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Is Marijuana Really Addictive? Understanding Cannabis Dependency and Withdrawal Symptoms

Dr. J. Randle Adair explores the nature of cannabis addiction and withdrawal in his comprehensive study. With over 160 million users worldwide, 10% of users become dependent, particularly among daily smokers. The Cannabis Withdrawal Scale highlights key withdrawal symptoms, including sleep disturbances, irritability, and cravings, which contribute to a withdrawal syndrome. Adair concludes that yes, marijuana can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms play a significant role in driving this addiction. This research sheds light on the complexities of cannabis use and its impact on mental health.

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Is Marijuana Really Addictive? Understanding Cannabis Dependency and Withdrawal Symptoms

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  1. Dr. Adair, Is Marijuana really addictive?J. Randle Adair, D.O., Ph.D.Diplomate, American Board of Internal MedicineCertified, American Society of Addiction MedicineCAPTASA 2014

  2. Components of addiction: • Use • Abuse • Tolerance • Continued use despite consequences • Presence of a defined set of symptoms upon cessation

  3. The Cannabis Withdrawal Scale development: Patterns and predictors of cannabis withdrawal and distress.Allsop, DJ, et al., 2011. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 119: 123-129

  4. Background: • 160 million current users worldwide • 2.1 million new users annually • 10% of users will become dependent • 1:2 odds of dependence with daily users

  5. Participants (n = 49 completed): • Inclusion criteria: • Usage 5 or more days/week in past 3 months • Cannabis dependence (DSM IV) • Previous experience of at least one withdrawal symptom • Willingness to quit for 2 weeks

  6. Method: • Baseline assessment • One week daily smoking • Quit session • CWS questionnaire daily (26 items) • Urine sampling

  7. Results:

  8. Results:

  9. Consistent Findings:(in descending order) • Sleep disturbance items (highest validity) • Angry outbursts • Feeling irritated • Physical tension • Nausea • Restlessness • Nervousness • Cravings • Depression • Loss of appetite • Headaches • Stomach ache • Intensity of withdrawal was lessimportant than degree of associated distress

  10. Conclusion: • Yes! There is a withdrawal syndrome! • …….and it helps drive addiction!

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