Written by The following is an interview of Dirk Hansen, blogger at Addiction Inbox. Dirk is the author of “The Chemical Carousel,” which looks at addiction as a chemical disease with biological effects on our psychology. Dirk’s opinions are challenging and well researched, so we hope you enjoy reading and reacting to his interview on marijuana withdrawal. Without further ado, here’s Dirk’s interview:
1. What is the definition of addiction, and does pot fit that definition? Is everything addictive?
Addicts are the possessors of a biochemical disorder for which, at present, there is no reliable lifetime cure. Hard-core addicts must “treat it for life,” as the commercials say about high blood pressure. Drugs are everywhere, and yet drugs are not precisely the problem. The problem is the wide scope of reactions that they produce in people. The reason the reaction varies so much is that people are different from one other. Metabolic chauvinism will get us into trouble, just like chauvinism of any other kind.
Addiction can be defined as loss of control over use of the drug, continued use despite adverse consequences, compulsive use, and craving in the absence of the drug. Some alcohol specialists have formulated their own corollary: a “primary, chronic disease, characterized by…. impaired control over drinking, preoccupation with alcohol, use of alcohol despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking, most notably denial.” (We’re not talking here of the so-called behavioral addictions such as gambling and excessive sex.)
There are other definitions, all with their own set of limitations. And any definition can be contorted into a shape that allows for sex, chocolate, and jumping on trampolines. It is an imprecise definition, much like “clinical depression” in that respect. Is marijuana withdrawal easier than heroin? Harder than cigarettes? About like coffee? Comparisons like that don’t really make any sense—it depends on whose nervous system we are talking about. Metabolisms vary.
The fact that metabolisms vary is the essence of addiction. “Why can some take it or leave it while some get hooked?” I choose to go with the scientists who believe it is because of innate differences in susceptibility. Different metabolisms, different genes. At the extreme ends of the spectrum, there are people who are born to be addicts, and people who are born to be non-addictive. Is marijuana addictive? “Probably not, for most people,” a former director of the University of Minnesota’s Chemical Dependency Program told me, years ago. “But there may be some small percentage of people who are on the same wavelength with it chemically, and who end up in some way hooked to it physically. It’s a complicated molecule.”
2. What are the symptoms of marijuana withdrawal and do they relate to the withdrawal symptoms from other drugs, like heroin or alcohol?
Many readers may be old enough to recall when cocaine was widely considered a non-addictive drug. LSD and Ecstasy, which have consistently been lumped in with addictive drugs, have no addictive properties at all. And the damage done by two lethal but legal addictive drugs—alcohol and nicotine—outdoes all the illegal substances put together when it comes to death and mayhem due to addiction.
An expanding body of clinical evidence now supports the existence of a clinically significant marijuana withdrawal syndrome in a subset of marijuana smokers. Marijuana withdrawal, which typically affects only heavy smokers, has not been well studied or characterized in the scientific community. Very few tokers will ever experience it, the same way very few drinkers will ever experience alcohol addiction.
What has emerged is a consistent profile of marijuana withdrawal. The syndrome is marked by irritability, restlessness, generalized anxiety, hostility, depression, difficulty sleeping, excessive sweating, loose stools, loss of appetite, and a general “blah” feeling. Many patients complain of feeling like they have a low-grade flu, and they describe a psychological state of existential uncertainty—“inner unrest,” as one researcher calls it.
The most common marijuana withdrawal symptom is low-grade anxiety. It is not, in every case, simply a matter of pre-existing anxiety or depression reasserting itself. Anxiety of this sort has a firm biochemical substrate, produced by withdrawal, craving, and detoxification from almost all drugs of abuse.
3. If pot is addictive, when does someone need formal treatment for marijuana dependence?
We don’t know how many people experience a cannabis withdrawal syndrome, because people who suffer acute cannabis withdrawal don’t broadcast that news, and the people who are in treatment for pot addiction aren’t necessarily addicted to anything—a sad commentary on the related problem of drugs and our criminal justice system.
