Marijuana Addiction: Signs, Effects, and How to Get Help

Doctors at Yale Medicine treat patients for cannabis use disorder and are conducting leading research to advance therapies to treat it and to better understand the effects of cannabis on the brain. THC, marijuana’s main psychoactive compound, stimulates dopamine release, creating pleasurable effects. Repeated use can lead to brain changes, making users dependent on the drug for mood regulation and stress relief. While many people think of marijuana as relatively harmless, research shows that regular and heavy use can lead to Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), a clinical term for marijuana addiction. Even though the FDA has approved certain cannabis-derived products for specific conditions, this approval is limited, and there are broader concerns about cannabis misuse and addiction.

• This plant contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive compound that alters the mind, along with other related compounds.
• Research is mixed as to whether mental health issues are more often the cause of cannabis abuse, or whether dependence on cannabis can, in turn, lead to mental health issues.
• CBT focuses on helping individuals understand the connections between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
• Individuals experience withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit, which vary in intensity based on the level of dependency.
• It’s often made from the dried leaves and flowers of the plant and even the seeds and stems.

Is marijuana addictive physically or psychologically?

Cannabidiol (CBD), while non-intoxicating, still influences the brain’s response to THC by modulating its effects. As noted by Dhein (2020) in “Different Effects of Cannabis Abuse on Adolescent and Adult Brain,” THC has a stronger impact on younger brains, increasing the risk of addiction in adolescents. No, marijuana use is illegal in Indiana for both medical and recreational purposes despite growing public support for legalization. As of January 2025, state laws prohibit possession, sale, and use, with no approved medical marijuana program.

How Does Marijuana Affect the Brain?

Medicinal marijuana is used to treat and manage a variety of medical concerns, including physical and mental health Drug rehabilitation challenges. Despite the risks, studies of medicinal marijuana use have shown effectiveness. Nearly 90 percent of people who use medicinal marijuana claim that it helps them to manage their disease and symptoms, and many find that they are able to decrease their use of other medications. People living with untreated depression, anxiety, stress, chronic pain, or digestive issues may use cannabis to manage unwanted symptoms. And while cannabis can provide some temporary relief, frequent use is a major risk factor for developing cannabis use disorder. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a drug must have well-defined and measurable ingredients consistent from one unit (such as a pill or injection) to the next.

Support Groups

We believe everyone deserves access to accurate, unbiased information about mental health and addiction. That’s why we have a comprehensive set of treatment providers and don’t charge for inclusion. We do not and have never accepted fees for referring someone to a particular center.

If you or a loved one are struggling with marijuana misuse, WebMD Connect to Care Advisors are standing by to help. Kenneth R. Weinberg, M.D., is an emergency medicine, urgent care, and cannabis physician, as well as a published writer. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses.

Cannabis Use Disorder DSM-5 Criteria

Its psychoactive properties induce feelings of euphoria and altered sensory perceptions, which many users find pleasurable. Many studies have been done on the effects of marijuana abuse during pregnancy, and results are conflicting, possibly because of other substances used and/or abused during https://ecosoberhouse.com/oxford-house/ pregnancy, including tobacco. Substance abuse occurs when an individual regularly uses drugs or alcohol and experiences negative consequences as a result.

However, if the use is becoming a need or you’re experiencing negative consequences because of it, it may be a problem. If you or someone you love may be experiencing marijuana abuse or addiction, talk with a trusted healthcare professional. They will work with you to get properly evaluated and the appropriate treatment.

CUD and Other Mental Health Conditions

• You can consult your healthcare professional to see if this is a viable treatment option.
• Having these risk factors doesn’t mean you definitely will develop a substance abuse problem, but you may be more at risk.
• As societal acceptance of marijuana grows alongside its availability, understanding and addressing cannabis use disorder remains crucial for public health initiatives.
• This therapy involves exploring ambivalence regarding marijuana use and developing personalized goals for recovery.
• Fortunately, like other SUDs, cannabis use disorder can be managed with the right support.

Most of these symptoms will wear off as the drug itself wears off, but for some, the psychological effects of marijuana can last many months or even years after the individual stops smoking pot. Insomnia can persist for many months, often pushing individuals to relapse and to return to marijuana. Anxiety and depression are also common outcomes of marijuana abuse that can persist for months, often leading to relapse. Professional treatment is needed to provide counseling, behavioral coaching, and prescribed medications that can relieve these symptoms and the individual’s desire to self-medicate. Yale is weed addictive Medicine psychiatrists treat patients for all addictions, including cannabis use disorder. Yale Medicine doctors are conducting exciting research in the fields of marijuana and other addiction treatments.

• It is defined in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a result of either dependence or abuse of marijuana.
• With these tips, you’ll be better prepared to find the right fit and begin your journey toward a healthier, cannabis-free life.
• Psychiatric Assessment is an evaluation that assesses co-occurring mental health disorders that complicate cannabis use.
• Yale Medicine psychiatrists treat patients for all addictions, including cannabis use disorder.

Polysubstance Abuse: Common Patterns, Causes, Effects, Diagnosis, Treatment and Challenges

This shows that MET is an effective treatment option for marijuana addiction. Psychiatric Assessment is an evaluation that assesses co-occurring mental health disorders that complicate cannabis use. The focus area is the symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric conditions that are worsened by cannabis use. This assessment is important in determining the appropriate treatment plan and addressing any underlying issues that are contributing to marijuana addiction. The common signs of marijuana addiction include persistent cravings, loss of control over usage, and continued use despite negative impacts on personal and professional life. Individuals experience withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit, which vary in intensity based on the level of dependency.