It’s Possible to Get Addicted to Marijuana-Here’s How to Tell
Marijuana plants are seen at a growing facility in Washington County, N.Y., May 12, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Hans Pennink, File
Dr. Smita Das frequently enough hears the same myth: You can’t get hooked on pot. And the misconception has become more widespread as a growing number of states legalize marijuana. Around half now allow recreational use for adults and 40 states allow medical use.
But “cannabis is definitely something that someone can develop an addiction to,” said Das, an addiction psychiatrist at Stanford University.
It’s called cannabis use disorder and it’s on the rise, affecting about 3 in 10 people who use pot, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Here’s how to know weather you or a loved one are addicted to marijuana-and what kinds of treatment exist.
How to identify signs of cannabis use disorder
If pot interferes with your daily life, health or relationships, those are red flags.
“The more that somebody uses and the higher potency that somebody uses, the higher the risk of that,” Das said.
It’s become more common as cannabis has gotten stronger in recent years. In the 1960s, most pot that people smoked contained less than 5% THC, the ingredient that gets you high. Today, the THC potency in cannabis flower and concentrates in dispensaries can reach 40% or more, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Cannabis use disorder is diagnosed the same way as any other substance use disorder-by looking at whether someone meets certain criteria laid out in the latest version of the diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the main guide for mental health providers.
These include need
Online Support Groups Rise for Cannabis Users seeking to Quit
A growing number of people are turning to online support groups to help them quit cannabis. These groups, often found on platforms like Reddit and Discord, offer a space for individuals to share their experiences, challenges, and successes in a judgment-free environment. The rise in popularity reflects a broader trend of seeking help for substance use online,particularly among younger generations who are more cozy communicating digitally.
These online communities provide several benefits. They offer anonymity, which can be crucial for those who feel shame or stigma associated with cannabis use. They also provide 24/7 access to support, overcoming geographical barriers and time constraints. Unlike traditional therapy,which can be expensive and difficult to access,online groups are frequently enough free or low-cost.
One popular Reddit forum, r/leaves, has seen a significant increase in members and activity. Users share daily check-ins, motivational messages, and coping strategies. Moderators frequently enough provide resources and guidance, though they typically emphasize they are not professional counselors. Similar groups exist on Discord, offering real-time chat and voice communication.
Experts note that while these groups aren’t a replacement for professional treatment,they can be a valuable supplement.”It’s a good first step for people who aren’t ready or able to seek formal help,” says Dr. Sarah Johnson, a substance abuse specialist. “The peer support can be incredibly powerful.”
Some groups focus on specific challenges, such as dealing with withdrawal symptoms or managing cravings. Others cater to particular demographics, like students or young adults. A common theme across these groups is the recognition that quitting cannabis can be difficult, and that having a supportive community can make all the difference.
One user on r/leaves, posting under the name “GreenNoMore,” shared, “I’ve tried quitting so many times on my own, but it always felt isolating.Being able to connect with others who understand what I’m going through has been a game-changer.”
Interestingly, some online support groups are even run *by* former cannabis users.One such group’s founder, who goes by “OldSoulOnline,” explained that many members find it easier chatting online than in person. “This is potheads taking care of potheads,” he said.
Doctors urged people who need help to get it, whether it’s with a professional or in a peer group.
As with all online communities, it’s important to exercise caution and be aware of potential risks. Users should be mindful of sharing personal information and avoid relying solely on online support for serious mental health concerns. Resources like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) https://www.samhsa.gov/ and the National Institute on Drug abuse (NIDA) https://www.drugabuse.gov/ offer extensive information and support for those struggling with substance use.