The idea that marijuana is not and can never be physically addictive is deeply engrained in the thinking of many non-addicted pot smokers. However, several hundred self-identified cannabis smokers in withdrawal have posted at my blog site. A reader would have to be a very cynical person indeed to believe that such heartfelt and at times heartbreaking stories are inevitably the result of deceit or delusion. Addiction is a science now. It is about helping sick people find a way to arrest a medical disorder than can seriously disrupt their lives. For a long time, this nation looked down on drug addicts and tolerated, even joked about, rampant alcoholism. That hypocrisy is largely in the past. But a related hypocrisy sets marijuana apart from other psychoactive drugs that meet the addiction criteria.
I’m betting that most people who suffer severe cannabis withdrawal manage to quit on their own, just as the majority of alcoholics who quit manage to do so without formal intervention. That is not an argument against treatment; it’s an argument for better outreach and more effective treatment. Addicts shouldn’t have to quit on their own–nor should they be coerced into treatment. They should have a choice. However, the long-term existence and popularity of Marijuana Anonymous suggests that a largely unrecorded demand for treatment exists.
4. Should our policy and legislation about marijuana, both used medically and recreationally, change in any way because of these conclusions?
Absolutely. I favor the legalization of marijuana without reservation, qualification or hesitation. So it is all the more troubling when legalization advocates feel threatened by the facts about the way in which pot affects a minority of users. It’s not a big deal—unless you are among that minority, or have a friend or family member who is.
Why wasn’t this syndrome documented earlier? Why are we arguing about this now? The counterargument seems compelling: People have been smoking this harmless herb for centuries. Now, all of a sudden, we’re supposed to believe it’s addictive?
Yes, we are—for the same fractional group of the population that is vulnerable to alcohol, heroin, cigarettes, and other substances. It is true today, and there is every reason to suspect it was true of a minority of marijuana users a hundred years ago. It may be somewhat fashionable nowadays to announce one’s addiction and head for rehab, but historically, most people who suffer from addiction have been forced to deal with the shame, trauma, and social stigma still attached to drug addiction—regardless of the drug in question. This goes double for aggravated withdrawal symptoms from a drug everybody says cannot be addictive.
5. Please summarize your final conclusions
Marijuana can be addictive for people who have a built-in propensity for addiction. The overriding priority in all this should be research. Marijuana studies have been blocked for dubious political reasons over the years. That research floodgate must be opened. One quick result would be the recognition of alcohol as a more dangerous drug than pot. At the same time, we need to recognize the cannabis withdrawal syndrome for what it is—the end product of a particular kind of substance addiction.
That was a great Interview. Good form of awareness indeed! Thanks for sharing. Keep posting more like this.
Dirk,
You say “Marijuana can be addictive for people who have a built-in propensity for addiction.” Correct me if I’m wrong but you seem to be saying that a propensity for one drug means a propensity for all drugs. That has not been my experience.
Secondly, it might be useful in a summary statement to comment that propensity to a particular drug seems to be on a continuum as you mention earlier. That place on the continuum may effect whether there is a need for “formal” treatment.
Don: For many people, even those with a single drug of choice, multiple addictions are not uncommon. Start with the fact that an overwhelming number, perhaps a majority, of alcoholics and drug addicts smoke cigarettes. Why is that? Many therapists are amazed at the ability of addicted people to switch drugs when necessary. Personally, I think vulnerability to one drug suggests the possibility of vulnerability to other addictive drugs. But that’s not true in every case, as you point out.
The severity of your addiction–your place on the continuum–would indeed be an important influence on whether or not structured treatment is for you.
To Dirk’s point, the trend for drug users who actually make it into treatment are in fact abusing more than one drug, almost always smoking marijuana and cigarettes, and usually drinking alcohol. It’s a sad state of affairs when a meth or cocaine addict becomes an alcoholic in order to “get to bed”.
