{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-question-tags-template-js","path":"/question-tag/addiction/","result":{"data":{"allQuestion":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Question_10740-markdown","title":"Is cannabis addictive?","slug":"is-cannabis-addictive","content":"***I want to try to start cannabis use, but I'm afraid. Is cannabis addictive?***\n\nSheldon P.\n____________\n\n![Hello2-min.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello2_min_61990e2fc5.png)\n\nThe simple answer is that many people and organizations say that about 9% of the population will be 'addicted' to cannabis. \n\nThe longer more nuanced answer is that most institutions and doctors will not say it is 'addictive' rather that people may have a '**cannabis use disorder**'. The question really lies in what addiction is. Many people will say addiction is a chemical dependence in which cannabis is not addictive. Other people and organizations will say it is rather a psychological manifestation, such as an addiction to gambling. It is important to note that if a person starts using before the age of 18 they are 4-7 times as likely to develop a dependence.\n\nCannabis use disorders are tested using a standardized list of 11 criteria. It is subjective to say who has a disorder or not. Some might say if you have 2 from the list, others say you must have all 11. The **11 indicators are**:\n\nThis list was taken from [Medscape's article](http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/286661-clinical) \n\n- 1.) Cannabis is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.\n- 2.) There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control cannabis use.\n- 3.) A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain cannabis, use cannabis, or recover from its effects.\n- 4.) Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use cannabis.\n- 5.) Recurrent cannabis use results in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.\n- 6.) Continued cannabis use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of cannabis.\n- 7.) Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of cannabis use.\n- 8.) Recurrent cannabis use in situations in which it is physically hazardous.\n- 9.) Cannabis 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 cannabis.\n- 10.) Tolerance, is defined by either a (1) need for markedly increased cannabis to achieve intoxication or desired effect or (2) markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance.\n- 11.) Withdrawal, as manifested by either (1) the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for cannabis or (2) cannabis is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms\n\nCannabis is used medically by many people as well as recreationally without dependence but there will always be a subset of the population that develops a 'cannabis disorder'.\n\nHope this helps!\n\nPamela H.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1,"src":"/static/4525e88873e3da202babfb688dec737f/c6f65/aa823ed37a253a4c83bd835bfa7596a4.png","srcSet":"/static/4525e88873e3da202babfb688dec737f/69585/aa823ed37a253a4c83bd835bfa7596a4.png 200w,\n/static/4525e88873e3da202babfb688dec737f/497c6/aa823ed37a253a4c83bd835bfa7596a4.png 400w,\n/static/4525e88873e3da202babfb688dec737f/c6f65/aa823ed37a253a4c83bd835bfa7596a4.png 443w","srcWebp":"/static/4525e88873e3da202babfb688dec737f/752e5/aa823ed37a253a4c83bd835bfa7596a4.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4525e88873e3da202babfb688dec737f/61e93/aa823ed37a253a4c83bd835bfa7596a4.webp 200w,\n/static/4525e88873e3da202babfb688dec737f/1f5c5/aa823ed37a253a4c83bd835bfa7596a4.webp 400w,\n/static/4525e88873e3da202babfb688dec737f/752e5/aa823ed37a253a4c83bd835bfa7596a4.webp 443w","sizes":"(max-width: 443px) 100vw, 443px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Question_12353-markdown","title":"Addiction question","slug":"addiction-question","content":"\"My husband and I are trying a CBD/THC tincture 20 to 1 for pain management. We each started with five drops a day as recommended by the helpful MD we talked to on this website. I’m taking 5 drops in the morning and my husband is taking it at night because that’s when our pain is worse. I’m noticing a slight bit of pain relief but what I’m really noticing more is my sleep cycle has become slightly longer. Not a problem.  My husband has noticed no change in his sleep and no pain relief. He is worried about addiction, since it seems to be changing my sleep cycle. Is addiction a concern if I stopped taking the tincture?  I am trying to ease up on Celebrex. I haven’t smoked pot in many years. Any feedback appreciated. \"\n_____________________\nAny substance that alters your experience can be habit-forming, but CBD on its own is not considered addictive. In fact, one of the least understood benefits of CBD oil is its possible effectiveness in treating symptoms associated with alcohol and drug addiction.\n\nIt is common, over time, to require more CBD to achieve the desired effect as your body develops a tolerance to the cannabinoid. This is particularly true for new consumers.\n\nKevin P.\n_____________________\nHi there!\nThere is absolutely no potential of developing  an addiction to cannabis when using such a low  THC-concentration-containing product, such as the 20:1 tincture you and  your husband have been using. CBD has no addictive potential; heavy and  frequent use of THC may cause a psychological dependence, but not  physical dependence, as alcohol,  benzodiazepines and opiates can cause. You and your husband are not even on the map of those engaged in heavy THC use. \n\nAlso,  five drops of that tincture likely has between 0.1mg and 0.3mg of THC,  which would be imperceptible for most likely everyone. Many don't even  notice 3mg.  Also, you can/should be taking the oil on an as needed  basis. Taking the oil once per day would not provide relief for more  than 6 hours at the most. I usually recommend taking the oil at least  twice per day. Also, most should at least 10 drops of a 20:1  tincture/dose, as 5 drops likely contains less than 3mg of CBD, and  functionally, zero THC. \n\nSince it seems your husband has difficulty sleeping due to more  noticeable pain in the evening, an oil with a higher THC concentration  would likely be more beneficial. In general, after learning more about  the patient's situation, I would recommend a 1:1 or 2:1 oil if THC is  acceptable to the patient. I recommend starting no higher than 2.5mg of  THC per dose. Also, 1:1 is, by far, the most studied ratio, including in  studies regarding pain issues. For sleep, THC is what causes sedation.\n\ndrkim\n_____________________\nSo, for example, if we wanted to keep the CBD dosage at 10mg/dose,  we would choose the ratio of the product that provides the amount of  THC that is acceptable to the patient. Many patients want no perceptible  psychoactivity during the day, while some psychoactivity during the  evening is acceptable. In this situation, many would use a\nhigher ratio during the day, such as\n10:1,  which would provide 10mg of CBD and 1mg of THC. Most patients do not  perceive psychoactivity when taking 1mg, or less of THC \n\nThen as a  sleep aid, a more balanced ratio, such as 1:1, which would provide 10mg  of CBD, and 10mg of THC. 10mg is considered a \"standard dose.\" Most new  patients report 10mg of THC to be moderately to extremely psychoactive.  So, when starting, it's always a good idea to start low, and go slow.   In general, 2.5mgs of THC would be a good \"test dose.\" 2:1 is also a  popular evening ratio (10mg CBD, 5mg THC). \n\nRatios of between  10:1 and 30:1 are rarely psychoactive, so this ratio-range would be a  good choice for most when psychoactivity is to be avoided, such as  during the daytime, or if the patient prefers to avoid any  psychoactivity. \n\nRatios of between 4:1 and 8:1 are considered mid-range ratios.  In general, products in this range would cause mild psychoactivity,  noticeable anxiety relief and a boosted mood, without feeling \"high\". \n\n\ndrkim\n_____________________\n2:1 and 1:1 are more balanced ratios. In general, this range  provides the most pain relief and is the better choice for sleep issues.  \n\nOils:\n1. Place the oil under your tongue.\n2. Use your tongue to gently “paint” the tincture around your inner cheeks\n3. Wait 60 to 90 seconds before swallowing.\nEffects should peak in about 15 minutes, and should last between 2 to 4 hours \n\nEDIBLES:\nWait  at least 1 hour to gauge efficacy. When you are on an empty stomach,  peak effect is reached in about one hour. However, if you have had a  large meal, especially a fatty meal, it can take up to two hours to  reach peak effect. Effects should last between 4 to 10 hours. \n\nWhen  choosing products, make sure that the product label specifies the  amount of CBD and/or THC per drop or dropper-full. Many products simply  state the total amount of CBD and/or THC, which leads to unnecessary  confusion. \n\nI hope this helps!\n\n\ndrkim","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_12212-markdown","title":"Looking for dosing options and / or Dr. who will work with a heroin addict to wean off with CBD.  ","slug":"looking-for-dosing-options-and-or-dr-who-will-work-with-a-heroin-addict-to-wean-off-with-cbd","content":"\"Addict has been using CBD twice a day for a few weeks and now is ready to start weaning off of herion.  Need help in actual dosing and increments that are best.  Also what to expect. Tried looking up doctors in our area who would treat addiction with CBD but was unsuccessful.  \"\n_____________________\nHello,\nI'm glad to hear of your willingness to take steps  towards sobriety. However, overcoming a heroin addiction is a complex  and arduous task. We can help with ameliorating some  of the unpleasant symptoms of opiate withdrawal. However, it would be  medical malpractice to work as the primary physician, for what should be  a multi-modal treatment strategy led by a physician with specialized  training in addiction medicine. \n\nSymptoms of opiate withdrawal may include: muscle aches,  restlessness,  anxiety, runny nose, sweating, insomnia, abdominal  cramping, diarrhea,  nausea and vomiting. Cannabis should help alleviate  pain, anxiety,  insomnia, restlessness and nausea; these issues are best treated with a  decent amount of THC. Accordingly, I would likely discourage, unless   the patient were averse to THC, using a Very high CBD vs low THC  product, nor would I recommend Very high CBD strains in this situation.   \n\ndrkim\n_____________________\nHere are products and strains for you to consider:\n1. https://www.cbd.org/products/chocolates/1-1-chocolate - a \"whole plant\" 2:1 edible\n2. http://dosist.com/pen-relief/ - a 1:2 vaporizer pen\n3. http://kivaconfections.com/products/bars/ginger - a 1:1 \"whole plant\" edible\n\nSome CBD strains to consider: \nSweet and Sour Widow - a 1:1 indica strain \nPennywise - a 1:1 indica strain \nCannatonic - a 3:1 hybrid strain\n\nSome \"standard\" strains to consider (indica or indica dominant hybrids):\nGrand Daddy Purp\nNorthern Lights\nGod's Gift\nChocolate Chunk\n\nI hope this helps some, and best of luck!\n\n\ndrkim\n_____________________\nI'd like to second Dr. Kim's point about the complexity of managing opioid withdrawal, not to discourage it but to be realistic about what is involved.  Of course, the severity and duration of the symptoms will depend on the level of addiction, which we do not know.  While cannabis can be helpful, I'm fairly sure that CBD alone, or even with generous amounts of THC, will not be sufficient to ameliorate significant withdrawal symptoms.  A variety of non-opioid prescription medications such as clonidine can be extremely helpful in this situation, so I strongly encourage you to keep searching for a medical situation for managing the acute withdrawal phase. \n\ndrelkind","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_8907-markdown","title":"Opioid addiction rehabilitation ","slug":"opioid-addiction-rehabilitation","content":"\" \"","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_7606-markdown","title":"What can you recommend for increasing appetite and putting on weight?","slug":"what-can-you-recommend-for-increasing-appetite-and-putting-on-weight","content":"\"I am using cannabis to help stop my addiction to hydrocodone; I'm wasting away though. Any advice on maintaining and increasing my weight would be appreciated.\"\n_____________________\nHey there, \n\nI found this article on strains to be super helpful: https://www.leafly.com/news/strains-products/10-cannabis-strains-to-help-stimulate-your-appetite\n\nThank you! \n- Nurit w/ ONA\n\nnurit","image":null}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":4920,"name":"Addiction","slug":"addiction","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}