ADDICTION AND OBSESSION: MARIJUANA - Research Paper Example

This means that marijuana is not necessarily an addictive drug but in the long term an individual may become addictive to it. According to NIDA around 9% of the individuals who consume the drug become addicted to it and the likelihood of addiction is higher among those who consume it on daily basis (Drugabuse.gov 1). This research will focus on marijuana addiction while detailing the prevalence, causes and effects of addiction. Marijuana use and abuse have been on an increase over time and this is becoming quite problematic for the society.

This is because those who are indulged in marijuana abuse belong to the age group that is quite essential for the future of the society. Danielle conducted a study during the period of 2012 in order to identify the prevalence of marijuana addicts and the researcher outlined the characteristics of these addicts (Danielle 1). In order to conduct the research the author utilized an internet based survey and through the survey the author identified a total of 3512 individuals who had used marijuana within a period of 30 days from the date of the survey (Danielle 2).

He further identified that the addicts were mostly male and had gained around 12 to 13 years of education and these individuals resided in the urban centers and were indulged in smoking marijuana almost on everyday basis (Danielle 4). He further identified that the addicts mostly included individuals who aged between 18 and 25 and most of the addicts belonged to households earning less than $20,000 (Danielle 4). Several studies have been conducted to identify the reasons why individuals adopt marijuana addiction.

The best sources are those studies that provide self reported data. This means that the perception of the addict is quite important in identifying the reasons due to which they indulge in marijuana abuse. Patrick and fellow researchers identified various self reported causes of marijuana abuse in the population aging between 18 and