If a person’s marijuana abuse interferes with their ability to function normally, maintain healthy relationships, or work, or if they just can’t quit using marijuana despite their best attempts to do otherwise, they are said to be addicted. Based on the quantity and regularity of marijuana use, the DSM-5 classifies this as a disorder.
It’s doubtful that marijuana users will get dependent on it. However, around one in ten people who use marijuana will get addicted to it, according to the CDC
Is Marijuana Addictive?
Marijuana addiction is uncommon and only diagnosed in cases of acute dependency. Only a very small percentage of frequent marijuana users have cannabis use disorder. NIDA reports a sharp increase in the number of persons who started using marijuana in their teens.
It’s unlikely that someone you know has a marijuana addiction if they sometimes consume marijuana, and it doesn’t affect their everyday activities.
Cannabis Use Disorder
Health professionals choose the term “cannabis use disorder” over “cannabis addiction.” NIDA estimates that 30% of cannabis users may be suffering from this illness.
Possibly Contributing Factors to Cannabis Use Disorder
A cannabis use disorder (CUD) diagnosis is given for mild, moderate, or severe marijuana use issues. For a person to be identified as having a cannabis use disorder, at least 2 of the DSM-5’s 11 symptoms must be present during the previous 12 months. Depending on their symptoms, a person is categorized as having a mild, moderate, or severe marijuana use disorder. These 11 signs should be known by anybody concerned about their own or some other person’s marijuana use. Some of these signs include:
- Incapacity due to marijuana abuse to engage in an important job, social, or recreational activities.
- Abusing marijuana excessively or for an extended period.
- Desire to quit or reduce marijuana abuse but are unable to do so.
- Continuing to abuse cannabis despite the side effects.
- Strong cravings to abuse marijuana
- Using lots of money and time to obtain marijuana.
- Continuing to consume marijuana even if it exacerbates an existing medical or psychiatric problem.
- Ignoring the problems brought on by smoking marijuana like damaged relationships.
- Experiencing marijuana withdrawal symptoms.
In the initial phases of a cannabis use disorder, an affected person may notice signs but not realize where it fits in the continuum of recreational use, abuse, and dependence. In any event, it’s critical to understand that the person can be gradually progressing toward developing a marijuana addiction. Sometimes the user is unaware that their behavior is dangerous.
Seek Help from a Reputable Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center
Cannabis addiction is a serious issue, although most people are unlikely to develop it. Due to the potential effects of marijuana on developing brains, it is crucial to be aware of the signs of marijuana addiction in young children and adolescents. Resources and treatment options are available to you if you are battling an addiction. If you or a beloved one has a cannabis use issue in or near Dallas, Texas, seek support and treatment by visiting Skyward Treatment Center.
