Are you unsure whether you or your loved one is struggling with marijuana abuse? Read below to learn how to spot the warning signs.

Understanding Marijuana Abuse

Learn about marijuana abuse

Marijuana, which is also commonly referred to as weed, pot, and cannabis, is one of the most popular substances of abuse in the United States. Marijuana abuse can lead to many negative repercussions within an individual’s life, including social hindrances, academic and occupational issues, and problems with relationships. Furthermore, those who abuse marijuana are also at greater risk for suffering adverse health complications. Despite these negative consequences, many individuals find themselves stuck in a pattern of continually using marijuana due to the pleasurable effects that it can elicit. Relaxation, contentment, and a sense of detachment from one’s surroundings are known to result from the use of marijuana, and these effects can be enough to keep users continuing to abuse this substance, even when negative outcomes result because of it.

According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), when an individual abuses marijuana to the extent that it starts to hamper his or her ability to function normally, resulting in clinically severe impairment or distress, he or she might be struggling with cannabis use disorder. While this can be a challenging addiction to overcome, with the implementation of appropriate, professional care, the desire to keep abusing marijuana can be successfully overcome.

Statistics

Marijuana abuse statistics

According to the APA, cannabinoids, particularly marijuana, are the most commonly used of all psychoactive substances. The 12-month prevalence of cannabis use disorder among American adults age 18 and above is about 1.5%. The rate of marijuana addiction is believed to be greater in males than in females, with 2.2% of men abusing this substance versus 0.8% of women.

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes and risk factors for marijuana abuse

The causes and risk factors that have been known to impact an individual’s likelihood of grappling with a cannabis use disorder are discussed briefly below:

Genetic: Those who have a family history of substance abuse, including marijuana abuse, are more likely to struggle with the same type of substance abuse than those who do not possess this type of family history.

Environmental: Specific environmental factors can play a role in an individual’s vulnerability of abusing marijuana and ultimately suffering from the onset of cannabis use disorder. For example, according to the APA, possessing a low socioeconomic status, living within an unstable environment, experiencing abuse or neglect, smoking tobacco, or having a past history of academic failure can increase the odds that an individual starts abusing marijuana. When individuals are surrounded by others who abuse substances, whether it is marijuana or something else, they are more likely to engage in similar behavior.

Risk Factors:

Lacking inhibition
Having easy access to marijuana
Suffering from conduct disorder during childhood or adolescence
Family history of substance abuse and addiction
Suffering from antisocial personality disorder
Being the victim of abuse and/or neglect

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of marijuana abuse

The signs and symptoms that can show if an individual is grappling with cannabis use disorder will inevitably vary from user to user. However, some examples of such signs and symptoms can include the following:

Behavioral symptoms:

Engaging in behaviors that could be deemed risky or reckless
Unexplained absences from work or school
Decline in performance at work or school
Withdrawing from friends and family members
Being in possession of drug paraphernalia
No longer participating in activities that were once enjoyed

Physical symptoms:

Bloodshot eyes
Impaired motor coordination
Dry mouth
Increased appetite

Cognitive symptoms:

Impaired judgment
Experiencing the sensation of time slowing down
Perceptual disturbances

Psychosocial symptoms:

Agitation
Declined interest in things that one once found pleasurable
Euphoria
Irritability
Anxiety

Effects

Effects of marijuana abuse

The abuse of marijuana can lead to many detriments within an individual’s life. Not only can cognitive and psychosocial functioning be severely impacted, but one’s overall physical wellbeing can be compromised too. Examples of effects that can develop as a result of chronic marijuana abuse can include:

Familial strife, including divorce or loss of child custody
Suffering from an acute episode of psychosis
Cognitive impairment
Interaction with law enforcement
Disturbed social relationships
Disturbances in one’s ability to perform academically, potentially leading to academic failure, suspension, or expulsion
Respiratory illnesses
Onset of new, or worsening of preexisting, symptoms of mental health disorders
Disturbances in one’s ability to perform occupationally, potentially leading to job loss or demotion

Withdrawal

Signs, symptoms, and effects of marijuana withdrawal

The APA reports that when individuals suddenly cease marijuana use after having used daily or almost every day for a long period of time, they put themselves at risk for suffering from withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawing from marijuana is generally not as dangerous as going through a process of withdrawal from other substances like opioids or alcohol, however it can still cause an individual to grapple with a significant amount of distress. Examples of possible symptoms that can occur during the period of withdrawal can include: