Weed Addiction Advice

July 29, 2024

4:27 pm

cannabis-addiction

If you need help with cannabis addiction call Paul on 0333 041 9922. If you need weed addiction support or perhaps you need weed addiction rehab it is available at low cost, local to home.

Weed, cannabis, draw, pot, marijuana: Call it what you will. It is cheap, widely available and is used the world over.  Over thousands of years, it has been used for religious and spiritual rituals since 1500 BCE.  Cannabis is a naturally occurring plant which comes in a variety of different forms including cannabis resin or hash, herbal cannabis and cannabis oil. There are also other forms, such as edibles and tinctures, that are common in the medicinal cannabis market.  (https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/drugs-and-drug-use/common-drugs/cannabis)

While many report that using cannabis can provide a degree of euphoria, alongside feelings of relaxation, using the drug can also cause less pleasant effects. Some can last for hours, or years.  Initially, users report euphoria, which is more commonly known as getting high.

So, what is it in weed that causes problems?

 Well, the answer is tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC for short. This is the component of cannabis that is responsible for it’s the plants psychoactive effects. The high that users feel is caused by the THC. In essence, it is a cannabinoid, one of a category of chemicals that will interact with the body’s naturally occurring endocannabinoid system. In short, THC attaches itself to the cannabinoid receptors in the brain and activates neurons concerned with pleasure, memory, concentration and thinking. As well as time and perception and, most importantly: co-ordination.

While there is increasing, mostly anecdotal, evidence that cannabis derivatives can be used, medically, to alleviate the signs and symptoms of many medical conditions, any medical grade product is wholly different from cannabis.

Is it only taken by smoking it?

As many a student will tell you, cannabis can be taken in many forms, and not just smoked. It can be eaten. This does have one positive consideration in that it will not cause long-term lung and respiratory difficulties. However, eating cannabis produces a much slower effect because it needs to go through a person’s digestive system before it enters the bloodstream. Conversely, it can last longer. It doesn’t necessarily need to be in a cookie!

Weed can be taken by using a film, laced with THC, placed over the skin, as well as by using a tincture of THC. It can even be put into a dissolvable tablet. A lot of users take it in a form where they place it under their tounge. This is known as sublingual and will produce a very quick effect as it is absorbed through the mucus membranes in the mouth. There is an even quicker way of taking it: In a suppository.

Does it cause mental illness?

Weed has been linked to an increased risk of serious mental health conditions, notably schizophrenia, substance use disorder and depression.  While there is no definitive answer as to whether weed can cause these conditions, research indicates a far higher ratio of people who use weed developing serious, long-term and chronic mental health conditions. Indeed, some studies have indicated that the use of cannabis can be linked to as many as half of all diagnosis of schizophrenia, psychosis and similar chronic conditions.

Of course, a lot of people who smoke weed will tell you that it gives them a sense of relaxation, helps them to get to sleep and makes them feel euphoric. However, even without the possible development of a serious mental illness, because of using weed, there can be some immediate, and distressing symptoms:

  • Xerostomia (chronic dry mouth)
  • Short term memory loss
  • Inability to use fine motor skills (ie holding a toothbrush, using a mobile phone)
  • Red/irritable eyes

Other, more serious symptoms, as already discussed, can be very severe and debilitating panic, acute paranoia and acute psychosis. Aside from any of that, when someone uses an illegal drug, cannabis is often contaminated with other drugs. While this is rare, it does happen. In any event, as it is not a substance produced in a licensed laboratory, under strict controls, the strength can vary. After all, there is no such thing as a reputable drug dealer. As it is an agricultural product, it can be contaminated with products used in that sector, most notably pesticides and heavy metals. These, in themselves, present problems.

Caring for someone who is experiencing the symptoms of weed intoxication can be difficult. Whilst loved ones, families and friends can provide reassurance, it can sometimes be necessary to use prescription medication to sedate the individual. Monitoring of heart and brain function may also be necessary.  For severe cases, for those who eat weed in cakes and cookies, it may be necessary for the person to be given activated charcoal (not very pleasant).  Often, blood tests are needed, and oxygen may need to be given. In extreme cases, someone may need to be placed on a ventilator. Supportive fluids, through an intravenous drip, may also be needed.

cannabis-addiction

How can I reduce the harm it does?

While I would never encourage anyone to use weed, it would be remiss of me not to pass on some essential harm minimization advice. If people choose to use weed, there are ways of reducing adverse health implications.

For those who choose to smoke it, the rule of thumb is not to inhale it. Exhale it, as quickly as you can. Use rolling papers specifically designed for use with weed. For those who want to use weed with a pipe or “bong” it is safer to use a glass one as plastic bongs can contain other chemicals which have been linked to serious health conditions, including cancer. In any event, whatever equipment is used, there must be a high standard of hygiene.  Users are reminded not to share mouthpieces as these can be a reservoir for infection

Aside from the more serious physical health problems for which someone may be hospitalized, there are other, rather unpleasant, symptoms that can be caused by using weed. These include a change in appetite, vomiting, stomach pains, general weakness and tiredness and severe flu-like symptoms. Weight can either go up or down. It is very rare, indeed, for weed to cause significant changes in heart rate or blood pressure.

