This core abnormality, although the same across all cannabis-dependent individuals, would manifest itself by a specific combination of criteria depending on the particular characteristics of the person, thus yielding the different subtypes. This interpretation assumes that the effects of cannabis use are mediated by this core abnormality, common across all individuals with cannabis dependence. The nature of this latent variable, unknown at present, could be uncovered in the future. DSM-IV criteria were examined to identify theoretically possible subtypes of cannabis dependence based on various combinations of the criteria. Using a large, nationally representative sample of the general population, we found that cannabis dependence appears to be a disorder with a broad variety of subtypes, regardless of demographic characteristics and comorbidity with other substance use disorders.

Cannabis withdrawal

Therefore, identifying drug addiction objective biological markers that reflect underlying pathophysiology is of paramount importance. Many marijuana users first come to Das for help coping with something else, like alcohol use disorder. Later, she said, they’ll often come back and mention a struggle with cannabis. According to the latest version of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 7% of all people 12 or older had cannabis use disorder in 2024 and most had a mild form. Take control of your health—explore effective treatment for cannabis use disorder.

Unlike schizophrenia, ATPD often follows acute psychosocial stressors and shows a favorable prognosis. CIPD, on the other hand, is precipitated by cannabis use and presents with psychotic features that may resolve after abstinence or progress to chronic psychotic illness in vulnerable individuals. If you’ve met just two of the criteria for cannabis use disorder in the last year, doctors say you have a mild form of the condition. These include needing more of the drug to get the same effect, having withdrawal symptoms and spending a lot of time trying to get or use it. Many people find it difficult to quit without professional help, especially after realizing that cannabis use has moved beyond recreational use and become something you rely on daily, which is why support from an experienced recovery team is so important.

Psychological counseling can modify behavior and help develop healthier coping skills for stressors. As consumption increases among adults, so does the unintended consequence of exposure to children. Between 2005 and 2009, 985 unintentional exposures to children (median age of 1.7 years) were reported. States legalizing marijuana have had a 20-fold increase in calls to poison centers and admissions to critical care units for its exposure.17 Overall, the trend for cannabis use is increasing over time for most, if not all, demographics.

However, while this criterion was met by 24.3% of individuals with a current diagnosis of cannabis dependence, it was met by over 50% of individuals when using a lifetime diagnosis. The prevalence of all other criteria remained very similar across timeframes. This study explored the psychometrics and differential functioning of the DSM-5 CUD criteria among US adults who used cannabis in the past 7 days, drawn from an online sample. The cannabis withdrawal items were unidimensional, indicating one underlying factor. Table 1 summarizes the demographic characteristics of individuals with current and lifetime cannabis abuse and dependence. The majority of individuals with any current cannabis use disorder were male, white and between the ages of 18 and 29.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

Cannabis (or a closely related substance) is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms. Continued cannabis use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of cannabis. Cannabis use has increased globally, but its effects on brain function are not fully known, highlighting the need to better determine recent and long-term brain activation outcomes of cannabis use. Elevated IL-6 levels observed in both psychotic groups align with previous studies in first-episode psychosis and schizophrenia.

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Following the methodology developed by Grant for AUDs (Grant et al., 1992; Grant, 2000), we compared the number of theoretically possible subtypes of cannabis abuse or dependence with the empirical combinations observed, and identified the most commonly observed subtypes. We further examined the number of subtypes across important socio-demographic subgroups of the population, and the percent of observed subtypes that contained each diagnostic criterion. Given the results cannabis use disorder for AUDs (Grant, 2000), we anticipated that a relatively small number of subtypes of marijuana abuse and dependence would account for the majority of individuals with cannabis use disorders. In our supplementary analyses, we examined the proportion of theoretical subtypes observed in the NESARC sample following several alternative operationalizations of cannabis abuse and dependence.

Common Diagnostic Pitfalls

Diagnostically, our results underscore the need for clinicians to recognize the diverse symptom presentations of cannabis dependence. The contrast between the mono-factorial structure of cannabis dependence and its heterogeneous clinical presentation suggests three potential approaches to treatment development. One option would be to devise specific treatment strategies for each subtype. The number of observed subtypes and their low prevalence make this approach impractical. Cannabis use disorder is a mental health condition characterized by a problematic pattern of cannabis use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.

• The contrast between the mono-factorial structure of cannabis dependence and its heterogeneous clinical presentation suggests three potential approaches to treatment development.
• Currently, no specific antidote exists for marijuana overdose, so treatment focuses on managing symptoms until THC naturally clears your system.
• Inclusion of the withdrawal criterion resulted in 36 (36.4%) observed subtypes of the 99 theoretical subtypes among those with 12-month cannabis dependence and 79 (79.8%) among those with a lifetime diagnosis.
• Some people experience increased anxiety, panic attacks, or paranoia, especially at higher doses.
• Notably, the manual uses different guidelines for diagnosing substance use disorder for a prescription medication and for an illicit substance.

The symptoms of cannabis use disorder can range from mild to severe, and they often overlap with those of other mental health conditions. For example, individuals may experience anxiety, depression, or even psychosis, which can be exacerbated by heavy cannabis use. It is essential to differentiate between these symptoms and those arising from the disorder itself, as this can guide appropriate treatment strategies. As cannabis strains become more potent and accessible, the risk of cannabis use disorder will increase. For individuals with marked intoxication or withdrawal or cannabis use disorder, the goal should be to stop the drug altogether.

Treatment / Management

• Suicidality and homicidal tendencies can result from dysregulated mood, a recent stressor, or substance use.
• The substance use disorder diagnostic criteria include using more than intended, unsuccessful attempts to cut down, cravings, continued use despite negative consequences, and withdrawal symptoms when stopping.
• Depending on the severity of the CUD, a healthcare provider may recommend tapering it off to lessen the effects of withdrawal.
• In the very few cases when the accuracy of the interviews was uncertain, the interview data were discarded and the interview re-done by a supervising interviewer.
• The cannabis withdrawal items were unidimensional, indicating one underlying factor.

Addiction to marijuana happens when the reward system in your brain takes over and amplifies compulsive marijuana-seeking. Cannabis use disorder can manifest in various ways, but it is important to recognize that not all cannabis use is problematic. For many, cannabis serves as a natural remedy, offering relief from conditions like anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia without the harsh side effects of pharmaceuticals. However, when use becomes compulsive and interferes with daily life, it may indicate a disorder. The aim should be to improve the individual’s multiphasic overall function. Enabling access to psychiatric services allows the identification of underlying comorbid disorders.

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Marijuana is parts of or products from the Cannabis sativa plant that contain substantial amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — the chemical that makes you feel “high.” Marijuana is cannabis, but not all cannabis is marijuana. Cannabis use disorder (CUD) mainly involves THC-containing substances (marijuana). For many, cannabis use will not exceed the mild form of the disorder, and they will use typically during their teens and early twenties. As an individual ages, expectations for their conduct, both internally and externally dictated, will change. By the late twenties, most young Americans have completed their education, and are embarking on a career, and family of procreation.

This can create an unhealthy drive to seek more pleasure from marijuana and less from healthy experiences. When you spend time with a loved one or eat a delicious meal, your body releases a chemical called dopamine, which makes you feel pleasure. It becomes a cycle; you seek out these experiences because they reward you with good feelings.