Which signs show that you are crossing your own limits?

You are going beyond your own limits with cannabis use if you use more or for longer than you planned, or if you can no longer control your use. Negative consequences in everyday life are also a sign, for example problems at school, at work or in relationships. The limit is not tied to a particular amount. It lies where you notice for yourself that something is no longer right.

Amount alone does not decide it

Many people ask first about the amount or the frequency. According to drugcom, however, neither value plays a decisive role in the question of dependence. What is decisive is the negative consequences that use has already brought about. A person can use little and still have problems, and the reverse is also possible.

That is why it makes sense not to count only the days of use. Pay attention to what has changed since you started: how well you sleep, how you cope with stress, and how things are going at school or at work.

The eleven criteria of dependence

Drugcom follows the criteria for a substance use disorder. According to the site, a dependence is present if at least two of eleven criteria apply within twelve months. The more criteria apply, the more severe the disorder. The following points are among the criteria:

• You use more often, in larger amounts or for longer than planned.
• You have already tried unsuccessfully to stop or cut back on your use.
• You spend a lot of time getting cannabis, using it or recovering from its effects.
• You experience strong cravings for cannabis.
• You can no longer meet important obligations at school, at work or at home.
• You keep using even though it causes social or interpersonal problems.
• You give up or cut back important work, social or leisure activities.
• You repeatedly use in situations where you put yourself physically at risk.
• You keep using even though it has caused physical or psychological problems.
• You need more to achieve the same effect.
• You experience withdrawal symptoms or use to ease withdrawal symptoms.

The list does not replace a diagnosis. It can, however, help you recognise patterns that you would otherwise miss. If you are unsure, take the self-test that drugcom offers.

Recognising dangerous situations

One dangerous situation is road traffic. The THC limit under section 24a(1a) of the Road Traffic Act (StVG) is 3.5 ng/ml in blood serum. A violation carries a fine (maximum set out in section 24a(3) StVG), and for a fine under section 24a(1) to (2a) StVG, a driving ban under section 25 StVG is generally also to be ordered. Anyone who has used therefore does not drive. Drugcom also lists repeated use in situations where physical harm can occur as a criterion for dependence, for example in road traffic.

Before using, ask yourself what you still have planned for the next few hours.

Withdrawal symptoms as warning signs

Withdrawal symptoms are a clear sign of dependence. According to the drugcom FAQ, they usually appear 24 to 48 hours after the last use. Sleep problems and strange dreams are commonly named. Symptoms vary greatly from person to person.

According to drugcom, using cannabis to ease unpleasant withdrawal feelings is one of the criteria. Sucht Schweiz describes that psychological dependence shows mainly in a strong craving for cannabis. If you feel this craving, you can seek counselling.

How to set your limit again

A limit works best when it is concrete. Decide on the days when you will not use, and keep the rule for a fixed period. Write down how you are doing. If this is hard for you, that is also a sign to seek counselling.

A use diary can show you in which situations you are more likely to reach for cannabis, for example after stress, in the evening or in certain groups. These patterns can help you plan how you respond in such moments.

When to get help

Get support if at least two criteria apply to you, if you have already stopped unsuccessfully several times, or if your use is putting a strain on your health or relationships. An addiction counselling service will discuss with you what fits your situation.

For acute health complaints, see a doctor. For psychological crises, contact the emergency number or a crisis service near you.

What you can do now

1. Count through the eleven criteria and note which apply to you.
2. Write down three consequences the use has had in the last twelve months.
3. Set a break from use for a fixed period and note how you are doing.
4. Contact a counselling service if at least two criteria apply to you, for example the Sucht & Drogen Hotline on 01806 313031 (charged, with a fee per call).

For more depth, the articles on self-assessment and on the warning signs of excessive use help. Anyone who wants to know how loss of control shows up can read the article on loss of control over use.