Many marijuana users do not become addicted and eventually may discontinue use because of negative consequences, such as lethargy or realizing the wasted time spent on the drug. However, other people develop a dependence on marijuana, leading the way to long-term problems. Addiction becomes evident when people can no longer control their use of the drug.
Function
THC, the main active ingredient in marijuana, kicks off the intoxicating effects felt by marijuana users. The reaction from marijuana affects parts of the brain that influence pleasure, thoughts and sensory perceptions, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Distorted thinking and difficulties with problem-solving result from usage. The adverse effects can last for days after using marijuana. This can cause severe intellectual dysfunction for regular users. Long-term use of marijuana may result in similar changes to brain functions that occur from the use of other drugs.
Effects
The severity of physical and emotional addiction to marijuana remains debatable. However, long-term marijuana users often suffer the same consequences as other addicts. People addicted to marijuana often report the same withdrawal symptoms faced by other drug users. Irritability, depression, restlessness, fatigue, anger or aggression may occur following abstinence from marijuana, according to Health Services at Columbia University. Symptoms may also include sweating, shakiness, nausea, change in appetite and weight loss.
Mental Health
Chronic marijuana use may contribute to anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts in some cases. However, research does not clearly show if marijuana use causes or exacerbates mental problems or if people use the drug as a form of self-medication for anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses.
Physical Health
Marijuana smoke may contain 50 percent or more carcinogens than tobacco smoke, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Because marijuana users inhale more deeply and hold their breath longer for an intoxicating effect, the lungs become further exposed to carcinogens. No strong association, however, has been found between marijuana use and lung or respiratory cancers. Marijuana smokers do experience similar reactions to smoke as tobacco smokers, including coughing and phlegm production as well as frequent chest illnesses, causing increased health problems and absences from work.
Responsibilities
Addiction to marijuana has similarities to other drug addictions when it comes to life changes. Occasional use turns into an everyday practice as the user loses control. The person uses larger amounts of marijuana and spends more money on it. More time is spent on thinking about and using the drug rather than focusing on responsibilities. Personal, financial and work-related problems may follow. Marijuana addicts may continue to use the drug even when it interferes with their daily lives, causes harm to family and friendships and jeopardizing their career or schoolwork. Marijuana becomes the center of life for many chronic users, according to University Health Services at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
