Marijuana Addiction Treatment Centre

What Is Cannabis Addiction? 

Cannabis addiction is the uncontrollable and impulsive urge to participate in the act of taking cannabis, despite knowing the negative consequences that arise from its use. Quite often cannabis has interchangeable names such as marijuana, weed, ganja, bud and grass, depending on where you live you may also find it has other colloquial terms. 

Those who become addicted to marijuana can find themselves taking it in various ways; predominantly smoked in a “joint” and often mixed with tobacco, smoked in its raw state through pipes or bongs or ingested through cannabis cakes or cookies – sometimes even sweets. 

Marijuana is usually found in two major forms; the flower from the cannabis plant form which is sometimes described as “skunk” for its powerful smell, or as a solid which is made up of the solidified oils that are extracted from the plant itself, this is sometimes labelled as resin.

Both forms are extremely powerful regardless of the method of consumption however, the general assumption is that when it’s smoked – the high is as quick as instantaneous and shorter-lived whereas if it’s ingested, the high will take around an hour to take effect and could last a lot longer.

Cannabis use is often started recreationally however it can soon become a problem leading to drug addiction – recognising there is a problem early can help when treating the condition – before it spirals out of control.

How do I know if I’m addicted to cannabis?

Signs and symptoms of cannabis addiction or cannabis dependence can vary from person to person, however, here are some of the telltale signs to be wary of if you have been regularly using it:

• Compulsiveness – Are you finding yourself with difficulties controlling when you consume cannabis? Perhaps you no longer have the willpower to say no or stop using it on your own accord.
• Cravings – Maybe you are now experiencing cravings whereas before it was done recreationally or just as a bit of fun.
• Tolerance – Building up a tolerance is common for those who abuse cannabis regularly, meaning you have to take more of the drug to get the same “high” you once did.
• Withdrawal symptom – Often when people attempt to stop using cannabis, especially if they have been consuming it for a long period of time, can experience symptoms of withdrawal such as irritability, insomnia and loss of appetite.
• Neglected responsibilities – Cannabis abuse can lead people to neglect responsibilities such as miss school or work and interfere with other social aspects of their lives like relationships, hobbies and other social activities.
• Social withdrawal – As you begin to neglect responsibilities, cannabis may withdraw you socially from friends and family. You may find yourself alone more often where you can just take marijuana without having to give explanations to others.

If you think a loved one has developed an addiction to cannabis there are also some other physical signs to look out for. Smoking cannabis leaves a distinct smell on clothes and around the house and there is often drug paraphernalia that’s associated with it – items such as smoking papers, pipes, bongs and small plastic bags are all signs that someone is consuming.

If you have evidence or have suspicions someone you love is hiding marijuana addiction from you it’s important to approach the conversation with empathy – cannabis abuse and addiction are considered an illness so when attempting to help someone quit cannabis, it should be discussed in confidence and not as an attack on them.

Long-term Effects

Cannabis is a psychoactive substance that has been shown to have several potential long-term effects, not just on the body, but also on the mind; chronic use of cannabis has been linked to a higher risk of developing mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, as well as cognitive impairments such as decreased attention, memory, and learning abilities – some of the most serious psychological effects include psychosis and schizophrenia.

The physical effects associated with long-term cannabis use can lead to respiratory problems like bronchitis and lung infections – especially if smoked with tobacco however there are also links between its use and conditions such as heart disease and strokes due to increased blood pressure. 

The severity of the long-term effects will vary on multiple factors that depend on the individual’s genetic composition, the frequency in which it’s used and the potency of the cannabis itself – it’s important to note that these effects can be serious so receiving help with drug addiction treatment at a rehab clinic is crucial for the prevention of these conditions forming.

Is Cannabis a Gateway Drug?

The question of whether cannabis is a gateway drug has been a contentious issue for decades – while some argue that using cannabis leads to experimentation with other illicit substances, others contend that there is no evidence to support this claim.

