiction can be physical or psychological in nature, and there is a difference between addiction and dependence. Here’s what that means in the cannabis spectrum:

Physical Dependence: Someone may be physically addicted to a drug if their body adapts to its presence. That can occur with THC, but symptoms are usually mild.
Psychological Dependence: Cannabis dependence is more psychological in nature. People may say they need it to relax, sleep better at night, or get creative. Marijuana is often used to cope with stress, anxiety, or trauma, but it can worsen these feelings over time.
Addiction: The American Psychiatric Association’s criteria for substance use disorders include tools to identify cannabis addiction. Often, a diagnosis is confirmed when a behavioral aspect is added to physical and psychological dependence.

Signs of Cannabis Use Disorder

Symptoms of cannabis use disorder (CUD) include using more marijuana than intended, unsuccessful attempts to cut down, and neglecting responsibilities due to use. Here are some other warning signs to look out for.

Impact on Relationships and Daily Life: Marijuana addiction can disrupt a user’s life and relationships.
Continued Use Despite Negative Consequences: The person may recognize that cannabis use is negatively impacting their life, but they are unable to stop.
Withdrawal Symptoms: These occur when the individual stops using cannabis, typically setting in within 24 hours of the last use.

Is Marijuana Addictive? What Research Says

According to 2023 National Library of Medicine research, 6.8% of Americans meet the criteria for a cannabis use disorder. Here’s what’s going on behind the scenes.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a biological signaling system that controls various aspects of the body, including mood, sleep, temperature, and appetite. Marijuana hijacks the ECS, mimicking the endocannabinoids that operate the system, but on a much more powerful level.

When you use cannabis for a while, your body becomes used to operating at that higher level. When cannabis use stops, there’s a deficit, and your body struggles to adjust. It goes through cannabis withdrawal, with symptoms like irritability, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, and hot flashes.

Other symptoms include:

Headache
Weight gain
Fluctuating body temperature
Mood swings, anxiety, and irritability
Nausea and digestive issues
Insomnia

Fortunately, cannabis withdrawal symptoms are temporary and will pass with time.

Who Is Most At Risk?

The following factors make some people at higher risk of cannabis addiction than others.

Age of First Use: People who start using marijuana in their teens are more likely to develop an addiction.
Frequency and Potency of Cannabis Use: Individuals who use cannabis frequently, at high doses, are more likely to become addicted.
Mental Health Conditions: People who use marijuana to treat mental health conditions are at high risk of becoming psychologically dependent.
Method of Use: Individuals are more likely to become addicted when smoking marijuana because it becomes habitual. High-dose products, like dabs and concentrates, are also more likely to contribute to dependency issues.
Genetic Predisposition: Addiction often runs in families, whether by nature or nurture.

How is Cannabis Addiction Treated?

Cannabis use disorder is complex to treat. It takes a customized approach, but generally follows these guidelines:

Detox

Withdrawal from marijuana is often described as mild compared to severe alcohol or opioid withdrawal symptoms. However, unpleasant withdrawal symptoms and cravings are often a part of the process.

There are no FDA-approved medications prescribed to treat cannabis withdrawal, but experts are studying how medicine can ease withdrawal symptoms associated with cannabis use disorder. For example, symptoms may be treated individually with pain relievers, anti-depressants, and sleep aids. Many people find that CBD helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit marijuana.

Therapy

Therapy is necessary to target the psychological aspects of cannabis addiction. It teaches people coping strategies so they can deal with their emotions without using weed. For example:

Motivational interviewing helps to turn ambivalence about quitting into energy to quit.
Contingency management gives patients tangible rewards for positive behaviors.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps identify and modify harmful thinking and behavior.
Psychotherapy can help young people with cannabis use disorder.

Aftercare

Treatment centers understand that recovery is an ongoing process. A reputable clinic, such as Capital Recovery, continues to support our patients by recommending healthy habits and ongoing therapy.

Capital Recovery Is Invested In Your Well-Being

At Capital Recovery, we understand the severity of cannabis use disorder and would never undermine it. We offer various treatment options, ensuring care is customized to our clients’ needs. Our facility offers a comforting environment and comprehensive care from detox to therapy and beyond.

FAQs

Can you become dependent on marijuana?

Yes, you can become dependent on marijuana. It is especially psychologically addictive. People often find they need it to relax, fall asleep, or become creative.

What percentage of cannabis users develop a use disorder?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 22% to 30% of people who use cannabis have a substance abuse disorder.

What is cannabis use disorder?

A cannabis use disorder occurs when behavioral signs mix with psychological and physical dependence. The individual will be unable to control their habit and stop, despite negative consequences.

What are the signs that someone is addicted to weed?

While physical and psychological dependence may exist, the real sign of weed addiction occurs when it begins to take over a person’s behavior. They may want to quit marijuana use, but they don’t have the willpower to do so.

What are the effects of marijuana?

Using marijuana can lead to feelings of numbness, isolation, or being stuck over time. Short-term effects of marijuana use can include paranoia and memory loss. Long-term marijuana use can lead to cognitive issues such as memory and attention problems.

Is Weed Addictive? Cannabis Use Disorder & Dependence