Having a cannabis addiction — or cannabis use disorder — is a much more significant issue than many people know.
The increasing frequency of marijuana use, as well as the expanding legal status of cannabis products, has raised the rate of cannabis use disorder to a level that is likely much higher than most people realize. As a result, many people minimize or dismiss the possibility that they may have a real problem with cannabis. However, for a significant portion of people who regularly use cannabis, they are dependent on it and will have a difficult time quitting without assistance. For those who have lost control of their cannabis use, there are evidence-based treatment options available that are effective.
What Is Cannabis Use Disorder?
Cannabis use disorder is the clinical term for marijuana addiction. It is defined as the inability to stop using marijuana despite negative consequences and significant impairment to daily functioning. Cannabis use disorder is diagnosed using DSM-5 criteria and classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on the number of diagnostic criteria met.[1]
The active compound in cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and is responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects.[2] It works by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and central nervous system. With regular use, the brain adjusts the endocannabinoid system, resulting in reduced sensitivity of cannabinoid receptors, suppressed production of natural endocannabinoids, and the brain relying heavily on external THC to support mood and functioning at baseline. This is the neurological basis for cannabis dependence.[3]
Over the last several years, THC concentrations in commercially available marijuana products have dramatically increased compared to prior generations.[4] The concentration of THC in current products — particularly concentrates, waxes, and high-potency flower — is far greater than it was a generation ago and significantly raises the chances that a person will develop a dependence on marijuana, as well as the severity of withdrawal symptoms if they abruptly quit.
Signs of Marijuana Use and Addiction
Short-term signs of weed use include:
- Red or bloodshot eyes
- Dry mouth and increased appetite
- Decreased coordination and slowed reaction time
- Altered perception, euphoria, or relaxation
- Short-term memory loss
- Raised heart rate
- Anxiety or paranoia, particularly at high doses or in inexperienced users
Signs of Marijuana Addiction and Cannabis Use Disorder
- Using marijuana in larger amounts or more frequently than intended
- Unsuccessful attempts to reduce usage or stop
- Spending a large amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from marijuana
- Strong cravings
- Continuing to use cannabis despite negative effects on work, relationships, or mental health
- Giving up previously enjoyed activities because of cannabis use
- Continuing to use despite knowing it is worsening anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions
- Needing more cannabis to get the same effect (tolerance)
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using
Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms
Many people are surprised to discover that stopping marijuana use can produce real withdrawal symptoms.
Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Irritability, anger, and anxiety
- Insomnia and vivid or disturbing dreams
- Decreased appetite and weight loss
- Restlessness and difficulty focusing
- Low mood
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, sweating, and upset stomach
- Intense cravings
Marijuana withdrawal is not life-threatening, but it can be very uncomfortable. Mood disturbance and sleep disruption are among the most common reasons people return to use in early recovery.[5] Most people experience peak withdrawal symptoms during their first week of stopping and recover from them after approximately 2 to 3 weeks of abstinence. Heavy users may experience somepost-acute withdrawal symptoms, including mood instability and cravings, for more than three weeks.[6]
How to Cope With Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms
There are evidence-based methods to reduce the impact of withdrawal:
- Structured routine — Having a regular schedule for sleeping, eating, and activities can help maintain daily functioning while reducing the impact of withdrawal on mood
- Physical exercise — Physical activity can reduce cravings, improve mood, and help with sleep during cannabis withdrawal
- CBT-based coping skills — The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) supports Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as an effective treatment for cannabis use disorder.[7] CBT teaches coping skills to identify triggers for marijuana use, how to manage them, and what alternative actions can be taken when those triggers arise
- Sleep hygiene — Regular sleep patterns, limiting screen time before bed, and avoiding caffeine in the evening can help manage insomnia during withdrawal
- Social support — Therapists, support groups, and family members can provide continuity and accountability during early recovery
- Clinical support for mood symptoms — For those with severe anxiety or depression symptoms, working with a mental health professional ensures proper assessment and management rather than self-medication
All of the above strategies are included in professionally developed treatment programs, making professional support one of the best tools for getting through cannabis withdrawal and into long-term recovery.
Marijuana and Mental Health
Marijuana use and mental health are closely related.
People with cannabis use disorder often have co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).[8] Many used cannabis to self-medicate their mental health conditions, seeking temporary relief from anxiety or depression; however, continued use typically worsens those conditions over time.
Regular marijuana use is associated with worsening anxiety and depression, as well as reduced cognitive functioning, including memory and executive function.[9] People with a genetic predisposition to psychosis have a raised risk of it developing with marijuana use. Research shows that people who begin smoking marijuana in adolescence are at a much higher risk of developing cannabis use disorder and experience mental health problems at much higher rates than those who begin as adults.[10]
This is why dual diagnosis is so important. Treating addiction and mental health one at a time usually results in one condition negatively affecting the treatment of the other. Dual diagnosis treatment — addressing cannabis use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions simultaneously within the same treatment plan — produces better outcomes than treating either condition independently.[11]
Marijuana Addiction Treatment at All In Solutions
All In Solutions treats individuals with Cannabis Use Disorder through a comprehensive and individualized approach. This treatment includes addressing both addiction issues and any underlying mental health issues that may have contributed to it. All In Solutions provides individualized treatment options for those looking to free themselves from marijuana addiction.
