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| Introduction |
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| Marijuana is one of the common illicit substances of abuse and dependence that is being used by our young population today. People usually start to use marijuana under peer influence, or because they heard it was a "cool" thing to try, and they become addicted to the drug fairly quickly. Some people use it to minimize their anxiety or other mental problems. Marijuana dependence and addiction is characterized as compulsive, often uncontrollable marijuana cravings, that leads individuals to seek and use the drug, even when they know that the marijuana use is not at all in their best interests. |
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Definition |
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As described in the DSM IV-R, the criteria for marijuana dependence includes the development of physiological and psychological tolerance (needing more of the substance to achieve the same effects, or diminished effect with the same amount of the substance); use of the drug even in the presence of adverse effects; and the giving up of social, occupational, or recreational activities because of marijuana use. |
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Vital Statistics |
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Four million young adults aged 18 to 25 (14 percent) in 2000 were estimated to be current users of marijuana. Males (17 percent) were more likely to be current users than females (11 percent), and whites (15 percent) and blacks (13 percent) were more likely to be current users than Hispanics (8 percent). Unemployed young adults (22 percent) were considerably more likely to be current users than full-time (13 percent) or part-time employed (15 percent) persons. |
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Sign and Symptoms |
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Some immediate physical effects of marijuana include a faster heartbeat and pulse rate, bloodshot eyes, and a dry mouth. Studies of marijuana's mental effects show that the drug can impair or reduce short-term memory, alter sense of time, and reduce ability to do things which require concentration, swift reactions, and coordination, such as driving a car or operating machinery. |
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Risk Factors |
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Many young people are introduced to marijuana by their peers. People often try drugs such as marijuana because they feel pressured by peers to be part of the group. People with certain mental health disorders, particularly if these disorders are left untreated, may be more predisposed to becoming addicted to marijuana. |
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Treatment |
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Marijuana substance abuse can result in withdrawal symptoms once treatment is begun.Be aware that restlessness, anger, irritability, headaches, loss of appetite and cravings may be symptoms of marijuana withdrawal. Depresssion can also be a withdrawal symptom, and this will need to be treated along with the substance abuse problem.
Many people choose not to enter treatment facilities when they battle marijuana substance abuse. However, these facilities may be especially helpful, as they provide a support system, as well as medical and emotional attention. There are some things that you can do, though, to help combat cravings for marijuana while treating the problem:
- Take a walk every day. It can help to go with someone you care about
- Avoid people who use marijuana
- Keep a journal and log each day's events
- Listen to music to take your mind off marijuana cravings
Loved ones can also help by being supportive and available. Even though some consider marijuana withdrawal symptoms to be less severe than the symptoms of other drugs, the emotional and mental issues that come with marijuana treatment can last for more than 45 days.
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