What is Cannabis?
Cannabis, also commonly referred to as marijuana, is a plant which contains the mind-altering chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Marijuana currently ranks as the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States, users of marijuana tend to deem the drug as benign and non-harmful. However, marijuana is often considered as a gateway drug which leads to the use and abuse of other addictive substances. Although marijuana is illegal in many places, some places have began to legalize the drug and use the drug for medicinal purposes. Marijuana can be used to alleviate nausea, increase hunger in chemotherapy patients, and reduce eye pressure for those suffering from glaucoma. Marijuana is a psychoactive drug which has properties of a depressant, stimulant, as well as a hallucinogen, and is also sometimes referred to as a psychedelic drug. The drug is commonly smoked, vaporized, eaten in edibles, or drank as tea.
Common Slang Names for Marijuana
- Pot
- Weed
- Ganja
- Hash
- Mary Jane
- Skunk
- Chronic
- Grass
- Herb
Symptoms of Marijuana Abuse
Marijuana contains a mind-altering chemical which induces effects which are mood elevating and relaxing. Users may also experience euphoria, hallucinations, and paranoia based on the levels of THC. There are several negative consequences associated with the use of marijuana, which impact users physical and psychological well-being. Brain damage, decreased intelligence. Some of the short term effects of marijuana use can include:
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Lack of attention and focus
- Impaired memory
- Learning difficulties
- Blood shot red eyes
- Dilated pupils
- Impaired motor skills
- Increased appetite
The long term effects of marijuana can induce the following and more:
- Respiratory problems
- Altered short-term recall
- Increased risk for lung, head, and neck cancers
- Reduced sperm count in men
- Irregular menstruation cycles in women.
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Onset or relapse of schizophrenia
- Broken interpersonal relationship
- Loss of job or career
Withdrawal from Marijuana
Withdrawal from marijuana is more subtle than withdrawal from other drugs, however it can still cause discomfort. The withdrawal symptoms associated with marijuana are majority mental with some physical withdrawal symptoms. Most of the symptoms will onset within the first 24-72 hours of cessation, peaking within the first seven days and end within one to two weeks. However, sleeping difficulties can last for over 30 days. Some of the common withdrawal symptoms associated with marijuana includes:
- Irritability
- Aggression
- Intense cravings for marijuana
- Anxiety
- Feelings of depression
- Restlessness
- Sleeping difficulties
- Fluctuating weight gain or loss
- Shakiness
- Fever
- Headache
- Stomach pains
The longer and more frequent a person uses marijuana, the more likely they are to experience withdrawal symptoms when not under the influence. Generally, the withdrawal symptoms associated with marijuana aren’t severe enough to require medical attention, however it is important to seek the attention of a medical professional when making the decision to abstain from using marijuana.
Recognizing The Need For Cannabis (Marijuana) Addiction Treatment
If you’re unsure of whether you or a loved one have crossed into the threshold of marijuana addiction, consider the most common signs and symptoms associated with marijuana addiction which includes:
- Development of a tolerance
- Experiencing withdrawal when marijuana use has been reduced
- Loss of control over marijuana use
- Spending a lot of time getting high, obtaining the drug, and/or recovering from use
- Isolating oneself from friends and family in relation to marijuana use
- Changing social circles to only be comprised of those who use marijuana or encourage its use
- Using marijuana as a means to escape reality and life’s stressors
- Failing to meet commitments and responsibilities
- Lying, cheating, and/or stealing to obtain marijuana
- Attempting to cut down but failing
If any of the signs or symptoms are present in yourself or a loved one, this may indicate marijuana addiction and clinical intervention should be considered.
Get Help with Marijuana Treatment
Long-term marijuana abuse can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Experiencing intense cravings and the withdrawal symptoms associated with marijuana use can often lead individuals to continue abusing the drug, often resulting in a marijuana addiction. There is currently no specific medication which has been developed to treat marijuana abuse, however behavioral treatments are highly effective. The following behavioral treatment have been found to be effective in treating marijuana abuse and addiction: cognitive-behavioral therapy, contingency management, and motivational enhancement therapy. Because marijuana withdrawl can disturb sleep patterns, sleep aid medication may be prescribed.
If your are concerned that you or a loved one may be addicted to marijuana or abusing marijuana, seek help now!
We offer services for marijuana rehab in Florida at Harbor Village, call us today!