It is possible for long-term users of marijuana to become addicted, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The addiction may reveal itself when the marijuana smoker loses control of urges to smoke and seeks the drug regardless of the financial or personal costs. The addiction takes priority over family troubles, work-related difficulties or other activities. The addictive characteristics of marijuana might be difficult to recognize.
Brain Process
The main active ingredient in marijuana is THC, which passes through the lungs and bloodstream into the brain, the NIDA explains. This starts cellular reactions that cause the pleasurable effects the marijuana user experiences. Marijuana can cause intoxication similar to other drugs that include distorted perceptions, diminished coordination and problems with memory or problem solving. As with other drug users, a heavy marijuana user may build up a tolerance to the effects of the drug. The user then needs more or larger amounts of marijuana to get the pleasurable effects once obtained from smaller quantities.
Altered Behavior
Although many marijuana users do not display obvious signs of addiction, the drug may produce psychological addiction and interfere with the mental process to cause antisocial behavior. Long-term use of marijuana results in changes in the brain, similar to the brain changes that arise in long-term use of other drugs. There may be uncontrollable drug craving, aggression and disruptive behavior from heavy use. Regular marijuana use has some of the same effects as tobacco smoking, including chronic coughing, but many tobacco smokers and marijuana smokers continue their addictive practice. The NIDA reports that teenagers who suffer from antisocial behavior are more likely to develop an addiction to marijuana. Programs have been designed for counseling of teens who abuse the drug.
Withdrawal Effects
Marijuana reveals its power for addiction in the increase of users seeking treatment for withdrawal and recovery, according to the University of Maryland Center for Substance Research. A review reported in the November 2004 issue of the "American Journal of Psychiatry" found that marijuana withdrawal leads to emotional and behavioral difficulties, appetite change, weight loss and physical discomfort. Irritability, restlessness, insomnia, exhaustion, depressed moods, anger, aggression and unusual dreams are some of the mental withdrawal symptoms, according to Health Services at Columbia University. Physical symptoms may include shakiness, sweating, nausea and stomach pain. Recovering marijuana users don't usually need medical treatment, but often get counseling that focuses on behavioral therapy and motivation. Marijuana may not be as addictive as other drugs that can have more serious physical effects, but the increased need and difficulty giving it up for some users shows that it can become an addiction.
