3 ARTICLES ON MARIJUANA ADDICTION AND DISORDER

Three authoritative websites/articles concerning cannabis and marijuana.  This is useful for discussion in class on the general topic of drugs, addiction, and can be used as an ancillary in a “states of consciousness” chapter.

ARTICLE #1  (2 parts)

Is Marijuana Addictive? (part 1)
Is Marijuana Addictive? (part 2)

DESCRIPTION

Dr. Boyd points out that though marijuana is different than other drugs (including alcohol, opiates, and prescription painkillers and benzodiazapines, a small percentage of users (especially those who start in adolescence) can experience withdrawal affects.  Citing a New England Journal of Medicine study (listed in Dr. Boyd’s bibliography), heavy users may experience “withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop, become addicted to other drugs besides marijuana, experience depression and anxiety, and suffer even more problems as a result of using a drug heavily and regularly in adolescence given that our brains continue to develop into our mid-late 20’s.”  Dr. Boyd looks at some of the myths of marijuana use and also points out that most mild users will experience  little in the way of withdrawal or addiction.

SOURCE

Part #1:

Psychology Today, November 3, 2013,  by J. Wesley Boyd M.D., Ph.D.

Part #2:

Psychology Today, July 15, 2014,  by J. Wesley Boyd M.D., Ph.D.

LINK TO RESOURCE

Part 1:   https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/almost-addicted/201311/is-marijuana-addictive

Part 2:  https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/almost-addicted/201407/is-marijuana-addictive-part-2

ARTICLE #2

Is Marijuana Addictive? NIH Says Cannabis Use Disorder Affects Nearly 6 Million People

DESCRIPTION

Younger males are likely to experience “cannabis use disorder” than older males and females in general.  Studies cited speculate that the same mechanisms implicated in other drug addiction can come into play in heavy cannabis use.  These mechanisms include the reward centers and dopamine neurotransmitters in the brain.  As more heavy use of cannabis occurs, the brain produces less dopamine which, as a consequence, will cause withdrawal symptoms when the person tries to stop using cannabis.  “Symptoms include cravings, developing a tolerance, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms, including inability to sleep, nervousness, anger, or depression, within a week of stopping heavy use.”

SOURCE

MedicalDaily.com, March 4, 2016, By Susan Scutti

LINK TO RESOURCE

http://www.medicaldaily.com/marijuana-addictive-men-376595

ARTICLE #3

Substance Use Disorder

DESCRIPTION

The SAMSHA site begins with noting that DSM-5 now discusses “substance use disorders” as opposed to substance dependence and abuse.  This brief sections can be useful to integrate with the textbook on the DSM-5.  “According to the DSM-5, a diagnosis of substance use disorder is based on evidence of impaired control, social impairment, risky use, and pharmacological criteria.”   This site and “article” not only describes Cannabis Use Disorder but lists the other categories of drugs and their negative effects including alcohol, stimulants, tobacco, hallucinogens, and opioids.  This is an authoritative listing of the problems experienced, withdrawal effects, and the view by way of the DSM-5.

SOURCE

SAMSHA:  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

LINK TO RESOURCE

http://www.samhsa.gov/disorders/substance-use

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

•What is a substance use disorder as defined by the DSM-5?  (use the SAMSHA link)
•What are the effects of using marijuana?
•Is marijuana addictive?  What are the withdrawal symptoms?
•According to the articles, who (demographics) is most likely at risk for cannabis addiction?