What is clear is that the majority of individuals who experiment with cannabis do not go on to use other drugs. Moreover, factors such as genetics, environment, and mental health are likely to play a more substantial role in determining the likelihood of drug abuse than cannabis use itself.

It is important to acknowledge the potential risks associated with cannabis use, particularly for young people and those with a history of substance abuse.

However, it is equally important to avoid making sweeping generalisations about the nature of drug addiction and to promote evidence-based policies and interventions that address the complex factors underlying drug abuse. 

With this said, there is always a potential for an individual who is addicted to cannabis to go on and pursue other drugs however the importance should be focused on how to deal with the addiction at hand and not one that is simply a “could be” situation. 

Cannabis Addiction Treatment

At PROMIS we offer a wide range of treatment services for cannabis dependency to help you overcome your addiction – we tailor our addiction programmes to suit your individual treatment needs.

Cannabis misuse often requires a detox process to rid the body of harmful toxins which often can be unpleasant and challenging for the individual however, we have a professional medical team with abundant experience in detox treatment who can make the process of detoxing from cannabis as safe and comfortable as possible.

We offer both inpatient treatment and outpatient treatment programmes to suit the needs of the individual – we recognise that an inpatient setting may not always be an ideal solution for some as they may have obligations such as work or family that require them to stay at home.

Whatever the option, PROMIS treatment centre can provide the best resolution to start your cannabis treatment today!

We also provide aftercare treatment to ensure the best transition back into normal life – with an array of counselling and therapy options, you can rest assured that you’re in safe hands with PROMIS.

Is a treatment programme necessary?

Treatment for cannabis addiction is often required if you’re struggling to quit cannabis and have tried other methods of stopping with little or no success. Cannabis cravings can be just as strong as any other drug, in fact, millions of people in the UK use cannabis frequently which can be difficult to escape from. 

Friends or associates may also be struggling with addiction so attempts to quit cannabis around them could prove difficult, to say the least – this is why a treatment plan at a rehab centre can provide a setting to overcome their addiction away from peer pressure and environments where frequent cannabis use is prolific. 

Furthermore, a team of qualified clinicians are available to help with addiction recovery and can reassure and support you through every step of the journey – addiction can be difficult, but a little help with residential treatment can go a long way. Contact one of our addiction specialists to discuss treatment options and take the first step to giving up cannabis today.

How to manage cannabis withdrawal symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms are a common experience when becoming abstinent from marijuana use and typically peak the first week after discontinuation.

Symptoms will vary on the person however, they can usually expect to experience insomnia, anxiety or depression, changes in appetite and some other physical discomforts such as headaches, sweating and nightmares.

Although these symptoms during a cannabis detox are uncomfortable, they don’t last forever. With that said, there are ways to deal with these challenging symptoms however it’s important to note that rehab treatment provides a safe setting to recover from cannabis addiction by providing comforts and types of therapy.

Here are some strategies that could help in reducing some of the unpleasant feelings:

1. Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet: Drinking plenty of water and consuming nutritious meals can support your overall well-being during withdrawal.
2. Engage in regular exercise: Physical activity can help reduce stress, improve mood, and promote better sleep, which can aid in managing withdrawal symptoms.
3. Practice stress-reduction techniques: Techniques like deep breathing exercises, meditation, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques can help alleviate anxiety and promote a sense of calm.
4. Keep yourself occupied: Engage in activities that you enjoy and that keep your mind distracted from cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Hobbies, exercise, socialising, or pursuing new interests can be beneficial.
5. Get enough sleep: Prioritise good sleep hygiene by maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and ensuring a comfortable sleep environment. 

PROMIS Cannabis Rehab

You shouldn’t have to face cannabis addiction on your own, recovery is a long-term journey and we at PROMIS provide all the tools to assist you with recovering from addiction.

We understand that taking the leap and asking for help can be a difficult step however, we can help reduce the anxiety and stigma that’s associated with it – pick up the phone today and discover what cannabis addiction help can do for you!

FAQ About CANNABIS Addiction