Yes, despite its health benefits, marijuana can be addictive. Marijuana addiction is a serious problem that affects many people. Although marijuana has been used for centuries as a medicinal remedy, it has also become increasingly popular as a recreational drug. Marijuana addiction is real and can have serious consequences for those affected. In this article, you will learn about the symptoms of marijuana addiction, the stages of addiction, and what type of treatment to choose.
Marijuana, cannabis – composition
Marijuana is made from cannabis (Cannabis). It contains several dozen biologically active substances, the most important of which are tetrahydrocannabinols (THC).
Forms of occurrence
Marijuana – dried cannabis leaves (0.5-5% THC)
Hashish – resin from the cannabis plant (2-19% THC)
Hashish oil – cannabis resin dissolved in ether, for example (10-30% THC)
Effects of marijuana (THC)
Depending on the conditions, cannabis can act as a stimulant, sedative, anesthetic, or mild hallucinogen. When using cannabis preparations, the following symptoms may occur:
- increased blood pressure and accelerated heart rate
- dry mouth, sometimes coughing fits
- congestion of the eyeballs and conjunctiva, sometimes swelling of the eyelids
- sweating
- throat disorders
- increased appetite, compulsive overeating
- headaches and dizziness
- sleep disorders
- impaired motor coordination, attention, and learning ability
- memory disorders
- generally poorer psychophysical performance (increased vulnerability to injury).
Medical marijuana
Synthetic delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in marijuana, is used for research purposes and, to a limited extent, for clinical purposes (e.g., to treat nausea and vomiting during cancer chemotherapy). Marijuana is known to be an effective pain reliever and can also help alleviate some of the symptoms of the following diseases: cancer, AIDS, glaucoma, chronic pain. It may also help reduce the risk of developing alcohol dependence. In addition, cannabiol may help people suffering from neuropathy or arthritis by reducing chronic pain.
Symptoms of marijuana addiction
Despite its health benefits, frequent cannabis use increases the risk of psychosocial, mental, and physical problems. The state of relaxation that marijuana induces can be addictive. As a result, the person does not learn other ways to relax and cope with emotions.
Cannabis addiction includes withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can be anxiety-related, ranging from mild low mood to severe depression and physical discomfort. Often, there is an increased tolerance to THC, continuing use despite the problems and consequences experienced. Frequent smokers may neglect other important areas of their lives and devote an excessive amount of time to obtaining and using cannabis.
Understanding the signs of marijuana addiction is essential to seeking help before it gets out of control. People who want to identify marijuana addiction should look for the following signs.
- The person has lost control over their marijuana use, causing problems in important areas of their life.
- The person smokes marijuana more than once a day to the point that it negatively affects their life.
- The person feels restless, depressed, irritable, or guilty when they are not smoking marijuana.
- The person has difficulty finding or keeping a job, maintaining relationships, and performing routine tasks.
Addiction – clinical criteria according to ICD-10
The most important criteria for addiction are:
- A strong desire or compulsion to use the substance
- Loss of control over substance use
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Tolerance
- Increased amount of time spent obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of the substance
- Use of the substance despite clear evidence of harmful consequences
To diagnose addiction, the patient must have experienced at least 3 of the above symptoms, which occurred together, for a certain period of time during the last year.
Stages of addiction
There are four stages of drug addiction:
1) preoccupation and experimentation
2) regular use and dependence
3) denial and isolation
4) relapse, at which point the cycle begins again.
Absorption and experimentation occurs when a person experiments with a substance or its use but does not become addicted. Regular use occurs when a person begins to use regularly, in excess, but is able to abstain from other drugs. Isolation is when an individual begins to avoid other people because of their addiction. Physical dependence, psychological dependence on psychoactive substances, occurs. Denial is characterized by: denial of “being addicted.” Denial that one has a problem; denial that one bears any consequences for one’s behavior; denial of one’s helplessness in the face of enormous difficulties.
Effects and symptoms of addiction
Marijuana is one of the most commonly used drugs in the world. The negative effects of marijuana use can be profound and long-lasting, affecting physical and mental health, relationships, and even financial stability.
Many side effects are related to the circumstances in which cannabis is used. Sometimes panic attacks occur, mainly in people who are using cannabis for the first time. Under the influence of cannabis preparations, the ability to interact with the environment and motor functions may be impaired. Disturbances in depth perception and an altered sense of time have been demonstrated, which poses particular risks when driving. There are many reports of exacerbated symptoms of schizophrenia after taking marijuana, even when the patient is taking neuroleptics.
Consequences of smoking marijuana
- susceptibility to suggestion
- confusion
- irrational thoughts
- increased tension and anxiety, irritability
- memory impairment
- rapid heartbeat
- dizziness
- apathy
- fears and delusions
- inability to focus on multiple things at once.
Treatment of marijuana addiction
The most common type of treatment for drug addiction is cognitive behavioral therapy, which involves managing situations that trigger smoking. These interventions aim to change unhealthy behaviors through rewards or consequences for specific actions. CBT also helps people find new ways to cope with overwhelming feelings or stressors in their lives and supports problem-solving skills.
Candis therapy
CANDIS therapy is one of the first cannabis addiction treatment programs in Europe. The Candis program was developed at the Technische Universität Dresden in Germany. The program is largely based on motivational interviewing. The empirical effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) in combination with motivational interviewinghas been confirmed, which minimizes the risk of relapse by strengthening the patient’s motivation to change.
The CANDIS program is tailored to the specific problems of adolescents and adults with cannabis use disorder. Candis is aimed at people over the age of 16 who smoke marijuana harmfully or are addicted to cannabis products. An acceptable goal of the Candis program may be not only complete abstinence from psychoactive substances, but also reducing or changing the pattern of use to a less harmful one.
The program is designed to help people learn how to cope with their cravings and desires and how to reinforce healthier behaviors that will be long-lasting. The program also provides support to families struggling with the addiction of a loved one. It provides education, counseling, and other types of support. It helps people overcome addiction in a safe and supportive environment.
For more information about the Candis program, visit:
https://www.kbpn.gov.pl/portal?id=2194355
https://www.narkomania.org.pl/