Amotivational Syndrome

Look for behaviors like these:

» Apathy

“Apathy” is a lack of feeling, interest, or concern. Many marijuana users stop taking care of themselves or taking care of business the way they used to. They may also let other things in their lives slide, because they just don’t care anymore.

Of course, people who are depressed may feel apathetic, even if they aren’t using marijuana or other drugs. Apathy is just one possible sign of amotivational syndrome from marijuana use.

» Loss of Ambition and Motivation

The classic sign of amotivational syndrome is withdrawing from or giving up on activities and goals that used to be important to you. If your friend seems to give up, suspect marijuana or other drugs. Still, remember that other problems could also be the cause of his or her behavior.

» Lethargy

“Lethargy” is abnormal drowsiness, laziness, or sluggishness. If your friend suddenly starts sleeping a lot or being drowsy a lot, he or she could have amotivational syndrome. It’s definitely something to talk about.

Other causes for sudden lethargy include depression, different medical conditions, or even a major growth spurt! Remember to talk it out with your friend and show him or her that you care.

» Anxiety

Marijuana users often feel anxiety (nervousness, uneasiness) when they have been smoking pot. Users with amotivational syndrome may carry that anxiety over between uses. It becomes “chronic” (ongoing).

There are many reasons a person could be experiencing an increase in anxiety. Listen to what your friend has to say. You could be a big help in finding him or her some relief.

» Cynical Attitude

Someone with a “cynical” attitude may continually find fault with people and things around her. He may be negative. Cynical people tend to believe that other people only care about themselves.

People may adopt a cynical attitude on purpose, or as a phase in development, or because they have low self-esteem, or for some other reason. They also may develop cynicism because of amotivational syndrome.

» Mood Swings

Like any drug, marijuana alters the way your brain works. Some of the short-term effects of marijuana use continue for up to 24 hours after use, even though the “high” lasts for only an hour or two. Someone who depends on marijuana to feel happy may feel rotten when the high wears off, and that will create mood swings. Someone who smokes marijuana frequently may have set off a vicious cycle of mood swings that are one symptom of amotivational syndrome.

When your friend is in one of those jolly moods, find out what’s been getting to him. If you know he uses marijuana or other drugs, suggest that cutting out use could make his emotions smooth out again.

» Impulsive Behavior

To be “impulsive” means to act on your desires or emotions without thinking first what the consequences might be. Impulsive behavior can occur in people with amotivational syndrome, who may not feel normal self-control.

Amotivational syndrome tends to make users focus on the present more than the future in a lot of ways. Not only do they stop planning for their future success, but they also stop forecasting the future problems that their negative actions could cause.Is your friend acting impulsively because marijuana use has thrown him or her off balance? Maybe. Ask a few questions, and support your friend in getting back to normal however you can.

» Boredom

Forget what you may have heard about pot being fun. Plenty of people who smoke pot end up discouraged and bored with everything.

» Rebellious Behavior

Part of being a teenager is feeling rebellious and acting a little rebellious now and then. When bad behavior gets to be a pattern, especially if it starts to be dangerous (like tobacco or drug use or driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs), then friends need to worry.

Amotivational syndrome is one cause of rebellious behavior. Do what you can to get to the bottom of your friend’s self-destructive acts before he or she really gets in trouble.

» Depression

Amotivational syndrome can make marijuana users depressed. They may seem sad or low. They may avoid people or have a hard time enjoying others’ company. Many depressed people either sleep too little or sleep too much.There are many causes for depression, including heredity. The only way to learn the cause of your friend’s depression is to have a serious, caring discussion.

» Restlessness

Restlessness is another possible symptom of amotivational syndrome. Even if users want to relax, they may feel anxious and uneasy much of the time.