Understanding Marijuana Abuse

Learn About Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana, which is also referred to as cannabis, pot, or weed, is the most commonly abused illicit drug in the United States. Made from the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant, this mind-altering substance produces feelings of relaxation and detachment from one’s surroundings when consumed.

Individuals who abuse marijuana on a regular basis may do so for a variety of reasons, including to cope with pain, to overcome sleep difficulties, and to deal with other physiological or psychological problems. Other individuals may begin to use marijuana due to peer pressure or out of simple curiosity. However, no matter the reason why an individual begins to smoke marijuana, prolonged abuse can compromise many areas of a person’s life and may also develop into an addiction.

Once the habit of abusing marijuana has been established, it can be difficult for an individual to end the cycle of abuse on his or her own. The pleasurable feelings associated with marijuana abuse are what may prevent an individual from breaking free from this destructive behavior. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available that can help individuals overcome their compulsion to use marijuana and return to a life of sobriety.

Co-Occurring Disorders

Marijuana Abuse and Co-Occurring Disorders

Marijuana abuse has been known to occur alongside the presence of an additional mental health disorder. Furthermore, those who abuse marijuana have a much higher lifetime risk of using, what are referred to as more dangerous substances, than nonusers. Some examples of disorders that co-occur with marijuana abuse include:

Additional substance use disorders
Depression
Anxiety disorders
Conduct disorder
Suicidal ideation and behaviors
Bipolar disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder
Antisocial personality disorder
Paranoid personality disorder
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Statistics

Marijuana Addiction Statistics

Marijuana is said to be the most commonly abused illegal recreational drug in the United States. Research has indicated that approximately 69 million individuals throughout the U.S. have used marijuana at least once in their lifetime. Additionally, it has been suggested that nearly 6,000 Americans try pot for the first time every day.

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes and Risk Factors for Marijuana Abuse

Genetic: It is believed that genetic influences contribute to the development of marijuana abuse and addiction. Heritable factors are said to contribute between 30% and 80% of an individual’s risk for the development of marijuana abuse disorder. This means that if an individual has biological family members who battle chemical dependency concerns, he or she is at a heightened risk for struggling with similar concerns in his or her life as well.

Environmental: Loss of job, smoking tobacco, having an unstable or abusive family, marijuana use among close family members, and low socioeconomic status are only a few of the many environmental factors that can place an individual at an increased risk for beginning to abuse marijuana.

Risk Factors:

Family history of substance abuse and addiction
Personal or family history of mental illness
Peer pressure
Low self-esteem
Being the victim of abuse or neglect
Lacking proper coping skills
Ease of access to marijuana

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms of Marijuana Abuse

There are a number of signs and symptoms that will eventually arise when someone if abusing marijuana. However, the exact symptoms displayed are going to vary from person to person depending upon a number of different factors. The following are examples of various symptoms that may be exhibited by someone who is abusing marijuana:

Behavioral symptoms:

Failure to fulfill obligations at work
No longer participating in activities that were once enjoyed
Neglecting family or friends
Becomes socially isolated
Laughs for no reason or at inappropriate times
Possessing drug paraphernalia
Reduced motivation
May lie and steal
Engagement in drug seeking behaviors
Change in peer groups

Physical symptoms:

Red, blurry, bloodshot eyes
Constant cough
Dry mouth
Hunger
Weight gain
Increased fatigue / drowsiness
Poor coordination
Slower reflexes
Lethargic response to stimuli

Cognitive symptoms:

Distorted perceptions
Difficulty thinking or solving problems
Problems with memory
Inability to focus or concentrate
Impaired learning capabilities
Cognitive damage
Impaired decision-making capabilities
Paranoia
Disorganized thought processes
Experiencing altered states of perception
Hallucinations
Delusions

Psychosocial symptoms:

Anxiety
Depressed state
Excessive irritability
Agitation
Feelings of fear or panic
No longer interested in things that were once enjoyed
Deterioration of one’s overall emotional wellbeing

Effects

Effects of Marijuana Addiction

The prolonged abuse or marijuana can open the gateway for the development of many negative consequences in a person’s life. In addition to many ill effects that can potential occur marijuana abuse in general has been associated with poorer life satisfaction. Some specific examples of some effects that can result from long-term marijuana abuse include: