Amotivational Syndrome

What is “amotivational syndrome”? It’s a group of conditions that heavy marijuana smokers tend to show. They lack energy and enthusiasm for life.

Here is one of the first detailed descriptions of amotivational syndrome, from 1968:

Amotivational syndrome (is) apathy, loss of effectiveness, and diminished capacity or willingness to carry out complex, long-term plans, endure frustration, concentrate for long periods, follow routines, or successfully master new material.

In other words, sufferers have a lack of interest and caring about life (apathy). They can’t – or won’t – make “complex, long-term” plans and follow through with them. They can’t pay attention or learn new information, which means that their grades will likely suffer. They can’t (or won’t) follow routines, which can hurt not only school performance, but also jobs, sports, and clubs.

Here is the second half of the definition:

Verbal facility (skill) is often impaired both in speaking and writing. Some individuals exhibit greater introversion (focus only on themselves), become totally involved with the present at the expense of future goals and demonstrate a strong tendency toward regressive, childlike, magical thinking.

Amotivational syndrome is controversial. Everyone agrees that many marijuana users seem lazy, uninterested, childlike, and disorganized. There is less agreement about why they behave in these ways. Some say that marijuana causes amotivational syndrome. Others say that people who are already depressed and unmotivated are more likely to try marijuana and more likely to become heavy users.In some ways, it does not really matter if marijuana causes amotivational syndrome or if amotivational syndrome causes heavy marijuana use.

What really matters is that the two things make each other worse, and they cause people to suffer. How can you tell if someone you care about has amotivational syndrome? Take a look at his or her behavior. If it fits the amotivational syndrome pattern, talk to your friend. Don’t accuse. Instead, tell the person how much you care and how worried you are about his or her health. If your friend is smoking pot, you can play a part in helping him or her quit.

If your friend is not using drugs, you may be the first person to reach out to someone who is really hurting. It is an opportunity to help your friend find a way to begin to feel happy again.

Click here for a list of common behaviors present in people who abuse Marijuana »