Patient Concerns: Is Marijuana Addictive?

November 6, 2021

general

Many people wonder about the addictive nature of drugs and other substances. If you are interested in this issue, I have written several articles on this topic over the years and will include the resources to one on Cannabis Use Disorder I wrote in 2020.

Using marijuana (cannabis) does not necessarily mean a person has a disorder or problem. Cannabis Use Disorder is a diagnosis given for marijuana use that is problematic; in other words, a person will continue to use cannabis despite the impairment in physical, social, or psychological functioning it causes.

Like other substances, chronic use of marijuana can lead to symptoms like these below, including:

  • Persistent cravings
  • Excessive amounts of time and effort spent in obtaining it
  • Larger and larger amounts taken over time
  • Recurrent use resulting in failure to fulfill obligations at school, work, or home
  • Choosing to spend time in the use of the drug instead of time with family, friends, recreation, other activities

While cannabis may not be physically addicting in the same way heroin or even alcohol can be, it can be psychologically addicting. People definitely can abuse it, and dependence and tolerance (as defined by a need for more and more to achieve the desire effect), can result. What that means is that withdrawal symptoms could include:

  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Restlessness
  • Sleeplessness
  • Mood disturbances
  • Appetite and digestive issues

That means that you will need to cut back slowly if you want to stop or reduce cannabis use. If use is very high, you may need to contact your physician for help as medication to ease severe symptoms can often help.

Talk therapy can offer a helpful and supportive environment as you work through your challenges to find balance in this area.

Other options include self-help and support groups for your specific situation. For example, many use cannabis in treating their cancer and other medical conditions. The key in all things is moderation so that cannabis use remains a benefit and not just one more problem to deal with in the long run.