There is help available if you need weed addiction rehab. It is possible to overcome cannabis addiction. If you, a loved one, relative, friend or employee are struggling and need weed addiction support: Call Paul.

Timeline of withdrawal

Evidence shows that, for those who use a lot of weed, withdrawal symptoms start to appear within a day, to three days. On occasions, these signs of withdrawal can last up to two weeks. Unlike other drugs, the symptoms tend to peak quickly, disappear more quickly but have longer lasting psychological effects. The metabolites of Cannabis accumulate in body fat and thus this explains why symptoms can last for a couple of weeks.

Physical effects

Which parts of the body are affected by cannabis? Several areas of the body can be affected by cannabis use. For those who smoke it, the respiratory system is an obvious area for concern. Just like tobacco smoke, cannabis smoke contains many different toxic chemicals, including hydrogen cyanide and ammonia. Both can irritate lungs and bronchial passages.  For those already addicted to nicotine, dual users are more likely to experience wheezing, coughing and productive coughing.

Furthermore, dual users put themselves are a greater risk of lung infections and bronchitis. Cannabis use can also aggravate existing conditions, especially asthma and cystic fibrosis. The THC contents of cannabis moves along the body from the lungs, along the bloodstream. This rapid transition can increase a person’s heart rate to as many as fifty beats a minute and this can continue for up to three hours. As such, the user’s heart will require extra oxygen. For those with existing heart disease, This could raise the risk of a heart attack. As mentioned, one of the signs of cannabis use are red eyes, this is because cannabis causes blood vessels to expand which means more blood is taken into the vessels.

Conversely, Cannabis may lower eye pressure which is why some people with Glaucoma use it. People who use cannabis often say it is because it helps to control spasms and seizures, as well as reduce pain (and inflammation). However, while there is some evidence to support this, there are potential long-term effects on the central nervous system. In essence, when you use cannabis, the THC element triggers the release of Dopamine into the brain. This is a, naturally occurring, feel good chemical. It is is that produces a “high.” In this phase, some users can experience a heightened sensory perception and time. However, the downside is irritability, poor appetite and lack of sleep. It may also be difficult to form new memories when someone is “high.” As there are changes in the basal ganglia and cerebellum, a user’s balance can also be affected, as well as their reflexes and co-ordination. You would not want someone, using cannabis, to drive a car, use machinery or fly you to Spain for your holidays. In very large doses, hallucinations and delusions are common. The inevitable comedown may cause depression and anxiety.

A developing field of research is the dangers posed to those under the age of twenty-five whose brains are not yet fully developed. It is believed that this is the reason why there is a much higher incidence of long-term mental health conditions for those using cannabis under this age.  In addition, using cannabis while pregnant can cause damage to the baby resulting in problems with problem solving, concentration and memory.

Smoking weed can also affect your digestive system, leaving your mouth stinging and/or burning. Then there are the infamous “munchies” which is caused by the THC.  There can be some benefit to this for those undergoing treatment for cancer. 

Studies have also shown that the THC in cannabis may also adversely affect the immune system by suppressing it. As such, people who use cannabis can be more prone to infectious illnesses. Conversely, those who have overactive immune systems can slow it down, which can be beneficial.

Drug testing

A question that I am often asked is: “How long will it show up on a drugs test?” The answer is not quite so simple. The THC in cannabis will build up in the body over a period of time. Thus, the longer you use it for, the longer it will take to leave your system. In short, the answer is anywhere from three days to a month. How it is used will also affect this. If it is eaten it will take longer to clear. Hair samples can show THC use for up to three months. The adage of drinking water will not help.

How can rehab help?

A rehab center can assist users in many ways. In essence there are three elements to treatment:

  • Medical care
  • Therapy
  • Aftercare

For those who are heavy users, especially of strong weed, a short course of medication may be needed to alleviate some of the more uncomfortable signs and symptoms of cannabis withdrawal. While there are no national treatment guidelines, it is not uncommon to provide a very short course of benzodiazepine or other sedating/anti-anxiety medication to help someone, in the first few days. Medical monitoring, by qualified staff, will ensure safety and provide reassurance. Medical staff can also ensure any ongoing medication prescribed by a GP, hospital doctor is continued and does not interfere with anything prescribed at the center. 

Another element is therapy. This will always be on a group therapy model. Whether it is a 12-step model, a SMART model or an eclectic mix: It matters not. Most centers will offer a weekly session of individual therapy (for those staying more than a week.) All major studies have shown that a group therapy approach provides the best outcomes.  The third element, which is just as important is: aftercare. All centers provide this, whether it is on site or remote, via video conferencing. Those who keep in touch and use the aftercare are, invariably, those who stay abstinent.

I am not tied to any centre, and my advice is free, confidential and impartial. Call me to discuss your own situation, a loved one, relative, friend or employee.

There is help available if you need weed addiction rehab. It is possible to overcome cannabis addiction. If you, a loved one, relative, friend or employee are struggling and need weed addiction support: Call Paul.