Cannabis Addiction: What Are Its Symptoms And What Is The Withdrawal Syndrome Like?

He cannabis It is a herbaceous plant that grows in tropical and subtropical regions and can be used to obtain both textile fiber and other products with psychoactive properties. In fact, it has been known for centuries for both its medicinal and recreational properties. In this sense, the dope (a cannabis product) is sometimes administered for medicinal purposes, and it is found that for some diseases such as, for example, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, etc. has shown a effect beneficial because analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to it.

However, the consumption of cannabis preparations (dope , hashish pollen, etc.) makes it one of the drugs most consumed illegal drugs in Europe, spreading the widespread belief that it is less harmful than other drugs. However, it is scientifically proven that its repeated consumption is associated with various consequences negative for health both psychologically and organically.

Enter this article and discover why cannabis is a drug, the symptoms of your addiction and his abstinence.

Why is cannabis considered a drug?

Even though he cannabis It comes from a plant (like many other drugs) and although it sometimes has a therapeutic use, that does not mean that it is not an addictive substance and that it is beneficial for our health. In fact, when its use is therapeutic it would perform the same function as that of another medication, that is, to relieve the pain caused by an illness. However, when consume cannabis Recreationally, the objective is not to alleviate a symptom or disease, so in this case it would be considered a drug with all that that can entail. In fact, it has been shown that cannabis use can induce the following psychological disorders:

• Psychotic disorders: He cannabis consumption It can induce psychotic disorders from more transient ones such as brief psychotic disorder to more chronic disorders such as schizophrenia. In fact, there is evidence that when consumption begins during adolescence, cannabis can induce schizophrenic symptoms in people with a genetic predisposition.
• Anxiety disorders: Anxiety disorders have also been related to cannabis use, being a risk factor for anxiety especially in adolescents and young adults.
• Mood disorders: Frequent cannabis use can also predispose to the development of mood disorders such as major depression, dysthymia, bipolar disorder type I, etc. In fact, it has been found that cannabis use is associated with lower life satisfaction, higher rates of depression and higher suicide attempts.
• Other addictive disorders: It has been shown that those people who frequently consume cannabis are more likely to have addictions to other substances than non-users.

Symptoms of cannabis addiction:

Regardless of the drug you have an addiction to addiction , when talking about this term, reference is made to repeated consumption that is problematic, that is, it significantly interferes with the person’s quality of life because a dependency relationship towards a substance is generated. This affectation can cause the person to no longer enjoy the activities they previously enjoyed, the need to consume leads them to do dangerous activities, etc.

The cannabis addiction It is classified in the DSM-5 (Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) as a type of substance-related disorder and addictive disorders under the name “Cannabis Use Disorder.” In this same category are other disorders related to addictive behavior, such as, for example, Alcohol addiction , caffeine, etc. According to the DSM-5 (Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), for a person to be diagnosed by cannabis use disorder You must present at least two of the following symptoms within one year:

1. HE consume cannabis frequently or more time than expected is spent consuming it.
2. You want to control or stop your consumption but despite the effort you cannot achieve it.
3. Spends a lot of time doing cannabis-related activities (using it, recovering from the effects, seeking it out, etc.)
4. An intense desire or need to consume is manifested.
5. Consumption prevents the person from carrying out important tasks such as going to work, school, etc.
6. Despite suffering social or interpersonal problems associated with its consumption, the person continues using.
7. Its consumption ends up causing the person to abandon or significantly reduce important activities, whether social, leisure or professional.
8. Despite being in a situation where their physical integrity is in danger, the person continues using.
9. Presents itself tolerance , that is, you need to consume increasing amounts of cannabis to obtain the effect that you previously achieved with less amount. It is precisely for this reason that people who suffer from addiction need to consume more and more.
10. Cannabis is consumed with the aim of relieving or avoiding withdrawal symptoms.
11. The person presents abstinence syndrome when you stop using cannabis.

Cannabis withdrawal syndrome:

1. He abstinence syndrome It is a set of reactions, both physically and psychologically, that occur when a person with an addiction stops consuming the drug to which they are dependent. This is not the same for all drugs, but since each one of them generates a different effect, the symptoms associated with this syndrome will be different. However, normally in the withdrawal syndrome the effects contrary to what drug consumption produced. In this sense, at quit cannabis After an intense and prolonged period of consumption, the following symptoms may occur:
2. Aggressive, angry or irritable behavior.
3. Anxiety or nervousness.
4. Sleep problems either in the form of insomnia or due to the presence of nightmares.
5. Loss of weight or appetite.
6. Restlessness.
7. Depressed mood.
8. Any of the following physical symptoms: sweating, fever, severe headaches, spasms and tremors, or pain in the abdomen.

It is unknown exactly how much and for how long it takes for a person to develop the abstinence syndrome related to cannabis. However, it is estimated that it can appear in the first 24 to 72 hours after cessation and that its duration can be between 1 to 2 weeks. However, there are some symptoms, such as insomnia, that can last over time.

If you think you meet any of the symptoms discussed in this article, it is important that you contact a qualified professional so they can help you in this process. The addictions Sometimes they generate feelings of guilt and shame that end up leading to relapses This is why it is important to seek help, a professional will not judge you and will help you manage these emotions.