Both alcohol and benzos are highly addictive substances linked with potentially fatal withdrawal symptoms, whereas the relationship between cannabis and addiction remains cloudy at best. Individuals who use marijuana daily are more likely to develop a psychological dependence due to changes in brain chemistry, what is alcoholism particularly in the endocannabinoid system. Research published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence indicates that individuals with CUD experience withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and continued use despite negative consequences. The risk of addiction is significantly higher in individuals who start using marijuana at a young age or use high-THC strains.
Building up a tolerance
Cannabis use disorder, or marijuana use disorder, is is weed an addictive substance when a person continues to use the substance even though they experience negative health or life effects from use. Symptoms include excessive focus on marijuana use; ignoring school, work, or relationships; other problems caused by marijuana use such as an inability to resist cravings; and more. Like any drug used medicinally, the potential risks of use are weighed against the potential benefits when deciding what should and should not be tried.
How does loperamide make people feel?
Studies indicate that while some individuals may develop a cannabis use disorder, the overall incidence is lower compared to other substances, such as alcohol or opioids. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) estimates that about 9% of users develop dependence, a figure that rises to about 17% for those who start using in their teens. The research suggests that marijuana use during pregnancy increases the risk of developmental delays, attention problems, and learning disabilities in children. Behavioral symptoms of an alcohol abuser and cannabis abuser are very much the same.
What are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Marijuana?
Today, marijuana is classified by the federal government as a Schedule I substance, which means the drug presents a high risk for abuse and is deemed to have no medicinal uses. However, several states have legalized marijuana for adult recreational use, and 23 states as well as the District of Columbia allow use of medical marijuana to treat certain medical conditions. Clinical evaluation is a comprehensive assessment conducted by a healthcare professional that includes a detailed patient history and mental status examination. It evaluates symptoms such as tolerance, withdrawal, and the impact of cannabis use on daily functioning. The clinician looks for signs of impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas due to cannabis use.
- At high doses, marijuana effectuates hallucinogenic effects, comprising distorted sensory perception, paranoia, and dissociation.
- Marijuana withdrawal looks like irritability, sleep disturbances, cravings, and anxiety.
- Behavioral symptoms of an alcohol abuser and cannabis abuser are very much the same.
At Carolina Center for Recovery and affiliates, we aim to provide readers with the most accurate and updated healthcare information possible. Our certified medical reviewers are licensed in the mental health and addiction medicine fields and are dedicated to helping readers and prospective clients make informed decisions about their treatment. We adhere to strict accuracy guidelines and only reference credible sources when providing information on our website. Additionally, marijuana has been explored as an alternative therapy to reduce cravings in patients recovering from addiction, particularly for individuals who struggle with managing anxiety and stress during recovery. Marijuana withdrawal looks like irritability, sleep disturbances, cravings, and anxiety.
Culture, legality and economics
According to the DSM-5, withdrawal symptoms are a core feature of cannabis use disorder, often lasting for weeks after cessation. NIDA supports the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study, which will follow a large population of mothers and their infants from the prenatal period through age 10. This study aims to better understand healthy development and shed light on how early exposure to cannabis and other substances, stressors, and trauma affect brain development and mental health, and how to reduce adverse outcomes.
Tolerance means that over time, individuals may need to consume larger quantities of marijuana to achieve the same effects they initially experienced. Marijuana, scientifically known as Cannabis sativa, is a plant that has been used for centuries for various purposes, including medicinal, recreational, and industrial. The primary psychoactive component in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which interacts with the brain’s endocannabinoid system. This system plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including mood, memory, appetite, and pain sensation. Additionally, the risk of marijuana addiction is especially present among heavy users and young people who use the drug. This combination of factors contributes to a shifting cultural landscape where marijuana is increasingly viewed as a legitimate option for both recreation and therapeutic purposes.
Valley Spring Recovery Center offers comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment services. Contact our admissions team, available 24/7, to start your journey towards recovery. Since THC is fat-soluble, it accumulates in fat cells and is gradually released over time, meaning individuals with higher body fat percentages retain THC for longer durations. Other factors, such as hydration levels, metabolism, and physical activity, also influence how quickly marijuana is eliminated from the system.
