Cannabis Addiction

Are you living with a cannabis addiction or do you believe that the substance holds little harm? Many individuals believe that cannabis should be legalised, however, with its significant long-term effects, the substance is still classified as a class B illegal drug in the UK.

Cannabis, also commonly known as marijuana and weed is derived from the cannabis plant. It is usually smoked and is known to effect individuals by promoting a state of relaxation, slowly followed by an increase of appetite – also known as ‘the munchies’.

Although cannabis is perceived as an innocent drug, consistent consumption can carry many dangers to a user’s physical and mental health. If you are commonly smoking marijuana or consuming cannabis in any other form, considering whether an addiction is on the horizon should be your next step, before life-altering damages arise.

If you believe an addiction to cannabis or any other substance is developing, seeking support through rehabilitation and support groups will help treat your side effects. Reach out to our team here at Action Rehab to discuss your current symptoms, and whether a referral to one of our rehab centres will be necessary.

Cannabis addiction vs abuse

There is a significant blurred line between drug abuse and addiction. Abuse is where a substance is used sometimes to regularly, however, little cravings or withdrawal symptoms are experienced. Abuse will usually take place in a social setting or to overcome stress at the end of the working week.

However, addiction falls at the other end of the spectrum. Cannabis users who experience regular withdrawal symptoms, health problems and the detrimental effects of substance abuse will need to acknowledge that an addiction is present, sooner rather than later. Without the right support, any addiction can be life-threatening. The main concern when considering a cannabis addiction is the potential to influence further drug use and mental health issues, requiring greater, long-term rehabilitation.

Therefore, if you’re experiencing changes to your behaviour, crave cannabis more often or believe connected mental health issues are developing, reaching out for help will be recommended. If you are watching your loved one suffer through denial, a third-party referral can also be made. Stop using the drug by taking the first step to a drug-free future; we can guide you.

The physical and mental consequences linked to cannabis addiction

As touched on above, consistent, long-term cannabis use can lead to significant impacts, both physically and mentally. Immediate withdrawal symptoms include loss of appetite, irritability, anxiety and forgetfulness. These withdrawal symptoms can then develop to chronic illnesses if untreated. From paranoia and memory loss, to eating disorders and cognitive impairment, cannabis can influence serious health problems.

For those living with a cannabis addiction, the risk of developing connected mental health issues is also greater, resulting in a dual diagnosis. This can have significant negative impacts to a user’s quality of life, and ability to function through every day tasks. As an individual’s quality of life decrease, alternative drug use is common, causing a slippery slope to a chronic addiction.

This however can be stopped with the right help. Drug addiction can be overcome with the right treatment and support. Therefore, before you end up on the road to experiencing detrimental health issues, reaching out for help through cannabis rehab should be your next step.

Ways of treating cannabis addiction

If you are experiencing cannabis abuse, outpatient, regular support groups may be recommended by our team here at Action Rehab. However, if you are living with a cannabis addiction or a dual diagnosis, a rehab programme will be recommended. From here, your requirements will be taking into consideration to refer you to one of our partnering reputable rehab centres.

Once a rehab centre has been selected, whichever suits your requirements, you will experience a number of our industry-leading addiction treatments. With long-term recovery in mind, our treatment options are tailored to your current side effects from cannabis consumption. We believe in promoting a personalised treatment plan to ensure your physical cravings are diminished, while working through your connected mental health issues.

Treatment options you can expect to complete include cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, medically supervised detoxes, support groups and individual therapy. Each will work together to slowly disconnect you from your cannabis fixation. We have a high success rate with clients who have completed a full rehab programme and a number of our evidence-based treatment options.

The selected treatment options will vary depending on the severity of your addiction, the affects you experience from cannabis, the withdrawal symptoms you currently experience and the length of consumption. Please be aware that each of these factors can influence rehab periods and activity.

To promote long-term recovery, each of our rehab centres will also offer aftercare services. Here our team will arrange motivational sessions, local to home to ensure your long-term recovery plan is being followed. You will also complete educational sessions to ensure you are prepared for a life without drugs, and how to cope if any relapses do occur. We are passionate about ensuring your addiction has been diminished, and a future without cannabis use is possible.

Get in touch today

Although rehabilitation is difficult, living with the side effects of a cannabis addiction are even greater. The exhaustion, the difficulties and the health issues all significantly outweigh the difficultly of completing detoxes and therapy sessions. With our specialised support, your rehab programme will provide a positive experience, helping you overcome substance abuse.

If you’re living with a cannabis addiction, please reach out for support before damage is caused. Significant cognitive disorders are likely, along with connected mental health issues and greater drug use for those using cannabis consistently. Although it may be perceived as innocent, long-term use has the potential to cause more harm than good.

Reach out to discuss your side effects with our expert team. From here, an understanding of your addiction will be gauged along with a recommendation for one of our partnering clinics. Start the journey to a drug-free future today with our help here at Action Rehab.