Dirk,
You say “Marijuana can be addictive for people who have a built-in propensity for addiction.” Correct me if I'm wrong but you seem to be saying that a propensity for one drug means a propensity for all drugs. That has not been my experience.
Secondly, it might be useful in a summary statement to comment that propensity to a particular drug seems to be on a continuum as you mention earlier. That place on the continuum may effect whether there is a need for “formal” treatment.
Don: For many people, even those with a single drug of choice, multiple addictions are not uncommon. Start with the fact that an overwhelming number, perhaps a majority, of alcoholics and drug addicts smoke cigarettes. Why is that? Many therapists are amazed at the ability of addicted people to switch drugs when necessary. Personally, I think vulnerability to one drug suggests the possibility of vulnerability to other addictive drugs. But that's not true in every case, as you point out.
The severity of your addiction–your place on the continuum–would indeed be an important influence on whether or not structured treatment is for you.
To Dirk's point, the trend for drug users who actually make it into treatment are in fact abusing more than one drug, almost always smoking marijuana and cigarettes, and usually drinking alcohol. It's a sad state of affairs when a meth or cocaine addict becomes an alcoholic in order to “get to bed”.
Learning what to expect from marijuana withdrawal is important for anyone who is using this drug or knows someone who does. It is a myth that pot is not addictive and has little or no side effects. The truth is that when it is abused, marijuana can be very destructive as well as very detrimental to a persons health. Thank you for the information on what to expect when quitting this drug.
Learning what to expect from marijuana withdrawal is important for anyone who is using this drug or knows someone who does. It is a myth that pot is not addictive and has little or no side effects. The truth is that when it is abused, marijuana can be very destructive as well as very detrimental to a persons health. Thank you for the information on what to expect when quitting this drug.
The VAST majority of people (primarily kids, used for stupid statistics) in “treatment” for pot addiction chose to do so only in lieu of spending time in jail. Hell, I’d go to treatment too before jail.
I have that “addictive personality” and am currently experiencing these withdrawal symptoms, as I’m on a tolerance break. It really isn’t that bad, although, I could see someone having trouble coping with severe anxiety or depression in this state. I’m a little mopey, but that’s because my body is flooded with melatonin, I believe. I’m working out too, to get that nice little dopamine rush. I would suggest exercise to anyone dealing with pot withdrawals. Keep in mind, when I say withdrawals here, I am using the term VERY loosely. This could NOT compare to ANYTHING I experienced when trying to quit nicotine.
This may be easier for me since I know there is an end in sight (i.e. tolerance break), or maybe I just have the right mindset. Also, it’s been 6 days since my gf of 3 years and I broke up. Shouldn’t I be suicidal? Oh well, definitely not a “hardcore” addiction. I still have my doubts as to whether there is any real “physical dependence.” As of now, I feel fine, and sobriety is starting to feel normal. I would consider myself a heavy user.
Bobby, you are an idiot, btw. It’s legal status is what is most destructive about this “herb.” Stop calling it a drug, unless you want to use that term for alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine. I mean, cause those have never hurt anybody, right? I vaporize my herbs, and no longer smoke tobacco. I exercise everyday, eat a very healthy, balanced diet, and I’m a stoner. I would bet I’m healthier than you. =D
Considering multiple addictions, I’ve tried alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, both types of meth, coke, LSD, x, mushies, and pharmaceuticals. While I, in many ways, consider myself very lucky, the only things I did more than a few times were cannabis, mushies, alcohol, and tobacco. If I have an addictive personality, then why didn’t meth ravage my life? Why did I not become hopelessly controlled by legal opiate pharms? I simply enjoy cannabis, A LOT. It is my alcohol, and I’m healthier as a result. Now if I could just quit being called a criminal.
The VAST majority of people (primarily kids, used for stupid statistics) in “treatment” for pot addiction chose to do so only in lieu of spending time in jail. Hell, I'd go to treatment too before jail.
