Understanding Marijuana Abuse

Learn about marijuana abuse & addiction

Often called weed, pot, or dope, marijuana is one of the most commonly used drugs in the United States. It is normally smoked, brewed into a tea and drank, or eaten after being prepared into foods like baked goods. Marijuana tends to cause relaxation, elevated mood, and increased appetite, but it can also cause paranoia and negative feelings. It is made from the leaves of the cannabis plant, and its active ingredient is THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannibinol.

Although many people who use marijuana believe the drug is safe, the unfortunate truth is that marijuana can have harmful and sometimes cause permanent negative effects on a person’s body. Marijuana is described as a gateway drug because people who use it will often begin experimenting with other drugs as well. Despite the dangers of marijuana abuse and the drug’s addictive nature, many people continue using it. Thankfully, treatment is available to help those addicted to marijuana gain freedom from their substance abuse.

Statistics

Statistics for marijuana abuse

According to a 2013 survey cited by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the U.S., with almost 20 million people having used this substance in within 30 days of the survey. It is used by over 80 percent of illicit drug users. Marijuana is also dangerous. In 2011, there were 456,000 emergency room visits during which marijuana was mentioned. Despite a common perception that marijuana is not addictive, about 9 percent people who use it become addicted. This number increases to 25 to 50 percent among daily users. In addition, according to NIDA, marijuana use can cause a person’s IQ to drop up to 8 points.

Causes & Risks

Causes & risk factors of marijuana abuse

Experts believe that both genetics and environment play a role in determining a person’s risk of marijuana addiction. Consider the following:

Genetic: A substantial body of literature has suggested a link between genetics and risk of developing a substance use disorder. People with family members who abuse marijuana are more likely to abuse the drug themselves. In addition, studies on identical twins have supported the hypothesis that genes affect an individual’s risk of marijuana addiction.

Environmental: While genes can determine a portion of someone’s risk of substance use, environment also plays a role. Being in an environment with other marijuana users, whether friends or family, increases a person’s chance of developing a marijuana addiction. Unsurprisingly, the more readily available marijuana is, the more likely a person is to begin using it. In addition, exposure to trauma or chronic stressors, like poverty or violence, is associated with a higher chance of marijuana use.

Risk Factors:

Family history of mental illness or substance use
Personal history of mental illness or substance use
Age (most people who begin abusing marijuana start before age 30)
Experiencing peer pressure to use marijuana
Having poor coping skills
Experiencing chronic stress

Signs and Symptoms

Signs & symptoms of marijuana abuse

The signs and symptoms of marijuana abuse vary according to one’s personality and length and extent of abuse. However, some common signs and symptoms include the following:

Behavioral symptoms:

Possessing drug paraphernalia
Unexplained absences from work or school
Decline in academic or occupational performance
Change in peer groups
Periods of uncontrollable laughter
Lying or stealing

Physical symptoms:

Increased appetite
Lethargy
Fatigue
Poor attention to hygiene
Changes in weight
Disheveled appearance
Persistent cough
Impaired coordination
Bloodshot or glassy eyes

Cognitive symptoms:

Paranoia
Poor memory and concentration
Decreased attention
Learning difficulties
Disorganized thought processes
Poor judgment or decision-making

Psychosocial symptoms:

Lack of motivation
Anxiety
Depression
Social withdrawal
Irritability or agitation
Loss of interest in activities one used to enjoy

Effects

Effects of marijuana abuse

Without treatment, continued abuse of marijuana can have severe, and sometimes permanent, negative long-term effects. These include:

Elevated risk of cancer
Poor occupational or academic performance
Job loss or academic expulsion
Chronic unemployment
Financial problems
Cardiopulmonary problems
Lung infections
Permanent cognitive deficits
Sexual dysfunction
Strained or broken relationships
Abuse of other substances
Elevated risk of suffering from the symptoms of a mental illness or illnesses

Co-Occurring Disorders

Marijuana abuse and co-occurring disorders

Those who use marijuana sometimes do so as a way to cope with stressors or the symptoms of mental health problems. Some common co-occurring disorders include:

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Bipolar disorder
Depressive disorders
Anxiety disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Personality disorders
Additional substance use disorders

Withdrawal & Overdose Effects

Effects & symptoms of withdrawal from marijuana

If a person uses marijuana for an extended period of time or uses large amounts of the drug, that person’s body may come to depend on the drug in order to function. Should that person then stop using marijuana, his or her body must readjust to working without the drug. This extremely uncomfortable readjustment is known as withdrawal and can include the following symptoms: