How Can I Tell if I Am Addicted to Marijuana?

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By Alison J. Walkley
eHow Contributing Writer

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The addiction potential of marijuana is still being debated by scientists and marijuana aficionados alike. As of now, however, it remains an individualized issue, determined on a personal, case-by-case basis; some marijuana smokers are liable to become addicted, while others are not. Here is how you can tell whether you have a problem or not.

Marijuana Use

The majority of marijuana users try the drug first under peer pressure, out of curiosity or just for fun. Considering that marijuana is known for causing euphoria and relaxation in those who use it, persons with anxiety or depression issues often partake in the drug to treat their own afflictions. Marijuana is also beginning to be used by medical professionals in some places in the U.S. to stimulate appetite in AIDS or glaucoma patients and to curb pain in people with various afflictions.

Potential for Addiction

If you are a person with dependency tendencies, there is a greater chance of becoming addicted to a drug like marijuana. Those without such tendencies report daily use while maintaining the ability to take it or leave it at will, without any perceivable side effects.

Addiction Symptoms

Like any other type of drug addiction, addiction to marijuana can cause users to develop an uncontrollable urge to use it at all times. Should addicted users want to stop using marijuana, they are unable to do so. Addicts will make excuses to those around them and to themselves to continue using marijuana.

Marijuana Cravings

Once the body becomes addicted to a drug such as marijuana, a craving sensation develops as soon as the drug begins to leave the system. The more you use marijuana, the higher the body's tolerance builds, and the more of the drug it will take to satisfy a craving.

Signs of Withdrawal

As marijuana leaves the body, an addict will experience withdrawal symptoms that include a decreased appetite, nausea, irritability, tremors and insomnia about 24 hours after the last time they partook. Within two to three days, the chronic marijuana user will hit the peak of withdrawal. Such symptoms will subside within one to two weeks.

Availability and Potency

The easier access to marijuana becomes, the more people will use it and abuse it. The various types and strains of marijuana available today are stronger than those grown even 20 years ago, making addiction more likely for users. Two forms of the drug, ganja and hashish, have been found to be three to five times stronger than marijuana alone.

Social Concerns

In many causes, those with a drug addiction will experience problems arising in social situations when they prioritize their drug use over going to school or a job. Addicts usually hide their addiction from friends, family and coworkers, causing isolation to occur and relationships to become strained.