I have that “addictive personality” and am currently experiencing these withdrawal symptoms, as I'm on a tolerance break. It really isn't that bad, although, I could see someone having trouble coping with severe anxiety or depression in this state. I'm a little mopey, but that's because my body is flooded with melatonin, I believe. I'm working out too, to get that nice little dopamine rush. I would suggest exercise to anyone dealing with pot withdrawals. Keep in mind, when I say withdrawals here, I am using the term VERY loosely. This could NOT compare to ANYTHING I experienced when trying to quit nicotine.
This may be easier for me since I know there is an end in sight (i.e. tolerance break), or maybe I just have the right mindset. Also, it's been 6 days since my gf of 3 years and I broke up. Shouldn't I be suicidal? Oh well, definitely not a “hardcore” addiction. I still have my doubts as to whether there is any real “physical dependence.” As of now, I feel fine, and sobriety is starting to feel normal. I would consider myself a heavy user.
Bobby, you are an idiot, btw. It's legal status is what is most destructive about this “herb.” Stop calling it a drug, unless you want to use that term for alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine. I mean, cause those have never hurt anybody, right? I vaporize my herbs, and no longer smoke tobacco. I exercise everyday, eat a very healthy, balanced diet, and I'm a stoner. I would bet I'm healthier than you. =D
Considering multiple addictions, I've tried alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, both types of meth, coke, LSD, x, mushies, and pharmaceuticals. While I, in many ways, consider myself very lucky, the only things I did more than a few times were cannabis, mushies, alcohol, and tobacco. If I have an addictive personality, then why didn't meth ravage my life? Why did I not become hopelessly controlled by legal opiate pharms? I simply enjoy cannabis, A LOT. It is my alcohol, and I'm healthier as a result. Now if I could just quit being called a criminal.
I’ve been a drug addict for most of my life and I’m not afraid to say it. I went for crack cocaine treatment after I woke up in a ditch 80 miles from where I lived. It’s still a struggle but I’m better and I just want to say that only after you’ve been to hell can you appreciate life.
Very useful article! Thank you!
Very useful article! Thank you!
I’ve seen many patients withdrawing from marijuana during my one year internship at Narconon, and it is a long and complex struggle, that is different from one person to another. Many marijuana supporters claim that it isn’t addictive, which is partially true, THC doesn’t create physical addiction, but the ‘high’ feeling does create emotional attachment, which translates into psychological addiction, which is a lot more difficult to treat.
I've seen many patients withdrawing from marijuana during my one year internship at Narconon, and it is a long and complex struggle, that is different from one person to another. Many marijuana supporters claim that it isn't addictive, which is partially true, THC doesn't create physical addiction, but the 'high' feeling does create emotional attachment, which translates into psychological addiction, which is a lot more difficult to treat.
I hear from lots of people who experience many different symptoms as a result of quitting marijuana, they usually pass within a few weeks for most people, but things like anxiety and depression can last for quite some time, for some people it can be months. The one thing I have learnt running the forum that I run is that we can all recover at different rates, but hang in there people you will get there in the end.
http://www.forummatters.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/16-Cannabis-Weed-Pot-Marijuana-Addiction
I hear from lots of people who experience many different symptoms as a result of quitting marijuana, they usually pass within a few weeks for most people, but things like anxiety and depression can last for quite some time, for some people it can be months. The one thing I have learnt running the forum that I run is that we can all recover at different rates, but hang in there people you will get there in the end.
http://www.forummatters.com/forums/forumdisplay…
Thank you for this Article. I am on day 23 of my sobriety!
used to be a very heavy smoker: daily weed + cigs… casually i would get drunk, but never felt the need to.
i have quit all 3 substances and want to keep clean for 1 year. no other drugs or pharmaceuticals.
what have i done to stop? explained the situation to family and stopped my life habits.
During the first 2 days, i experienced no withdrawal symptoms, only thinking about smoking or being high.
