Cannabis Addiction
Do you feel that cannabis is starting to affect your everyday life or know a loved one who is suffering from a cannabis addiction? It can be difficult to break free from this addiction but you don’t have to do it alone. Get help from our expert rehab team who can get you back to the healthiest version of yourself.
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When it comes to cannabis, there’s a misconception that you can’t get addicted – this isn’t true. Cannabis addiction is common, with many people smoking the drug daily. Smoking with tobacco increases the risk of both drugs, giving you a feeling of being ‘high’. Heavier users of the drug can easily become dependent on it, relying on the drug to get through everyday life.
If you feel as though cannabis is taking control of your life, then it’s important that you seek the right help in order to make a recovery. Cannabis can have a negative impact on both your mental and physical well-being, as well as giving you a financial burden.
At AnorMed, we work with you collaboratively to get to the root cause of your cannabis addiction, coming up with ways to help you overcome your addiction. If you or a beloved family member is suffering from cannabis addiction, today is the perfect day to reach out. Read on to find out more about our programmes and addiction treatment.
Signs Of Cannabis Addiction
Cannabis comes from a bush-like plant and has a wide range of varieties. The main three varieties of cannabis are Sativa, Ruderalis and Indica – ultimately meaning the three different types of plants that cannabis comes from. Used illegally, cannabis is sold on the street, with roughly 147 million people (2.5% of the world population) using the drug.
The effects of cannabis aren’t as strong or severe as harsher street drugs such as ketamine or cocaine, but weed can be just as addictive. Usually shortened to mary-jane, bud, weed, pot marijuana or dope, cannabis gives its users a feeling of being high or stoned, meaning you’re relaxed.
With cannabis making people feel relaxed, laid back and carefree, many users up their dosage and become completely reliant on the drug, experiencing paranoia and anxiety when they don’t have it. Around 9% of people who smoke cannabis become dependent on the drug, meaning they still choose to use it knowing it’s having a negative impact.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, more commonly known as THC, is the psychoactive ingredient that’s found in cannabis – the effects of THC are what cannabis users seek. Although cannabis is typically smoked, people also incorporate the drug into food or warm tea. Regardless of how you choose to consume cannabis, the drug still has a huge impact on the mind.
It can be hard to realise you have a drug addiction, especially when it’s cannabis. Cannabis addiction is often overlooked, with many users not knowing that they’re reliant on the drug. With the right education, it’s easy to decipher whether you’re addicted or not – some of the main symptoms of addiction could be:
- Less Effort In Relationships
- Losing Interest In Your Favourite Activities
- Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms
- Increased Hunger Levels
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Anxiety
Among the list of mental effects that cannabis has, it also comes with a range of physical effects too. Increased heart rate is common with people who smoke cannabis, along with breathing problems, difficulties with child development during pregnancy and being prone to experiencing intense nausea.
Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms
When you detox from cannabis, it’s likely that you’ll experience many withdrawal symptoms. Deciding to withdraw from cannabis and treat your addiction is the right thing to do, for both yourself and the ones around you. Cannabis can cause an array of problems in your life – financial debt, depression and irritability to name a few.
Although withdrawal symptoms from cannabis aren’t as critical as when you stop class-A drugs, many people still end up in the hospital due to the paranoia and depression that comes with going cold turkey. Ultimately, how your body reacts to the withdrawal of cannabis depends on the intake the person endured.
Restfullness, tremors, shakes, chills and sweating more than usual are symptoms of cannabis withdrawal. With all drugs, tolerance increases the more you take it – this is why so many people become addicted. It can be incredibly hard to stop smoking cannabis, but when you decide to, the positive effects that you’ll eventually experience are never-ending.
The start of withdrawal can be hard, which is why AnorMed is here to guide you. Putting your health first is key, if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms as well as the ones we’ve previously mentioned, contact us today so you don’t have to go through it alone.
- Mental illness
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- No interest in anything
- Anger issues
- Irritability
Treatment For Cannabis Addiction
When you have an addiction to cannabis, it can be hard to view your life without it. At AnorMed, we create a personalised programme to suit you and your needs. With a number of centres across the UK, we specialise in outpatient addiction treatment, mental health services and recovery strategies.
By coming to us for help, you’re not only getting the treatment you need, but you’re also being out on the path to a new life. After treatment, you’ll be able to look back on your cannabis addiction and move forward with a more promising future. It’s crucial that you get professional help during your withdrawal phase – luckily, that’s what AnorMed are here for.
The most effective solution to overcome cannabis addiction is rehab. Attending a rehab centre has a range of benefits, you’ll be in a safe space full of professionals who have a friendly approach to everything that they do.
The first stage of getting help is by attending cannabis rehab, where we’ll later undergo a type of therapy that entails learning more about yourself and why you started using cannabis in the first place. Reach out to AnorMed today to start your journey of overcoming addiction – this could very well be the first step to bettering your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any further questions about our rehab services, check out our frequently asked questions. Alternatively, if you require any additional information, contact one of the experts at AnorMed by phone or email.
Is cannabis addiction real, or is it just a myth?
Cannabis addiction, also known as Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), is a real and recognised condition. Regular use of cannabis can lead to dependence, withdrawal symptoms upon cessation, and difficulty controlling its use despite negative consequences, indicating addictive behavior.
Can you become physically addicted to cannabis like other drugs?
While cannabis addiction is primarily psychological, it can lead to mild physical dependence in some individuals. Prolonged and heavy cannabis use may result in withdrawal symptoms like irritability, insomnia, decreased appetite, and mood disturbances when use is abruptly stopped.
What are the signs that someone may be struggling with cannabis addiction?
Signs of cannabis addiction include increased tolerance (needing more to achieve the desired effect), neglecting responsibilities or activities due to cannabis use, unsuccessful attempts to cut down or quit, spending significant time obtaining or using cannabis, and persistent cravings.
Can cannabis addiction be treated, and what are the options?
Yes, cannabis addiction can be treated effectively. Behavioral therapies, counseling, and support groups are common treatment approaches. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help individuals identify triggers and develop coping strategies. Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) and Contingency Management (CM) are also beneficial in promoting abstinence and sustained recovery. Support from loved ones and professional assistance can greatly aid in the recovery process.
Helpful Cannabis Addiction Resources
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – Marijuana: https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/marijuana
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator: https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/
- Marijuana Anonymous (MA) – Find a Meeting: https://www.marijuana-anonymous.org/meetings/search
- SMART Recovery – Marijuana and Cannabis Abuse: https://www.smartrecovery.org/marijuana/
- National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) – Marijuana: https://www.ncadd.org/about-addiction/drugs/marijuana
- HelpGuide – Marijuana Addiction: Signs, Effects, and Treatment: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addictions/marijuana-addiction.htm
- Partnership to End Addiction – Marijuana: What Parents Need to Know: https://drugfree.org/drug/marijuana/
- Addiction Center – Marijuana Abuse: https://www.addictioncenter.com/drugs/marijuana/
- MedlinePlus – Marijuana Addiction and Substance Use: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000944.htm
- Recovery.org – Marijuana Addiction Treatment Programs: https://www.recovery.org/drugs/marijuana/
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