Marijuana addiction starts with people using marijuana in order to feel relaxed, to experience euphoria or to gain an altered sense of space and time. Whilst may people may try and experiment with marijuana, many can do so without becoming addicted. However, marijuana use is on the rise, therefore so is the possibility of addiction.
Generally, there is no difference between marijuana and cannabis and the two terms are often used to describe the same thing. Cannabis describes cannabis products in general. Marijuana specifically refers to cannabis products that are made from the dried flowers, leaves, stems and seeds of the cannabis plant.
The strength of Marijuana
Unlike most other drugs, such as, heroin and cocaine, Marijuana is not cut down with other inactive substances thus making it weaker. In fact those responsible for growing marijuana are making it stronger. THC content in marijuana in the 1960s was 1.5 percent. Now, THC content has risen to five percent. Some growers even produce marijuana with 20 percent THC. This therefore means that those people who are smoking marijuana today are taking in much more of the drug’s potent ingredient, and this could make addiction all the more likely.
For those who abuse marijuana over a long period of time, it will have a profound effect on their brain, affecting the ability to learn and retain information. Furthermore, the drug can also create serious damage to the heart and lungs. Consequently, marijuana is far from what many assume to be an ‘easy’ drug with little effect.
Who is at risk
Young people and teens are most at risk and are prone to developing a dependence or addiction to marijuana. There are warning signs that parents, loved ones and teachers can use in order to spot a potential abuse of the drug. For example, if the child is smoking or drinking before the age of 15 they are likely to have tried marijuana before and have the potential to be regular users. If a child missed school 20 or more times it can be an indication of a marijuana abuse. Furthermore, there are more evident signs that could indicate drug use such as being arrested for drugs or alcohol.
For those struggling with marijuana addiction it can be incredibly difficult to tackle it alone. There will be physical and mental side effects of giving up the drug, such as physical cravings and being able to maintain the mental will power to want to give up. The most efficient and successful way to fully quit marijuana abuse is to enter a long term rehabilitation programme. Here, the addict will receive medical care to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms and help with the detoxification and will also receive one to one counselling to get to the root of the substance abuse.
Group counselling
Group counselling will also be necessary for the addict as they will learn from other recovering addicts. This will enable them to find out more about how addiction impacts people. All of the above will give the addict the necessary tools in order to be an active, sober member of society again. If you, a loved one, or anyone you know is suffering from marijuana addiction. Encourage them to enter such a programme, and you will help change their life for the better.
The Haynes Clinic is an alcohol and drug rehab clinic which offers treatment for cannabis addiction.
Call 01462 851414 for free and confidential advice.
