Marijuana Dependence
Psychology and Counseling Principles
Reference websites
1)
National Institute on Drug Abuse
www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics
2)
www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=the-truth-about-pot
3)
www.drugabuse.gov › Related Topics
4)
www.samhsa.gov/data/2k12/.../TEDS_061_LateAdolescents_2012.p
5)
Cannabis Dependence Symptoms and DSM-IV Diagnosis
www.psychtreatment.com/mental_health_cannabis_dependence_sym
6)
Cannabis Compound Abuse Clinical Presentation
emedicine.medscape.com/article/286661-clinical
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV)
American Psychiatric Association
The DSM IV regards cannabis (marijuana) abuse and dependence as a mental
health disorder, coded 304.30 and 305.20, as the following:
1)
A maladaptive pattern of marijuana use leading to clinically significant
impairment or distress.
2)
Recurrent substance use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role
obligations at work, school, or home (repeated absences or poor work
performance related to marijuana use; substance-related absences,
suspension, or expulsions from school; neglect of children or household)
3)
Continued marijuana use despite having persistent or recurrent social or
interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated (worsen) by the effects of
the substance (arguments with spouse about consequences of
intoxication, physical fights)
4)
A need for markedly increased amounts of the marijuana use to achieve
intoxication or desired effect;
(page 1 of 2)
5)
Markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount
marijuana;
6)
The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for substances;
7)
Marijuana is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than
was intended.
8)
There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control
marijuana use.
9)
Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or
reduced because of marijuana use.
10) Marijuana use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent
or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been
caused or exacerbated by, despite recognition of marijuana-induced
apathy, loss of motivation, and misplaced goals.
Research and Data
1)
Harvard University researchers report that the risk of heart attack is five
times higher than usual in the hour after smoking marijuana.
2)
The National Institute of Health found that a person who smokes five
joints per week may be taking in as much tar and cancer-causing
chemicals into their lungs as someone who smokes a pack of cigarettes
every day.
3)
Research indicate those who had tried marijuana at least once, about
nine percent eventually fit a diagnosis of cannabis dependence. The risk
of addiction goes up to about 1 in 6 among those who start using as
adolescents, and 25-50% of daily users. The corresponding figure for
alcohol was 15 percent; for cocaine, 17 percent; for heroin, 23 percent;
and for nicotine, 32 percent.
4)
According to The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) 2010
data, the estimated 7.1 million Americans classified with dependence on
or abuse of illicit drugs, nearly 4.5 million were dependent on or abused
marijuana.
5)
In 2009, 18% of people entering drug abuse treatment programs reported
marijuana as their primary drug of abuse (70% of those aged 12-14; and
72% of those aged 15-17), representing more than 350,000 admissions.
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