3rd day: extreme anger issues. the only way i could stay sane: is through working out and being home with my parents.
all of the first week was very intense and depressive. breaking down crying etc. I have to say: the only way out for me, was, that God told me that he would bless me immensly.
i continue to have hard times (depressive throughts, remembering bad stuff that had happened while intoxicated, etc etc). the biggest problem is that once you become sober: you have to deal with reality. something that potheads do not like. because smoking weed becomes a safe haven. escaping problems for a few hours. “i’ll deal with this later” “fuck this …” or “fuck it, just one joint, no one’ll notice”. all potheads lie.
since i quit, this is what i value most:
- enjoying sobriety.
no guilt feelings
smelling food
evaluating life problems to the full.
actually making choices and remembering them
being able to focus.
my creativity is so much more valuable now
i have so much more $$$
enjoying family
there is a lot of other great things that i have probably forgotten.
but this is written from an ex-SToNer. and from the heart. so if you don’t agree with me…. fuck you.
Thank you for this Article. I am on day 23 of my sobriety!
used to be a very heavy smoker: daily weed + cigs… casually i would get drunk, but never felt the need to.
i have quit all 3 substances and want to keep clean for 1 year. no other drugs or pharmaceuticals.
what have i done to stop? explained the situation to family and stopped my life habits.
During the first 2 days, i experienced no withdrawal symptoms, only thinking about smoking or being high.
3rd day: extreme anger issues. the only way i could stay sane: is through working out and being home with my parents.
all of the first week was very intense and depressive. breaking down crying etc. I have to say: the only way out for me, was, that God told me that he would bless me immensly.
i continue to have hard times (depressive throughts, remembering bad stuff that had happened while intoxicated, etc etc). the biggest problem is that once you become sober: you have to deal with reality. something that potheads do not like. because smoking weed becomes a safe haven. escaping problems for a few hours. “i’ll deal with this later” “fuck this …” or “fuck it, just one joint, no one’ll notice”. all potheads lie.
since i quit, this is what i value most:
- enjoying sobriety.
no guilt feelings
smelling food
evaluating life problems to the full.
actually making choices and remembering them
being able to focus.
my creativity is so much more valuable now
i have so much more $$$
enjoying family
there is a lot of other great things that i have probably forgotten.
but this is written from an ex-SToNer. and from the heart. so if you don’t agree with me…. fuck you.
My husband is going through the exact symptoms. I started searching for a blog on weed withdrawals because after 7 years of being with him and him never being sober, I can tell when he is out of weed, cant get weed, or any other reason preventing him from smoking. He becomes the meanest most angry, awful person you have ever met. It is terrible. He takes it out on me and treats me terrible. He is verbally abusive, then will burst out in tears, then yell again. It’s really hard to live with. Once he has weed again and starts to smoke he is back to normal (sweet, considerate, smiles alot, positive attitude etc.) This addiction is KILLING our marriage. I dont smoke. I have before when I was a teenager and a little into college but never was that fond of it. My problem is HE DOESN’T THINK HE HAS A PROBLEM. I do not just keep up with his pot supply daily but when he begins to act so angry and mean towards me i know he is obviously out and hasn’t smoked that day. This is coming from someone who smokes 1 ounce per week. He recently has been out for a whole week due to his supplier being “dry”, so he has been smoking resin out of a pipe several times a day TRYING to get a hit out. I cannot take it anymore. We had a HUGE argument today in which I told him I am getting papers drawn up Tuesday. He cannot admit he has a problem coming off of the weed, so he can’t get help as many times as i’ve begged. I honestly do not know what else to do. I am thankful I found this site though and know Im not crazy. When I try to explain how he is to people that don’t know….they look at me like I’m crazy. He is literally Jekyl & Hyde. I believe that his addiction has finally ruined our marriage. I have to protect our 5 year old son from his dad’s anger. Hopefully, then he may start to reflect on what caused the divorce and realize he has a problem.
