How to Know If You Are Addicted to Marijuana: 11 Signs

You may have marijuana use disorder if you meet 2 or more of 11 criteria in the DSM-5 within 12 months. The criteria include craving, tolerance, withdrawal, and using more than planned. A doctor or licensed counselor makes the diagnosis. Online quizzes do not.

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DSM-5 Criteria

The American Psychiatric Association lists 11 criteria for cannabis use disorder in the DSM-5. A diagnosis requires at least 2 criteria in a 12-month period. The count sets severity: 2 to 3 is mild, 4 to 5 is moderate, 6 or more is severe.

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1. Using more marijuana or for a longer time than intended.
2. Wanting to cut down or quit, or trying and failing.
3. Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from marijuana.
4. Craving marijuana.
5. Using marijuana and failing to do tasks at work, school, or home.
6. Using marijuana despite problems with family or friends caused by use.
7. Giving up hobbies, sports, or social events because of marijuana.
8. Using marijuana in hazardous situations, such as driving.
9. Using marijuana despite physical or mental health problems caused or worsened by use.
10. Tolerance: needing more marijuana for the same effect.
11. Withdrawal: symptoms when you stop or reduce use.

Withdrawal Signs

Withdrawal starts 24 to 72 hours after you stop or cut back. Symptoms peak in the first week. They can last 1 to 2 weeks. Signs include irritability, anger, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, restlessness, depressed mood, headache, chills, sweating, stomach pain, and fever. Symptoms stop in 1 to 2 weeks.

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Tolerance

Tolerance means you need more marijuana to get the same effect. Your body adapts to THC. Tolerance can lead to using larger amounts. It is one of the 11 criteria.

Numbers

3 in 10 people who use marijuana have marijuana use disorder, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The CDC reports 1 in 10 adults who use marijuana become addicted. That number is 1 in 6 for people who start before age 18.

What to Do

If you meet 2 or more criteria, see a doctor or a licensed counselor. They can do an assessment. Treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and contingency management. The SAMHSA National Helpline is 1-800-662-4357. The line is open 24 hours.