Why is thc addictive

In recent years, there have been a number of studies that have highlighted the use marijuana in treating certain medical conditions. One study stated that medical marijuana can help children with seizures and chemotherapy-induced nausea.

A study reported that adult cancer patients are using marijuana to ease nausea and other symptoms. A review looked at the available research regarding people with epilepsy using marijuana to ease their seizures. There are also the studies that indicate legalizing marijuana can reduce the misuse of opioids, alcohol, and other substances. On the other hand, there are studies that have issued warnings on marijuana and heart health as well as using marijuana for morning sickness.

Plus, pediatricians and others have long said that marijuana can impair brain functions in people under the age of According to a research by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the average THC content in confiscated marijuana samples in was just under 4 percent. In , it had risen to 12 percent. This classification is something that really grates people who support legalization of marijuana.

But it should not be a criminal justice matter. In , states that had legalized medical marijuana reported a 25 percent drop in deaths resulting from an overdose of pain medication. In healthy people, marijuana is sometimes used as a substitute for other, stronger substances. A study she conducted on medical marijuana users revealed that:. Dependence on marijuana happens when users build up a tolerance for the substance and need more and more of it to experience the same effect.

In order to feel the same high, the person has to take larger and larger doses. Over time, users may graduate from smoking marijuana to using it in high-dosage edible forms or propane-extracted concentrates called dabs. This is why when someone takes a drug, it is pleasurable. Volkow also conducted a study that found that the brains of people who misuse marijuana have a decreased response to dopamine.

And the more blunted their response to the methylphenidate, the more negative emotions they felt, including irritability, anxiety, depression, and aggressiveness.

The dopamine signal is not being heard, not communicating properly downstream. Volkow thinks that this decreased response to dopamine is likely caused by marijuana use.

It does benefit them. Their grades often will go up for a period of time. Volkow explained that the patterns of activity in the brain shift from the drug activating reward centers to activating other, nearby regions related to the formation of habits. Scotts Valley, CA. Nampa, ID. Los Angeles, CA. Malibu, CA. Pocatello, ID. Huntington Beach, CA. Call A treatment facility paid to have their center promoted here.

Learn more about how to be featured in a paid listing. Calls to numbers on a specific treatment center listing will be routed to that treatment center. Chats will be received and answered by one of treatment providers listed below, each of which is a paid advertiser:. It is the most commonly abused illicit substance.

Start the road to recovery. Get a Call. Questions about treatment? Call now for: Access to top treatment centers Caring, supportive guidance Financial assistance options Addiction Center is not affiliated with any insurance.

How Do I Prepare for Rehab? How Long Does Detox Take? How Much Does Treatment Cost? What Is Inpatient Drug Rehab? Should I Go Back to Rehab? Get professional rehab and addiction education from a qualified doctor today! Researchers are investigating if higher potency is the reason for an increase in emergency department visits by people testing positive for marijuana. Experts are finding a link between the age you begin using cannabis and the likelihood that you'll develop a dependence on it.

One study found that people who used cannabis starting at age 14 to 15 had a higher probability of developing dependence. On the other hand, for those who started using cannabis after age 15, the risk of developing a dependence drastically decreased. Another study found that those who begin using marijuana before the age of 18 are four to seven times more likely to develop a cannabis use disorder later in life.

Daily or weekly marijuana use has been found to increase the chances that a person becomes dependent on the drug in the future. If you use cannabis infrequently, or abstain completely for long periods of time between uses, this has been found to lower the odds that you'll develop a dependence later on. However, how a person engages with weed is an important factor as well. For instance, one study found that "solitary use," or using the drug by yourself, was a strong sign that a dependence would form in the future.

Family relationships have been found to play a role in some cases of cannabis addiction. For instance, one study found that if your biological parents abuse alcohol or other drugs, you may be more likely to abuse alcohol or other drugs, including marijuana.

A study found that people have "genetic liability" with cannabis use disorder, meaning they are born with specific genes that increase their risk. However, experts agree there are usually more contributing factors such as environment, access to marijuana, socioeconomic status, and more.

