MARIJUANA ADDICTION
Marijuana (also known as cannabis, weed, green, and pot) is a green mixture of dried flowers from the cannabis plant, and is the most widely used illegal drug in the UK. Marijuana promotes a wide range of intoxicating effects on the body and mind including relaxation, a sense of euphoria, and for many, increased appetite. People smoke marijuana mixed with tobacco in a ‘joint,’ by itself in a ‘blunt,’ or through a pipe. It can also be vaporised, brewed as tea or mixed in with food.
Because marijuana use is so widespread, many people see it as a harmless substance. In 2020, 29.6% of adults aged 16-59 reported using marijuana at least once. However, marijuana is an addictive drug and long-term use may seriously affect your health, relationships, and work.
Marijuana addiction and abuse can dominate your life, taking away your time and your focus. The effects of marijuana may leave you tired, anxious, lacking in concentration, and unable to achieve your full potential.
At Revoke, we work with you so you can recover from marijuana addiction without having to step away from your daily life. Our unique outpatient programme schedules therapy sessions around your workday so you can continue to fulfil your commitments while moving towards a happier and more productive, substance free lifestyle.
THE EFFECTS OF MARIJUANA
The cannabis plant contains over one hundred psychoactive ‘cannabinoid’ compounds that affect the mind and body. The most prominent of these is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol).
Marijuana can have a variety of effects, depending on the person, strength and dosage of the substance, and their tolerance to it. Reactions to cannabis differ significantly from person to person – two people can share a joint but experience almost opposite effects.
Marijuana can make you:
- Feel relaxed and happy
- Laugh and talk more than usual
- Feel hungry
- Feel tired, drowsy, or lethargic
- Feel faint or sick
- Have difficulty remembering things or concentrating
- Experience hallucinations
- Feel confused, anxious, or paranoid
MARIJUANA USE DISORDER
Up to 30% of people who use marijuana may develop an addiction. This is when you use the drug in a harmful or problematic way and continue to do so, despite the apparent ill effects. You may also experience withdrawal symptoms and suffer repeated failed attempts if you try to stop using it.
Mental dependence results from repeated use of marijuana over time. Your body gets used to the presence of the drug in your system and responds by altering its natural production of certain chemicals, resulting in you using marijuana just to feel normal.
Dependence can make it difficult to quit a substance. If you suddenly stop using it, you typically experience a range of withdrawal symptoms as your body readjusts and you may continue to use marijuana to end or avoid uncomfortable side effects. Withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Sleep difficulties
- Decreased appetite
- Loss of focus
- Chills
- Sweating
Scientific research still lacks consensus on how many people may be addicted to marijuana, and estimates vary widely; however, as it is the most commonly consumed drug in the UK, so the figure is thought to be high.
RISKS OF MARIJUANA USE
Marijuana use has a negative effect on your general well-being and mental health, and it affects your ability to perform well in your daily life.
Several studies suggest that using marijuana puts you at increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders, including psychosis, depression, and anxiety. Smoking high-potency marijuana every day may increase this risk by up to five times. Marijuana’s effect on mental health is greatest for users who have a pre-existing genetic vulnerability to psychiatric disorders.
Regular use of marijuana poses several other risks, including:
- Feeling short of breath
- Developing a cough
- Exacerbating symptoms of asthma
- Reducing your ability to drive and carry out other tasks safely
symptoms of marijuana abuse
If you are a regular user of marijuana it can be difficult to know if your use is harmful or problematic. In general, if the drug is negatively impacting your daily life, your well-being, or your performance at work, you may want to seek help.
Additional signs and symptoms of marijuana use disorder include:
- Using marijuana more often and in higher amounts than you would like
- Being unable to quit despite numerous attempts to do so
- Failing to perform tasks and obligations because of marijuana use
- Losing interest in hobbies
- Continuing to use marijuana in situations despite the negative effects on your health
- Needing to use more of the substance to produce the desired effects
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using cannabis
THE treatment PROCESS
Marijuana addiction can take over your life, and you may devote considerable time and energy to acquiring and using cannabis at the expense of other commitments.
Recovery from marijuana addiction is necessary to avoid developing or exacerbating mental health problems; however, it can be difficult and often requires professional support.
Revoke offers evidence-based treatment approaches to support you in overcoming addiction and maintaining sobriety. The Revoke Programme offers cognitive-behavioural therapy, individual therapy, and group therapy to support you with making meaningful and empowering behavioural changes.
Our outpatient programme is specifically designed for people who cannot leave their commitments behind – we help you fit your recovery around your daily life. Our sessions take place at varying times throughout the week and at the weekend to avoid disrupting your work and home routines.
If marijuana use is stopping you from reaching your true potential and achieving your goals and aims in life, please contact us today. We can help you make the changes you need to thrive in all aspects of life.
Join Our Community
The Revoke Programme offers specialist rehabilitation treatment plans to ensure you can recover and can lead a positive, fulfilling life free from marijuana addiction.
If you have been struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, help starts here. Revoke can provide the therapeutic treatment you need to escape addiction. Please call us for more details, to ask any questions, or to schedule an assessment and start to reclaim your life today.
We are here to help
You are not alone. Reach out to us today if you would like to find out more about The Revoke Programme.
The Revoke Programme is a leading outpatient treatment programme and is part of Ishmail & Associates Limited
