Cannabis Addiction: Recognising The Signs

Cannabis Addiction Detox Rehab

Cannabis has been around for ages.

Popular in the 1960’s and still popular today.

Many people think it is harmless: Far from it.

While it’s possession is still illegal the consequences of being found in possession of it may not be as severe as they once were. However, the effects have not changed.

Some people can smoke it once and leave it. Others smoke it regularly with no aftereffects. Some people, due to their genetics, can be seriously affected, even with minimal use.

For many, what starts as once or twice at the weekend can lead to daily use. Sometimes several times a day until it is virtually 24/7.

Cannabis addiction can ruin lives, destroy relationships, jobs and studies. It can also ruin your health.

Cannabis Addiction Detox Rehab

What is Cannabis?

Cannabis is a psychoactive drug derived from the cannabis plant.

Widely used by people to relieve stress and pain from medical conditions and injuries it will affect your mood, as well as how you perceive those around you.

Cannabis contains a psychoactive compound known by it’s abbreviation: THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). This affects receptors in your brain. This leads to chemical messaging which produces a high.

Cannabis comes in many forms. You can smoke it or eat it in a cookie. However, it matters not how you take it, the effects are the same and dangerous.

What is Cannabis Addiction?

If you smoke cannabis frequently enough, just as with any other drug, prescription medicine, alcohol and caffeine, your brain will start to make adjustments due to it’s presence.

Your brain will develop what is known as tolerance. This means that you will need ever increasing amounts to have the same effect as the amount you took when you first started using it.

Eventually, you will spend inordinate amounts of time trying to source cannabis.

While it is not as expensive as other drugs, you will need to fund your habit which could lead you to using money for bills. This can cause significant problems.

The Brains Reward System

While cannabis may not have the same effects as alcohol or opioids on brain receptors, it is in no way harmless.

THC activates the release of dopamine, a naturally occurring feelgood chemical. This means when you consume cannabis you feel good. The brain will adapt meaning that, in time, without using cannabis you will not experience pleasure.

Risk Factors

Research into why some people are more acutely affected by cannabis is ongoing..

What is known, at this time is:

• Early exposure: The earlier you first use the more likely it is to be problematic
• Genetic predisposition: Those with family members who have addiction issues are more prone to addiction.
• High THC levels: Chemically enhanced cannabis with abnormally high THC levels lead to more cases of addiction
• Mental health conditions: Pre existing conditions can be exacerbated by cannabis. Some people use cannabis to self medicate for mental health conditions but are actually making the problem worse.

Signs and Symptoms of Cannabis Addiction

Being able to see the signs of cannabis addiction can be difficult, even for an experienced addictions clinician.

Unlike cocaine, alcohol and opioid use, there are no obvious physical signs.

However, cannabis addiction leads to behavioural changes, not just a ferocious appetite after using it!

Someone with an addiction to cannabis is likely to loose interest in work projects and social activities.

The person is likely to stop taking care of their responsibilities. Their focus will be on using. It will also take up a lot of their time.

Cannabis Addiction Detox Rehab

The Dangerous Side Effects of Cannabis Addiction

Cannabis is not harmless.

While it is used in prescription medicine, the contents are completely different to what you buy from a dealer or grow in your loft.

Street cannabis is harmful. It contains psychoactive THC and can lead to lasting damage.

Cannabis can:

Damage lungs leading to chronic disease

Affect your memory

Induce psychosis

Slow down your reaction times putting you at risk of injury

Paranoia

Hallucinations

Nausea

Vomiting

Dangerously fast pulse

High blood pressure

Cannabis Addiction Detox Rehab

The Impact on Mental Health

Some people are predisposed to cannabis addiction and some are also pre-determined to develop serious psychiatric conditions when they use cannabis.

While it is common for people to use cannabis to try and relieve the symptoms of their anxiety and stress, the cannabis actually makes it worse.

Within the brain is a system known as the endocannabinoid systems. This plays a crucial role in both regulating emotions as well as cognition.

If you affect this with cannabis serious problems can occur such as schizophrenia and psychosis.

Overcoming Cannabis Addiction

Unlike alcohol and heroin, there is no detox for cannabis. However, adjunctive medication is essential in helping someone to manage withdrawal and craving.

A comprehensive treatment programme, including both group and individual therapy, forms the cornertsone of recovery from cannabis addiction.

Relapse prevention training is also an essential element as is aftercare.

All centres provide a minimum of a years aftercare with a weekly support group as well as telephone check in and a dedicated number to call if you are struggling.

Cannabis Addiction Detox Rehab

Free Advice and Referrals From an Addictions Clinician

We are experienced addictions clinicians.

Cannabis addiction is something we deal with: Daily.

Our advice is free, confidential and impartial.

We can tell you what you need: and what you do.

Keeping costs to a minimum is important though, if you wish, we can signpost you to high end centres.

Our service is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office.

As residential treatment centers must be registered with the appropriate government inspectorate, we only signpost to those that are.

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