Some studies have found that people often engage in cannabis use to lessen their feelings of anxiety or depression , and that self-medicating in this way can often lead to drug dependence. Other mental health considerations have been noted in people with cannabis dependence as well. This includes people coping with panic disorder, with symptoms of ADHD, social anxiety disorder, and low self-esteem.

Those coping with poor sleep quality may also use cannabis to relieve these symptoms although in the long term, it's been found to decrease sleep quality.

Research is mixed as to whether mental health issues are more often the cause of cannabis abuse, or whether dependence on cannabis can, in turn, lead to mental health issues. There are many chronic effects associated with cannabis use disorder. It has been found people with this condition often experience impaired cognitive functioning. This might mean:. Cannabis use disorder can impact other areas. Studies have found those who struggle with cannabis dependence often find dissatisfaction in various areas of their lives, including relationships, career, and education.

The number of people seeking treatment for marijuana abuse has increased significantly. As with most substances of abuse, people who abuse marijuana usually decide to seek help when their use of the drug becomes painful due to increasing negative consequences.

Many who seek treatment for marijuana do so due to pressure from family, friends, schools, employers, or the criminal justice system. Fortunately, there are many types of treatment for cannabis use disorder. These include specific types of therapy. In addition, certain lifestyle changes may help you reduce or stop your marijuana use. People develop cannabis dependence for different reasons, so it's important to address any underlying issues. For instance, those who use marijuana to cope with anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders can find more appropriate treatment types—including lifestyle changes, therapy, and medication—to help relieve their symptoms.

In addition, experts are investigating whether there are specific medications that can help with cannabis use disorder. Some antidepressants have been shown to help with withdrawal symptoms. You can consult with your health care professional to see if this is a viable treatment option for you. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. While most people who use marijuana occasionally do not develop an addiction, getting addicted to weed is possible.

If you think you or a loved one are addicted to marijuana, talking to your doctor about your concerns is a great first step for getting help. Research indicates that using marijuana can cause or exacerbate problems in daily life. Heavy users tend to report lower life satisfaction, poorer mental and physical health, more relationship problems and less academic or career success when compared with non-using peers.

Use of the drug is also associated with a higher likelihood of dropping out of school. Several workplace studies associate marijuana use with increased absences, tardiness, accidents, workers' compensation claims and job turnover.

Marijuana use is associated with a range of health issues, particularly related to heart and lung problems and mental health conditions. Marijuana smoke is an irritant to the lungs, and frequent smokers can experience many of the same respiratory problems experienced by tobacco smokers, such as:.

One study found that people who smoke marijuana frequently but do not smoke tobacco have more health problems and miss more days of work than those who don't smoke marijuana, mainly due to respiratory illnesses. It is not yet known whether marijuana smoking contributes to the risk for lung cancer. Research also indicates that use raises the heart rate by percent shortly after smoking; this effect can last up to three hours.

One study found that marijuana smokers have a 4. The risk may be even greater for older adults and those with cardiac vulnerabilities. A number of studies link chronic marijuana use and mental illness. High doses can produce a temporary psychotic reaction in some users. Use of the drug can also worsen the course of illness for patients who have schizophrenia. A series of large, longitudinal studies also shows a link between marijuana and the development of psychosis. Using marijuana during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of neurobehavioral problems in babies.

Because THC and other compounds mimic the body's own endocannabinoid chemicals, marijuana use by pregnant mothers may alter the developing endocannabinoid system in the brain of the fetus.

Consequences for the child can include difficulties related to attention, memory and problem solving. Marijuana has also been shown to negatively affect the brain development of young people who are heavy users. The effects on thinking and memory may last a long time or even be permanent. A study of individuals who began using the drug in adolescence revealed substantially reduced connectivity in areas of the brain responsible for learning and memory.

A long-term study in New Zealand showed that people who began smoking the drug heavily in their teens lost an average of eight points in IQ between ages