Some people like to use marijuana. Others don’t. Either way, it’s easy to see that marijuana can be addictive. Some people have been addicted to it for years, while others started out using marijuana in moderation and developed an addiction to it. For those who are addicted, there are signs that someone may have a Cannabis Use Disorder, and it’s important to know what these signs look like. These signs include:
At first, marijuana may seem like a harmless recreational drug that you can use occasionally and not worry about. But, as the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has mentioned, marijuana can become an addictive drug if your body is not able to regulate its intake. When you are under the influence of marijuana, your body can become dependent on it and therefore have withdrawal symptoms when you stop.
Years of research have shown that the marijuana plant has far more benefits than side effects. Most people can use cannabis without becoming addicted. However, it is possible to develop an addiction to marijuana that can limit and harm a person’s life. Cannabis use disorder (CUD) affects about 30% of marijuana users and deteriorates their lives to the point that their relationships and overall health suffer. Photo by Sharon McCutcheon via Unsplash 
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a guide used by psychiatrists to diagnose mental illness and disorders, a person must meet two of eleven conditions to be diagnosed with a UDI. These are numerous and include craving marijuana, developing interpersonal problems as a result of cannabis use, or using the plant in a dangerous situation. APPROPRIATE: Is marijuana addictive? Let’s discuss it. Among marijuana users, teens are more likely to develop an addiction. Research shows the importance of understanding cannabis use by young people. Because their brains are still developing, heavy marijuana use can affect their future and brain structure. Photo Jamie Grill/Getty Images 
Other factors that increase the likelihood of marijuana addiction include people with mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, and the influence of genetics. APPROPRIATE: Study shows effectiveness of CBD in treating cannabis use disorder It is difficult to recognize the symptoms of marijuana withdrawal. These include irritability, nervousness, aggressiveness, sleep disturbances, headaches, etc. People addicted to cannabis experience the same feelings as people addicted to cigarettes. They find that over time they have to stir or increase their dose to get the same sensations as before. As with any other addiction, it is entirely possible that someone may have a problem if marijuana causes them to argue with their family or get into dangerous situations. APPROPRIATE: Is cannabis withdrawal syndrome real? To get this condition under control, it is important to stop using for a while and monitor your body’s response. If you can’t manage to go a week or two without using marijuana, you may need the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist. Common treatment methods include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the main tool used to treat different types of addictions.
