Do I Have a Marijuana Dependence?
Marijuana is a heavily abused drug in today’s society. In fact, it is the “most common illicit drug used in the United States” (NIDA). Many people consider it to be harmless and some do not even know that it is addictive. While the drug can take a toll on a person’s life, just as any drug can, it is also possible to become dependent on marijuana.
What is Marijuana Dependence?
Drug dependence is defined by the NLM as a condition where the user “cannot face daily life without” the drug or drugs. Marijuana dependence occurs when a person feels he or she cannot function without smoking or ingesting marijuana. Usually, these are frequent users who smoke at least once a day. There is also a physical side where a person who becomes dependent on marijuana might experience withdrawal symptoms that are physically evident if he or she stops smoking suddenly.
It can be very difficult on a person if he or she becomes dependent on marijuana, as well as for the person’s family and friends. People who become dependent on marijuana experience problems even when they are not currently using the drug.
Is Marijuana Dependence Real?
Having a dependence on marijuana makes it harder to quit smoking the drug.
A study on marijuana dependence from the NCBI states that “although some people question the concept of marijuana dependence or addiction,” the state has been found to exist in many users. “Diagnostic, epidemiological, laboratory, and clinical studies clearly indicate that the condition exists, is important, and causes harm.” Not only that, but the problems marijuana dependence causes are often:
- Psychological
- Physical
- Work-related
- Social life-related
- Family-related
- Law-related
But how do you know if you are dependent on marijuana?
Do I Have a Marijuana Dependence?
The more you smoke, the more likely it is that you might become dependent on the drug. If you are an occasional user, you may not be dependent, but someone who smokes every day may already be dependent on marijuana. Also, if you “perceive [yourself] as unable to stop,” you are most likely already dependent (NCBI). Ask yourself these questions and see how much marijuana affects you in your life.
- Do I think about marijuana even when I am not smoking it?
- Do I feel upset, angry, or extremely depressed when I cannot smoke?
- Have I started spending less time with people who don’t smoke and more with those who do? Or have I stopped spending time with my old friends in order to smoke with my new ones?
- Do I feel guilty for smoking marijuana, or for smoking too much, and continue to smoke it anyway?
- Has my use of marijuana caused problems in my relationships with family, friends, and/or coworkers?
- Do I experience physical side effects when I cannot smoke, such as “irritability, sleeplessness, decreased appetite, anxiety, and drug craving?” (NIDA)
- Do I spend money meant for other things to buy more marijuana?
- Am I experiencing “low energy and self-esteem” that I attribute to my use of marijuana? (NCBI)
Marijuana dependence is not an easy thing to stop once started. There is a possibility that you may need professional help from a rehab center or clinic. Consider your options for ending your marijuana dependence and choose the one that is right for you.