Yes, marijuana can be addictive - how to recognize the signs of cannabis use disorder
- Marijuana addiction can occur when someone develops a problematic pattern of cannabis use that impairs their quality of life or causes them distress.
- Those most at risk of developing a marijuana addiction are adolescents, people with mental health conditions, and those with a family history of addiction.
- Marijuana addiction can be treated with therapy methods like CBT or by joining a support group like Marijuana Anonymous or SMART recovery.
Of the millions of Americans who consume marijuana for recreational or therapeutic use, most will not develop a dependence or addiction.
However, research suggests that up to 30% of those who use marijuana may develop a cannabis use disorder or dependency, meaning they continue to use or depend on marijuana despite negative effects.
Here's what you need to know about the medical term for a marijuana addiction - cannabis use disorder - and how to tell if your drug use is becoming a problem.
Yes, marijuana can be addictive
Cannabis use disorder is defined as "a problematic pattern of cannabis use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress," according to the DSM-5.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is used by health professionals to diagnose and classify mental disorders. It says that a person must meet two of the following requirements to be diagnosed with cannabis use disorder:
- You frequently use cannabis in larger amounts or for more time than you intended
- You have unsuccessfully tried to cut down on your cannabis use
- You spend a significant amount of time acquiring or using cannabis
- You often feel strong desires or cravings to use cannabis
- Your cannabis use interferes with responsibilities at work, school, or home
- You continue to use cannabis despite it causing social or interpersonal problems
- You give up social, occupational, or recreational activities because of cannabis use
- You use cannabis in situations where it's physically dangerous, such as driving
- You continue to use cannabis despite having a physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or made worse by the drug
- You've built a tolerance to cannabis, which means you're increasing the amount you consume to achieve effects
- You experience withdrawal symptoms when cannabis use is stopped
When a person is physically addicted to a drug, they will experience physical or mental withdrawal symptoms when they stop consuming it. Physical dependence occurs when the body builds a tolerance to a drug and requires more of it to achieve a certain effect.
"While marijuana may not be as physically addictive as substances such as opioids or alcohol, it can be physically addictive," says Aaron Sternlicht, a licensed mental health counselor who specializes in substance abuse disorders in New York City.
In fact, a large 2020 meta-analysis examined cannabis users and found 47% experienced withdrawal symptoms when they stopped using cannabis, like:
- Irritability
- Nervousness
- Aggression
- Sleep disturbances
- Headaches
- Appetite disturbances
Signs of marijuana addiction
Symptoms of marijuana addiction can be similar to symptoms of other drug addictions, like alcohol or cigarettes.
"While all drugs are different, all substance use disorders must meet the same criteria in order to be diagnosed and classified as such," Sternlicht says.
Drug addiction symptoms or behaviors generally include:
- Feeling you have to use the drug regularly - daily or even several times a day
- Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect
- Spending money on the drug, even though you can't afford it
- Continuing to use the drug, even though you know it's causing problems in your life or causing you physical or psychological harm
- Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug
"Signs of marijuana addiction include not only the physical effects of marijuana intake - like mood changes, slowing of speech, changes in appetite - but also the behavioral changes associated with addiction like being preoccupied with marijuana, experiencing financial hardship, increasingly withdrawn and secretive behavior, involvement in crime or dangerous situations," says Samantha Miller, PhD, a psychologist specializing in children and adolescents at Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin.
Risk factors
Researchers estimate 3 in 10 marijuana users will develop a cannabis use disorder. This may be more likely for some people, such as:
- Adolescents: This group has the highest risk of developing a marijuana dependency.
- People with mental health conditions. Some research has found that a pre-existing mental illness like anxiety, depression, or ADHD may strongly predict the development of a cannabis use disorder.
- Genetics: People can also be genetically predisposed to addiction if they have a family history of addiction or mental health disorders.
Consuming super potent marijuana with a higher percent of THC - the chemical in marijuana responsible for the "high" feeling - can also lead to increased severity of dependence, according to a 2015 study in the UK.
"A greater THC content can produce a greater reaction in the brain, resulting in an increased risk of dependence. Furthermore, individuals who smoke marijuana may be at increased risk of dependence compared to those who eat or drink marijuana because of the rate at which the body absorbs the THC," Sternlicht says.
Treatment options
If marijuana use is interfering with any aspect of your life, you may want to consider stopping your usage.
"Think in terms of physical and mental health, education, career, relationships, obligations, finances, sleep routine, hygiene, and all other such life areas. If you are unable to stop or reduce your marijuana use on your own you may need professional help," Sternlicht says.
Cannabis use disorder is commonly treated by psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed mental health counselors, or other licensed therapists. A specific type of psychotherapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a particularly effective treatment for substance abuse disorders.
For example, a 2001 study found that participants with cannabis dependence were more likely to report abstinence after either a six-session CBT program or a single-session CBT intervention, when compared to a delayed treatment group.
"CBT helps individuals identify triggers for relapse and to evaluate unhealthy thoughts and how they impact one's behavior and reality," Sternlicht says. "Many individuals also find it helpful to attend mutual-help groups for additional support such as Marijuana Anonymous, SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery, and others."
Insider's takeaway
Marijuana has always been a deeply controversial drug, and while cannabis can be a therapeutic substance, it also comes with a risk of addiction or dependence. Make sure you are aware of the potential risk if you choose to consume marijuana and reach out to your primary care provider if your cannabis use is negatively affecting your life.
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