Why is Marijuana So Addictive?
There is an ongoing debate in the medical community as to whether or not marijuana is addictive. Over the past several decades, marijuana has been grouped together with other drugs such as cocaine and heroin that are known to be addictive. But is marijuana addictive? This may not be the best question to ask. Instead, we should seek an understanding of whether or not people become dependent on marijuana. Establishing dependence provides a more accurate picture of the nature of marijuana use.
Learn why Marijuana can be so Addictive
To begin, let's look at how the DMV-IV characterizes DEPENDENCE.
Dependence occurs when three of the following six events or behaviors are occurring with an individual's marijuana use:
#1 – Individuals has a need for increased amounts of marijuana to achieve the desired effect or markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of marijuana
#2 – Individual begins to use marijuana in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended
#3 – Individual has a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or reduce marijuana use
#4 – Individual has spent a great deal of time spent obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of marijuana
#5 – Individual has given up important social, occupational, or recreational activities in favor of using marijuana
#6 --Individual continues marijuana use despite persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problems caused or exacerbated by use.
A major recent study has found that 10 percent of marijuana users exhibit at least three of the six of these criteria – the watermark for dependence. While that number is not as high as it is for other drugs, it still leads one to believe that for some, marijuana may be an addictive drug.
Even if marijuana is not technically addictive, it still can cause many of the negative effects of alcohol and narcotics. Many individuals who use marijuana lose interest in friends or family and perform poorly at work Marijuana is also known to reduce sperm counts in men and have a negative effect on the fetus if smoked during pregnancy. For these, and myriad other reasons, one should consider the individual and how they are using marijuana when determining if there is a serious problem with their use of the drug.
The consideration of marijuana as an addictive drug has curtailed its widespread use for medicinal purposes. The topic of marijuana for medical use has recently returned to headlines. And although the DEA has condemned marijuana's use as a medicinal treatment, several states have voted on the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes – and various rulings have allowed doctors to discuss marijuana as a treatment option for patients. The doctors however, are mostly banned from prescribing the drug to patients.
Michael's House understands marijuana use and drug addiction – and the emotional and psychological conditions that can lead to despair, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. We are here to help you. We are experts who care. Call us at .
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