Amotivational Syndrome

[TheSmokingMonkey]

Hi guys,

There is something we have all heard of, and that is the famed "amotivational syndrome" (burnout, dropout, etc) associated with cannabis.

I recently read an article that suggested this phenomenon was actually due to users being depressed, rather than to the actual use of cannabis. So like, you are depressed, therefore you use cannabis to feel better, but whether you used weed or not, you still would have not felt like doing anything because you were depressed in the first place.

Hope that makes sense.

Does anybody have any input on this matter? Articles you read, or experiences for yourself?

Is "amotivational syndrome" real, or is it masked depression?

TheSmokingMonkey Reviewed by TheSmokingMonkey on 11-20-2007. Amotivational Syndrome Hi guys, There is something we have all heard of, and that is the famed "amotivational syndrome" (burnout, dropout, etc) associated with cannabis. I recently read an article that suggested this phenomenon was actually due to users being depressed, rather than to the actual use of cannabis. So like, you are depressed, therefore you use cannabis to feel better, but whether you used weed or not, you still would have not felt like doing anything because you were depressed in the first place. Rating: 5

[thcbongman]

I think much of it has to do with depression, which coincides with holding fears to heart.

I smoke a copious amount, and as long as I have my life organized in a routine, I can be the most adamant, motivated son of a bitch. I have ADD, without routines, my life would become a clusterfuck.

I look at other people in life who I would consider depressed, and they have a hard time getting up in the morning, let alone to be motivated to engage. Partly, I think they are afraid to change, that doing so would change them as a person in a way they deem as "selling out." I think if one looks into themselves clearly, they can find the motivation to do anything. But doing so requires clarity and facing discomfort and fears.

[Ganja G0d]

I was depressed for 2 years before I started smoking weed. Was depressed for a about another year but the weed helped out ALOT. Mary Jane was there for me when everyone else wasn't...

Get High
Screw The World
And That's That...

[TheSmokingMonkey]

Great response. Thank you for your input!

I have just come across this article:

Cannabis Amotivational Syndrome by Dr. Peter L. Nelson

It concludes that the "syndrome" may be a misinterpreted personality trait. I would have a hard time summarizing it here, as it is a long article, but I found it VERY interesting and I highly recommend it to anyone else who is interested in this topic.

[TheSmokingMonkey]

Oh, and I had another thought, on my own experience.

I think that I *am* motivated.... to do the things that *I* find important, which often differs from what is "expected" by a lot of other people. I think there is a prejudice against people, in general, who would rather follow their spirits than their pocketbooks. I think that cannabis states bring with them a great deal of introspection, and this introspection is what led me to realize that what makes me happy has little to do with money, beyond meeting my basic needs.

It blunts the anxiety, also, of "what will other people think?"

[Ganja G0d]

Quote from comedian Bill Hicks- â??They lie about marijuana. Tell you pot-smoking makes you unmotivated. Lie! When you're high, you can do everything you normally do, just as well. You just realize that it's not worth the fucking effort. There is a difference.â?�

[TheSmokingMonkey]

:S2:

LOL, I heart that.

[affasd]

I use weed to motivate myself actually, like i tell myself i cant smoke till i do something i need to do first, then reward myself with a smoke after. it works pretty well sometimes

[Coelho]

â??They lie about marijuana. Tell you pot-smoking makes you unmotivated. Lie! When you're high, you can do everything you normally do, just as well. You just realize that it's not worth the fucking effort. There is a difference.â?�

I would say exactly this... :stoned:

[Storm Crow]

You might want to read these....

Amotivational Syndrome
Lycaeum > Leda > Amotivational Syndrome

Marijuana Myths, Claim No. 11
http://www.erowid.org/plants/cannab...is_myth11.shtml

Debunking 'Amotivational Syndrome'
US: Web: Column: Debunking 'Amotivational Syndrome'

Amotivational Syndrome
Amotivational syndrome Summary

Debunking the Amotivational Syndrome
Marijuana Research: Debunking the Amotivational Syndrome

Cannabis Use Not Linked To So-Called "Amotivational Syndrome"
Marijuana Law Reform - NORML


I graduated from college with honors after several years of rather stoned scholarship. I quilt, sculpt, paint, do genealogy, collect MMJ studies (see my link below), work in Special Education, and I cook a mean Thanxgivin' dinner! :thumbsup: (Since I'm off work for a week- I'm stoned 24/7. Brownies for breakfast! ) I just completed a birthday gift for my brother- a 3 inch thick notebook detailing the history of our family in America starting in 1636. Next is a large redwood sculpture of a Chinese dragon.

Amotivational syndrome???? I ain't got the time!- Granny:hippy: