Cannabis Addiction
Which Rehab specialises in finding you the right treatment for your cannabis addiction.
If you or a loved one are struggling with Cannabis use and finding it difficult to stop, we can help!
What Is Cannabis?
Cannabis, also commonly referred to as marijuana, grass, weed or pot, is a drug that comes in various forms and strengths, all deriving from the cannabis plant. It is one of the most commonly misused illegal substances in the UK.
Although some people argue that cannabis is a natural plant with therapeutic benefits and can promote feelings of relaxation and tranquillity, cannabis use can result in the development of an addiction and may have serious health implications.
Cannabis can have a profound effect on the central nervous system, with research suggesting that cannabis abuse can contribute to memory problems, cognitive impairment, paranoia, and a range of mental health conditions.
Is Cannabis Addictive?
Yes. Cannabis can be addictive and can have powerful psychological effects on the brain due to chemical reactions caused by the drug.
Changes in behaviour, including paranoia, mood swings, depression, anxiety, and irritability, have all been observed in people under the influence of cannabis.
Heavy cannabis users may experience cravings and find it difficult to be without the drug, even when they know it is causing physical, mental, or social problems.
When heavy users try to stop, they may:
- Feel moody and irritable
- Feel sick
- Find it hard to sleep
- Find it hard to eat
- Experience sweating and shaking
- Get diarrhoea
Symptoms Of Cannabis Addiction
When cannabis is used, the body produces increased amounts of dopamine, a hormone associated with pleasure and reward. This can result in the user experiencing a “high”.
As the effects of cannabis wear off, dopamine levels can drop, causing a low mood. This can lead the person to continue using cannabis in order to experience the same effects again, increasing the risk of psychological dependence and addiction.
Signs of cannabis addiction may include:
- Your tolerance to cannabis increases, meaning you need more to get high
- Cannabis use is affecting your relationships with family and friends
- You are suffering from anxiety, depression, or paranoia
- You are unable to function on a daily basis without cannabis
- Smoking cannabis daily, frequently, or over a prolonged period
- Experiencing paranoia or hallucinations
- Loss of interest in socialising and activities
- Financial debt or hardship caused by funding your cannabis use
- Being unable to stop using cannabis despite repeated attempts
- Becoming anxious or irritable when unable to smoke weed
Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms
Individuals with a long history of cannabis abuse may experience several unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop.
Withdrawal symptoms from cannabis can include anxiety, restlessness, mood swings, depression, and insomnia. These symptoms usually pass within a few weeks.
If cannabis addiction is treated through a medical detox, there is no specific detox medication licensed for cannabis withdrawal. However, some private rehabs may provide a short course of medication to help the patient feel more comfortable so they can focus on rehabilitation.
Withdrawal symptoms are one of the leading causes of relapse when detoxification is not carried out in a safe and secure environment, such as rehab.
Treatment Options For Cannabis Addiction
Which Rehab understands that cannabis addiction is a very real problem for those who suffer from it. We offer advice and guidance on how to get help with your addiction and can put you in touch with specialist rehabs and treatment centres offering a range of therapies and support options.
A number of talking therapies and cognitive models exist to help treat cannabis addiction. These can include attending 12-step meetings, receiving help from Cannabis Anonymous, or undergoing treatment through an inpatient or outpatient cannabis rehab centre.
Treatments to help with cannabis addiction may include:
Drug Detox
Drug detox is the process by which all traces of cannabis are removed from the body in a controlled environment, while any withdrawal symptoms are safely managed.
Rehab
Rehab may involve inpatient or outpatient treatment, depending on the level of support required.
Counselling
Counselling and talking therapies can help address the psychological impact of cannabis addiction.
The therapy provided will depend on the psychological impact the addiction has had on the individual. Those struggling with addiction will often benefit from psychological therapy, wellbeing therapy, and structured relapse-prevention support.
As you complete cannabis addiction treatment, ongoing aftercare can help support long-term recovery and reduce the risk of relapse.
Cannabis Addiction Facts and Stats
Some of the most common names for cannabis include weed, grass, dope, blunt, Mary Jane, hash, herb, Aunt Mary, skunk, chronic, reefer, pot, green, trees, and puff.