Research shows that around one in three people who use cannabis will develop a cannabis use disorder, or marijuana addiction.

As marijuana gains more popular support for its use and medical benefits, understanding the risks becomes more critical. Below, we’re sharing 10 telltale marijuana addiction symptoms to help you recognize this condition in yourself or a loved one.

1. Tolerance

Our brains have a natural ability to adapt to the presence of psychoactive chemicals by increasing or decreasing neurotransmitter responses. Marijuana increases the levels of a neurotransmitter called dopamine. This produces pleasurable sensations, which are what most people look for when they smoke marijuana recreationally. Over time, the person needs to use more of the marijuana to achieve the desired effects. This tolerance is the first sign of marijuana addiction symptoms that can eventually lead to dependence.

2. Compulsive Use

Marijuana users who develop a psychological dependence on its mind-altering effects may feel compelled to use it to feel “normal.” It can become as acceptable a part of their daily activities as any other necessary task. The compulsive use of marijuana despite negative consequences is a classic marijuana addiction symptom.

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3. Associative Changes

Associative changes, such as spending more time with other marijuana users and disregarding others, are common marijuana addiction symptoms. This allows individuals to avoid confrontations with those who disapprove of the substance and enjoy the mutual acceptance of those who share their common perceptions of marijuana use.

4. Behavioral Changes

Marijuana has a calming effect that can decrease motivation and energy. It can also cause impaired cognition, memory loss, and loss of coordination. Typical behavioral changes may also include poor academic or work performance, lack of desire to exercise or participate in healthy activities, and neglect of family, social, or financial obligations.

5. Social Dysfunctions

Studies show that marijuana addiction can lead to a lower quality of life for individuals. They may suffer from issues of poor diet and sleep as well as an overall dissatisfaction with life and themselves. Social dysfunctions are common for those who become incarcerated or are unable to find gainful employment because of their marijuana use, adding to the stressful issues they face. Some personality disorders have even been linked to regular marijuana use in teens.

6. Multiple Attempts to Quit Unsuccessfully

Repeat attempts to quit, and relapses are becoming the norm for marijuana addiction as the rising marijuana potencies relate to higher dependence potentials and longer durations of cravings after cessation of use.

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7. Withdrawals

Withdrawals are undisputable telltale marijuana addiction symptoms that typically begin with physical tension and cravings for more marijuana. Depending on the levels of addiction severity, physical and psychological health status, durations, age at onset of use, and patterns of use, the physical symptoms are usually subtle due to the slow release of marijuana stored in the person’s fat cells. Minor aches and pains, decreased appetite, nausea, insomnia, sleep disturbances, tremors, chills, and sweating may occur in heavy or chronic marijuana use.

The psychological withdrawal symptoms of marijuana addiction are a complex mixture of the user’s experiences and multiple factors too many to list. Aggression, irritability, anxiety, dysphoric, solemn, or negative moods can last for many days and the drawbacks to marijuana for relief continue to rise as do the potency levels of marijuana.

8. Emotional Instabilities and Mental Health

Marijuana addiction, like so many other psychoactive substances, can change the way a person manages stress. Beyond the compounded issues of cognitive and performance capabilities, users may experience memory loss and lose confidence in their ability to accomplish what is most important in life.

Combined with the neurological upsets from repeated intoxication and withdrawals, there can be a tremendous impact on emotional stability. Chronic marijuana users often suffer from guilt, anxiety, depression, mood swings, aggressive tendencies, or lack of self-worth, and they will often rely on marijuana to control these marijuana addiction symptoms, although it actually makes them worse.

9. Developmental Disorders

Age at the onset of use is a critical determinant of the complications that marijuana addiction can cause. Since full brain development is not reached until the age of 25, structural brain damage has been a cause for alarm, notably affecting the user’s quality of life in the long run by impeding success and hindering the user from fulfilling their potential.

10. Adverse Physical Health Disorders

Chemicals used in cultivation and the rising marijuana potencies of THC are being linked to stronger adverse health effects. Smoking marijuana can lead to respiratory infections, low immunity, cancers, and other physical health problems. The continued use despite these or other adverse conditions is a dangerous symptom of marijuana addiction.

You do not have to struggle with marijuana problems alone – treatment can help you quit. Call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) to find the support you need today.

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