Cannabis addiction: an often underestimated reality, a hot-button issue that deserves to be explored. But is it really harmless? Can it lead to addiction? You’re not alone in asking these questions. Cannabis is a multifaceted substance that sparks a lively and polarized public debate. Although it is the most commonly used illegal drug in the world, its impact on health remains poorly understood by many people. But how can frequent and prolonged cannabis use lead to addiction, and what are the signs and risks associated with this dependence? Let’s take a closer look together!
What is cannabis, and how does it affect the body?
Often referred to as marijuana, cannabis is a plant that contains chemical compounds called cannabinoids. The main psychoactive cannabinoid found in this plant is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It is the psychoactive substance responsible for feelings of euphoria.
But how does THC actually affect our bodies?
By binding to cannabinoid receptors in our brain, it may alter our mental state and create a feeling of euphoria. In fact, THC is similar to a natural substance produced by our bodies called anandamide, which is also an endogenous cannabinoid. By binding to these receptors, THC may alter important functions such as memory, thinking, concentration, pleasure, movement, and coordination.
This means that regular marijuana use could impair our ability to learn new tasks and perform work that requires sustained concentration. It is therefore crucial to understand the effects of marijuana on our bodies and brains so that we can make informed choices about our use.
But is it possible to become addicted to cannabis?
Cannabis is often considered a "soft" and harmless drug, but this perception is far from reality. In fact, contrary to popular belief, cannabis can be addictive.
In fact, frequent and prolonged cannabis use can lead to dependence. Since THC is believed to stimulatethe body’s“reward system” by producing pleasure and releasing high levels of dopamine, it encourages the brain to continue this rewarding behavior. Furthermore, the brain may slow down the production of its own endocannabinoids as it becomes accustomed to the presence of marijuana in the system, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
What are the signs of cannabis addiction?
Cannabis addiction is a disorder characterized by signs and symptoms typical of any addiction; it is also known as “cannabis use disorder.” The DSM-5 states that if you exhibit at least two of the following symptoms over a 12-month period, this may indicate that you are using cannabis in a potentially problematic way:
Note: The signs of addiction are characterized by 11 criteria divided into 4 groups of symptoms, which are the same as those used to diagnose all substance use disorders.
Loss of control
People who are addicted to cannabis may have difficulty controlling their use. They may find that they need to use more cannabis to achieve the same effects, and may find it hard to stop using, even if they want to. This loss of control can be very difficult to manage and can have negative consequences for the addict’s life.
Interpersonal Consequences
Cannabis-use disorders can also have negative effects on social relationships and daily responsibilities. For example, people with this disorder may give up social or recreational activities in order to use cannabis, which can lead to social isolation. Interpersonal conflicts may also arise as a result of cannabis use, which can strain relationships with friends and family.
Risky Consumption
Recreational use can lead to excessive and long-term use, which can result in addiction and negative consequences for physical and mental health. Indeed, signs of problematic marijuana use include continuing to use the drug despite negative effects and the risk of putting oneself in dangerous situations.
Physical Dependence
When a person uses cannabis regularly, they may develop a tolerance to the substance, which means they need to use larger amounts of the drug to achieve the same effects. In addition to tolerance, withdrawal is also a common symptom of marijuana dependence. Withdrawal symptoms can occur when a person stops using the drug, such as insomnia, irritability, anxiety, depression, and loss of appetite. These symptoms can be extremely difficult to manage for someone trying to stop using the drug.
Risks Associated with Cannabis Addiction: What Are They?
Like other psychoactive substances, cannabis addiction can pose risks to physical and mental health. The effects can appear as early as the first use and can worsen and increase with regular use.
According to Dr. Christina Brezing, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Columbia University, “Although cannabis use is not as dangerous as the use of other drugs such as opioids, it can nevertheless lead to severe addiction and cause a significant decline in quality of life. The consequences of cannabis addiction can be very concerning and can significantly affect the well-being of those who suffer from it.”
In fact, cannabis addiction can cause both short- and long-term effects on the brain, such as impaired memory, coordination, attention, decision-making, and emotions. Young people who use marijuana are also at risk of permanent brain damage, especially if they start using it at a young age. The brain is most vulnerable to the harmful effects of cannabis during its active development, from the prenatal period through the early twenties. Research has shown that young people who use marijuana may have a smaller vocabulary and lower scores on measures of crystallized intelligence compared to non-users.
"Cannabis use disorder affects all age groups, but it is primarily a disorder of young adults," explains Dr. David Gorelick, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
“It has been proven that the younger you are when you start using cannabis, the faster you will develop a cannabis use disorder and the more severe that disorder will be,” he adds.
In fact, with the decriminalization and legalization of cannabis, more and more people are using it. According tothe National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 19% of Americans aged 12 and older use cannabis, and nearly 6% of adolescents and adults are considered to have cannabis-use disorders—by comparison, 11% of Americans aged 11 and older have alcohol-use disorders.
How can I break this addiction?
People with cannabis dependence often report that attempts to quit without support or a substitute are frequently unsuccessful, since withdrawal symptoms can be difficult to overcome.
However, to overcome addiction in a sustainable way, it is important to assess your usage. If your usage is occasional, you may be able to stop on your own, but if your usage is regular, it is best to consult an addiction specialist.
Although there are currently no approved medications for treating cannabis-use disorders, some studies suggest that cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound derived from hemp, may have the potential to reduce cannabis use in some people. However, further research is needed to better understand its effectiveness and mechanism of action.
What conclusions can we draw?
Contrary to what you may have heard, marijuana use is not always safe. It can be addictive and lead to mental health problems as well as long-term brain damage. It is important to take steps to prevent cannabis addiction and to seek help if you find that you are having trouble controlling your use.
In short, cannabis addiction is a serious issue that must be taken seriously. Although the beneficial and harmful effects of cannabis on health are often the subject of debate, it is important to note that regular and prolonged marijuana use can lead to cannabis use disorder.
