Chronic cannabis use may reduce motivation by altering dopamine levels in the brain—especially in individuals who start using at a young age. Known as amotivational syndrome, this condition can affect ambition, goal setting, and emotional wellness. At Cypress Lake Recovery, we treat marijuana abuse and the underlying mental health and behavioral impacts of cannabis addiction with a personalized, holistic approach.
Ongoing Research
Researchers found long-term cannabis use tends to produce less dopamine, which is a neurochemical directly linked to motivation and reward. PET brain imaging suggests that dopamine levels in the part of the brain called the striatum were lower for some people than others. This lends itself to understanding why some people view cannabis users as ‘lazy,’ or ‘unmotivated.’ Dopamine has long been linked to reward driven behavior like achievement of life goals. Setting and achieving goals keeps dopamine on the rise which exercise being one of the best ways to get (and stay) motivated.
Start your journey to freedom from addiction. Cypress Lake Recovery offers compassionate care and the support you need to overcome addiction. Contact us today.
Amotivational Syndrome
Scientists who have worked on motivation and cannabis used discovered the younger a person is when cannabis use starts, current levels of dopamine follow close behind. Cannabis addiction is defined by the lower dopamine levels seen in people who meet diagnostic criteria and have used cannabis for a long time. The link to lower dopamine can be used as a measure and marker for what degree a person is addicted to (or abusing) cannabis. Amotivational syndrome is another name for the lower dopamine levels that are seen in people who use cannabis long term and explains how they lack motivation to achieve various life pursuits.
Can Motivation Be Rebuilt After Long-Term Cannabis Use?
Yes, with the right treatment approach, motivation can improve over time—even after long-term cannabis use. The brain has a powerful capacity for neuroplasticity, meaning it can adapt and recover. Motivational enhancement therapy (MET) and other behavioral interventions can help individuals regain focus, purpose, and direction.
Treatment plans are tailored to each client’s needs, combining therapy, life skills coaching, and holistic wellness to support long-term success.
Amotivational syndrome is still a somewhat controversial description of people with lowered dopamine levels because not everyone who smokes pot long term will lack motivation and will to get things done. The power of the brain to change itself over time is one of the great mysteries of the universe, but offers hope for being able to cope with both the impact of long-term cannabis use and shifting motivation to the person rather than from within the brain.
Break Free from Cannabis Addiction with Cypress Lake Recovery
At Cypress Lake Recovery, we offer compassionate, individualized care for those affected by cannabis addiction and its psychological impact. From medically supervised detox (when necessary) to residential treatment and dual diagnosis support, our team helps clients address motivation, mental health, and the root causes of substance use.
Cypress Lake Recovery offers a place to explore the possibilities of what it means to be healthy and whole in spite of addiction. Our holistic approach means we combine therapeutic modalities with alternative models of healing to help you recover. Call us to find out how we can help you get started on the journey.
