Habitual Use or Cannabis Addiction

Since the legalization of marijuana in several states throughout the U.S., there has been more exploration into understanding how marijuana affects the body. Traditionally, it is believed by many that marijuana is not an addictive drug but studies show that differences in an individual’s brain systems can determine whether or not they get addicted. Some cannabis users may never get addicted even with long term use while others form an addictive habit due to their brain’s reaction to the drug.

Habitual Use and Cannabis Addiction

In a recent study, researchers used brain imaging to monitor neural activity in cannabis users when exposed to images of marijuana. The findings revealed that all participants exhibited heightened activity in the brain’s reward-processing center, indicating an association between cannabis and pleasure. However, those with cannabis dependence showed additional activation in the brain region responsible for habit formation, suggesting a shift from recreational use to habitual cannabis use.

This distinction is crucial in understanding marijuana addiction. While occasional users may seek out cannabis for its euphoric effects, long-term users with dependency may continue consuming it out of routine rather than conscious enjoyment. Over time, the brain rewires itself, making cannabis use an automatic behavior, much like other compulsive habits such as nail-biting or excessive phone use.

The Science Behind Habitual Marijuana Use

Habit formation in cannabis addiction occurs when repeated exposure to the drug alters brain pathways. Initially, dopamine release in the brain’s reward system reinforces pleasurable experiences, encouraging repeated use. However, as dependency develops, marijuana use becomes less about achieving a high and more about satisfying an ingrained habit. This is why many dependent users continue to consume cannabis even when they no longer experience the same pleasurable effects or face negative consequences in their personal and professional lives.

How does it affect the brain?

The study showed that as addiction to cannabis develops it changes responses in brain systems in ways that strengthen the person’s desire to seek the drug. Their brain begins to attach extreme importance to the drug and views it as a necessary habit rather than simply just a pleasure seeking activity. Those who use the drug out of habitual use are more likely to struggle with moderating or quitting their addiction to marijuana.

Not every marijuana user will become addicted but for those who do they are likely to have trouble getting out of the habit because of the changes in their brain. Abstinence could lead to withdrawal symptoms because they have become dependent on the drug to function. Detoxing from marijuana can help return brain changes to normal over time and allow the user to eliminate the habitual association their brain has with the drug.