Generally, the more a person uses marijuana, the more likely it is that they develop an addiction. The DSM lists 11 criteria that may indicate a marijuana addiction. At least three criteria must be met for a cannabis use disorder to be diagnosed. The more criteria present, the more severe the addiction is considered. For example, an individual exhibiting four criteria would be considered to have a less severe addiction than someone exhibiting nine criteria. High levels of harm also occur among those youth who abuse the drug daily.

Maybe you occasionally get some weird side effects, like paranoia or cotton mouth, but for the most part it calms you down and improves your mood. Also, cleanses and teas may alter the amount of creatinine in the urine, another measure that drug tests look at. Abnormal creatinine levels can indicate contamination, according to Rossetti. This means the tester could assume that you attempted to cheat on your drug test.

What Is Marijuana Misuse?

The person experiences withdrawal symptoms when not taking marijuana. Underlying mental health problems can be a factor in addiction, so seeking therapy alongside treatment can help you quit weed. However, the most marijuana addiction important tip to help you quit weed is not to give up. Building a support network of family and friends will help you through recovery. Let your support system know that you are trying to quit smoking weed.

Someone who smokes marijuana daily will likely carry marijuana metabolites for longer than someone who smokes infrequently. Cannabinoid metabolites can remain detectable in urine even after long periods of abstinence. One study found traces of one metabolite, delta 1-THC, in urine as long as four weeks after use. Drug tests look for the presence of the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its metabolites. Generally, urine is tested, both because it’s easiest to collect and because THC remains detectable for a longer period of time in urine than elsewhere.

Genetics and Environmental Factors

Although some former users report having these types of dreams years after they stop smoking pot. It’s not unusual for people coming off cannabis to become aware of the negative consequences of their drug use or the emotional states it was masking. For example, some people who cease https://ecosoberhouse.com/success-story/ marijuana use after several years feel that they’ve wasted a considerable part of their life. Marijuana withdrawal symptoms are caused by marijuana dependence. Essentially, when you use large amounts of marijuana over an extended period, your body adapts to the presence of the drug.

• However, cravings are a common experience when trying to quit cannabis, and they can be effectively managed.
• Only in the case where a medical wean-down from heavy alcohol or drugs such as benzodiazepines, Narconon would arrange for the individual to complete a medical detox prior to starting the Narconon program.
• Self-help strategies are important, but sometimes you might need a helping hand.
• By Jaime R. Herndon, MS, MPH

  Jaime Herndon is a freelance health/medical writer with over a decade of experience writing for the public.

• Look for ways to relieve your symptoms without turning to marijuana and consider reaching out to your healthcare provider for solutions that can help.

The change of pace can also make this stressful situation more manageable. It offers you some structure in your day to guide your decisions. Exercise has been shown to reduce addiction cravings, according to research studies.