Recognizing the Symptoms of Marijuana Addiction

Recognizing the Symptoms of Marijuana Addiction Addiction Drug Use Marijuana Print Recognize the Symptoms of Marijuana Addiction By Elizabeth Hartney, BSc., MSc., MA, PhD Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD is a psychologist, professor, and Director of the Centre for Health Leadership and Research at Royal Roads University, Canada. Learn about our editorial policy Elizabeth Hartney, BSc., MSc., MA, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on September 24, 2019 Marijuana use can be addictive. Jamie Grill/Getty Images More in Addiction Drug Use Marijuana Cocaine Heroin Meth Ecstasy/MDMA Hallucinogens Opioids Prescription Medications Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Nicotine Use Coping and Recovery Marijuana (cannabis) addiction is a pattern of marijuana use characterized by many of the typical signs and symptoms of drug addiction. The technical name for marijuana is Cannabis Use Disorder, and it is included in the  Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,  Fifth Edition (DSM-5).?? You might hear it called cannabis or marijuana dependence, cannabis or marijuana abuse, or cannabis or marijuana misuse. These terms are now considered disrespectful to people who use substances, so have fallen out of favor, even in the medical profession, although of course, it is taking time for some people to catch up, especially those who have been working in the field for a long time and using this language. If you use marijuana, you may be wondering if youve become addicted to it. If so, heres something that may come as a surprise: Youve reached an important milestone on the road to changing your habits related to the drug. Why is that? Because, as with other types of addiction, denial is common among people who use marijuana.?? Sometimes it is lack of awareness, and sometimes it is a refusal to accept reality, but people who use marijuana hardly ever admit to being addicted to it. In fact, many marijuana users strongly deny that its even possible to be addicted to marijuana. So if you are questioning whether it is possible to be addicted to marijuana, you are ahead of those who dont even consider the possibility. Symptoms According to the DSM-5, the presence of at least two of the following symptoms, occurring within a period of 12 months, indicates you may be using marijuana in a way that might cause you problems.:?? Using it in larger amounts and over a longer period than you intendedThinking a lot about cutting back or stopping your marijuana use, without successSpending a lot of time seeking and using the drug and recovering from its effectsCraving (strongly desiring to use) marijuanaUsing the drug so often, or getting so intoxicated by it, that you cant get important things doneContinuing to use it even when its causing social or relationship problems for you, and/or even when youve developed a physical or psychological problem related to using itGiving up or doing less of activities you used to enjoy because youd rather use marijuanaUsing it in situations that could be hazardous or even dangerousDeveloping a tolerance for it â€" needing more and more of it to achieve the same effectsExperiencing withdrawal symptoms when you run out of or dont have access to marijuana What If You Think You May Be Addicted to Marijuana? First, take a good, clear look at the way youre living. How closely does your life fit with the addiction symptoms listed above? Remember, youre already past the denial stage, where many marijuana users get stuck and are unable to take back control of their lives. And youve read this article to this point, which suggests youre serious about getting help to curb or stop your marijuana use. If you think  youve crossed from casual or recreational marijuana use to marijuana addiction, seek help as soon as possible.  This is particularly important if youve experienced certain negative effects of marijuana, particularly:  ?? Extreme changes in mood, outlook, and/or the way you interpret things going on around youChanges in your self-image and/or the way you think about yourself or other people, especially if you start thinking that others are watching you, following you, or plotting against you Although these effects can be temporary, marijuana use has been linked to a very serious type of mental health problem called psychosis.?? Psychosis is treatable, but it is important to get treatment as soon as possible. Younger people in their teens and early twenties are particularly vulnerable to developing psychosis after using drugs, including marijuana. If you dont want your parents to know, go to the doctor on your own or with a friend, or find a youth clinic to help you. Despite what you may have heard, marijuana is not a harmless drug. In addition to keeping you from fully experiencing your life, it can be a trigger for mental illness. Getting help for marijuana addiction right away increases the likelihood that treatment will be effective and permanent.