The amotivational syndrome, a consequence of cannabis consumption

Canuto, joint, trocolo, cigarette of happiness… Yes, ladies and gentlemen, all of these words refer to the consumption of cannabis (marijuana) and today we are going to talk about its relationship with amotivational syndrome.

In recent years there have been a number of scientific evidence about the therapeutic properties of cannabinoids such as analgesia, reduction of intraocular pressure, antiemetic effect in vomiting induced by antineoplastic chemotherapy, muscle relaxant properties in various diseases such as multiple sclerosis, spinal trauma and movement disorders.

However, its recreational use has spread enormously in our society and, in fact, it is the most consumed drug in the world. This is worrying in itself, as much as the data that we are going to offer below. Amotivational syndrome is more likely to appear in those people who use cannabis for a long period of time.

How is amotivational syndrome defined?

Amotivational syndrome is defined as a state of passivity and indifference.which is characterized by generating generalized cognitive, interpersonal and social difficulties and is related to cannabis consumption for years (chronic THC intoxication).

Said state can be maintained even after consumption has been interrupted. The person feels like they don’t want to do anything, in a continuous state of anhedonia, has no motivation or enthusiasm and has a general lack of interest or apathy.

Motivation is the interest in satisfying a certain need, which generates an impulse to carry out the behavior that produces said satisfaction. It is involved in the activation, direction and maintenance of behavior.

Cannabis consumption causes all motivation to perform tasks other than consumption itself to disappear. or lose intensity. The pleasure offered by consumption “wins” and other motivations (work, interpersonal, leisure, partner, etc.) are postponed.

What effects does its consumption produce over a long period of time?

When consumption lasts over time, the drug takes first place and it is constituted as a basic need, causing other needs to be relegated to the background and all life revolves around the substance.

Other incentives do not exert sufficient force since the cognitive alterations present in addiction make the subject relax and other motivations disappear.

Prolonged substance use causes cognitive impairment that, even if consumption is interrupted, they can cause certain symptoms to persist.

Although the relationship between marijuana use and amotivational syndrome is clear, It has not been completely proven that this problem is directly caused by cannabis, although everything indicates that it helps to trigger it.

Signs and symptoms of amotivational syndrome

The signs and symptoms of this syndrome are the following, although it should be noted that it is not necessary for them all to be present:

One of them is the apathy emotional typeconsisting of:

Reduction of the will to execute actions. Inability to finish tasks. Inability to evaluate the consequences of future actions. Disinterest. Passivity. Difficulties maintaining concentration and attention. Memory alterations. Indifference. Lack of introspection (there is no awareness of the state one is in, of the syndrome). Delay in completing tasks. Lack of concern for the future (postpone). Lack of interest in doing long-lasting activities or activities that require greater concentration. Low motivation for work or school. Lack of concern for personal care. Sexual disinterest. Decreased reflexes. Easy frustration. Slowness of movement and slowing down of movements. Generalized reduction of any activity (professional, social, leisure, etc.). Pasotismo (without affectation).

At a cognitive level, the symptoms produced by chronic cannabis consumption produce alterations in executive functionsas they are:

Anticipation and goal setting.The planning.Inhibition of responses. The selection of appropriate behaviors according to the context.The temporal-spatial organization.Cognitive flexibility. Monitoring behaviors.Decision making.Working memory.

On a social level, The symptoms described generate a decrease in interactions with other people, generated by loss of interest in participating in social situations, in activities of any kind, apathy and passivity. This causes the individual’s social support networks to be affected. All these symptoms can produce:

Poor academic and/or work performance, due to difficulties studying and learning. Social isolation, by reducing interactions with other people.Absence of future plans.Predisposition to get involved in conflicts with authorities. Not setting goals.

What can be done to treat amotivational syndrome?

The first treatment objective should be the progressive reduction of consumption of cannabis until its total elimination, since if you have amotivational syndrome and consume marijuana in the rehabilitation phase, you will hardly reverse the situation.

Addiction can be overcome through psychotherapeutic work to rehabilitate deficits that persist, being possible to use psychotropic drugs if necessary.

The first choice treatment should be SSRI drugs (antidepressants). along with cognitive behavioral therapyto encourage the person to resume daily activities, improve relationships with family members and work on the thinking style that leads to inactivity.

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