Marijuana is evil. Poison. People think that marijuana is ok because you can´t die smoking it. But death is not the only problem you can get using drugs. THC makes you go nuts, it´s a toxin that attacks the nerves. More you smoke, more stressed you will be when you are not high. The thc is stored in your fat cells and it takes years to get out of your body after you stop smoking.
And for people who say the addiction is not physical: you are wrong. Marijuana is physically addictive and i know what i´m talking about here because i´m addicted and i know people who are in the same boat.
Marijuana is evil. Poison. People think that marijuana is ok because you can´t die smoking it. But death is not the only problem you can get using drugs. THC makes you go nuts, it´s a toxin that attacks the nerves. More you smoke, more stressed you will be when you are not high. The thc is stored in your fat cells and it takes years to get out of your body after you stop smoking.
And for people who say the addiction is not physical: you are wrong. Marijuana is physically addictive and i know what i´m talking about here because i´m addicted and i know people who are in the same boat.
I gave up my addiction 11 months ago, and included with marijuana is alcohol, for me they worked together. I had withdrawal which included anxiety, agitation, lack of sleep, uneasiness, headaches, cramps and low grade flu symptoms. They are real. It is why I was a daily user for many years. I feared I couldn’t stop. Like any addiction it is a constant cycle of feeding the need. I used to get headaches frequently when I used now I rarely ever do. If you use daily and feel agitated and obsessed with obtaining more when you run low on your stash you are an addict. The problem is the powerful lobby for prohibition only tells you one side of the story. To each their own, cigarettes and alcohol are legal, smoke if you want to. If you need to stop find support and do so through 12 step programs or through counselling. When you successfully stop you will realize their is no need to pollute your body with chemicals. Choose life, I am more stable, more goal oriented, social, stable and feel much better about myself. Seek help you are not alone or different, stopping a habit of using substances is challenging but possible. It causes discomfort but the payoff is worth it. You are worth it.
I gave up my addiction 11 months ago, and included with marijuana is alcohol, for me they worked together. I had withdrawal which included anxiety, agitation, lack of sleep, uneasiness, headaches, cramps and low grade flu symptoms. They are real. It is why I was a daily user for many years. I feared I couldn’t stop. Like any addiction it is a constant cycle of feeding the need. I used to get headaches frequently when I used now I rarely ever do. If you use daily and feel agitated and obsessed with obtaining more when you run low on your stash you are an addict. The problem is the powerful lobby for prohibition only tells you one side of the story. To each their own, cigarettes and alcohol are legal, smoke if you want to. If you need to stop find support and do so through 12 step programs or through counselling. When you successfully stop you will realize their is no need to pollute your body with chemicals. Choose life, I am more stable, more goal oriented, social, stable and feel much better about myself. Seek help you are not alone or different, stopping a habit of using substances is challenging but possible. It causes discomfort but the payoff is worth it. You are worth it.
Marijuana is medically good at least.
Marijuana is medically good at least.
I agree. I spent time researching this to understand my addiction when so many friends just laughed and thought that I was just like every other “stoner” and that pot was not addictive. One article http://www.allaboutcounseling.com/library/marijuana-addiction-treatment/ spoke to me because like it said there’s so many factors besides just a physical addiction which marijuana does not give. The peer pressure, using it as a coping mechanism for stress, etc.
I agree. I spent time researching this to understand my addiction when so many friends just laughed and thought that I was just like every other “stoner” and that pot was not addictive. One article http://www.allaboutcounseling.com/library/marijuana-addiction-treatment/ spoke to me because like it said there’s so many factors besides just a physical addiction which marijuana does not give. The peer pressure, using it as a coping mechanism for stress, etc.
Hey there! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I really enjoy reading your posts. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that cover the same topics? Appreciate it!
Check out our list of our top 10 blogs of 2010
Hey there, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog in Ie, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, fantastic blog!