Marijuana: Understanding Its Potential for Addiction
In the United States, cannabis has emerged as one of the most popular recreational drugs, with its legal status evolving in many states for both recreational and medical use. However, like any substance, cannabis use can lead to addiction, a complex issue influenced by various factors.
Over the past few decades, the strength of delta-9 THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, has increased significantly. From 3.96% in 1995, the average THC content has risen to 16.14% in 2022, potentially contributing to more frequent and intense use, particularly among adolescents.
The highest percentage of cannabis use is among young adults aged 18 to 25 years. This demographic, along with adolescents, is at a higher risk of developing cannabis addiction due to several factors.
Early age of first use significantly increases the risk of developing addiction. Starting cannabis use during adolescence makes the brain more vulnerable to the addictive properties of the substance. Additionally, a genetic predisposition increases the likelihood of addiction, including to cannabis, with about 10-12% of the population having a genetic susceptibility.
Individuals with unresolved trauma, anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric disorders may use cannabis to self-medicate, increasing the chances of addiction. Reliance on marijuana to handle stress or emotional problems can also contribute to dependence and addiction.
Social influences and peer pressure, especially during adolescence, can promote regular cannabis use and elevate addiction risk. The growing availability of cannabis with higher THC levels, plus easier recreational access, has further increased the potential for addiction, particularly among adolescents.
Adolescent vaping of cannabis products has surged, posing additional risks for addiction and other mental health issues.
In summary, the risk of cannabis addiction is multifactorial, with early use, genetic vulnerability, mental health problems, trauma, social influences, and potency/accessibility of cannabis products playing key roles. These factors interact to increase susceptibility to addiction and related adverse outcomes.
Treatment for cannabis use disorder (CUD) and addiction is similar to treatment for other substance use disorders and depends on the person's lifestyle and the severity of CUD. Strategies may include stopping cannabis use gradually, medication to treat underlying issues or symptoms of cannabis withdrawal, counseling to help someone develop healthy coping skills and modify behaviors they wish to change, and being in a calm, non-stimulating environment.
Research associates higher THC concentrations with a greater risk of someone developing CUD. Over time, use may undermine dopamine production, causing someone to use more of the drug or to use it more often to attain the same feelings of pleasure, which can lead to dependence and addiction.
According to the DSM-5-TR, someone may have CUD if they meet two or more of the following criteria in a 12-month period: using larger amounts of cannabis or over a longer period than intended, persistently desiring to reduce cannabis use without success, spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from cannabis, neglecting social obligations to use cannabis, using cannabis despite it causing social or personal issues, giving up hobbies, social activities, and work to use cannabis, using cannabis in situations that pose a risk of physical harm, such as while driving, increased tolerance, which may cause someone to use larger amounts of cannabis, withdrawal symptoms after stopping cannabis use.
Despite the risks, it's important to note that many study participants had a favorable outlook toward cannabis, highlighting the need for continued education and awareness about the potential dangers of excessive use and the factors contributing to addiction.
- In light of the increasing strength of delta-9 THC in cannabis products over the years, it is crucial to consider the link between the high THC levels and the growing risk of cannabis addiction, particularly among the youth.
- Mental health issues, such as unresolved trauma, anxiety, or depression, can contribute to cannabis addiction due to individuals using the substance to self-medicate, making it vital to address mental health-and-wellness concerns in conjunction with addressing addiction.
