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Weed addiction is a major mental health crisis, and it is known to affect a wide range of people in the world. There are often intense physical and psychological issues, as well as leading to interpersonal conflict.
Addiction to weed is a matter of serious concern, and there are a lot of risks that are associated with it, such as memory loss, mood swings and changes in personality. One must remain careful at all times, even if one chooses to indulge in it.
What is Weed?
Weed is essentially another name for marijuana, which happens to be parts of the cannabis indica or cannabis sativa plant. The parts used are usually stems, flowers, leaves, and seeds, which have mind-altering agents such as Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
In most countries, the use of weed is banned or is, at the very least, controlled and supervised, but in more recent times, there have been changes in legislation that have legalised it in some countries.
Effects of Weed on the Body
There are a lot of effects that weed has on the body - some are long-term, while some are short-term. Once mixed with the bloodstream and passed through the body, the effects start to show.
Short-Term Effects of Weed
When weed is smoked, the effect is quicker. However, when ingested with food or beverages, it takes longer for it to take effect, usually anytime between half an hour and one hour. Weed affects brain receptors, which means that it over-activates it. Senses can get altered (colours seem brighter, for example), time is apparently slow, moods shift, body movements are impaired, and cognitive functions slow down.
Long-Term Effects of Weed
It can affect brain development in the long run. If the use starts at a younger age, it can affect the individual’s memory, learning, thinking and other such cognitive functions. Some research shows that the changes may be permanent, but some also suggest that this could be temporary.
Risks of Weed Use
There are a range of risks that come with the use of weed. While there are some recognised medicinal and healing properties, excessive use can pose significant risks. It's important to make informed decisions about what you put into your body and to be aware of the potential consequences of drug addiction. Understanding these details allows you to make better choices and enhance your well-being.
Physical Risks
In a lot of cases, the lungs are primarily affected, causing breathing issues, along with major problems such as infections in the lungs. It mirrors the effects of tobacco use and can cause coughs and phlegm. Increases in heart rates are also a common risk, which in worst-case scenarios can lead to a heart attack. It may also cause problems during pregnancy. Nausea and vomiting tendencies are also quite common.
Mental and Emotional Risks
One may hallucinate and feel a sense of paranoia when under the influence. In certain cases, it can even lead to an increase in depression, anxiety and even suicidal thoughts among teenagers.
How Weed Addiction Develops
Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) is caused due to the tetrahydrocannabinol in the plant that is ingested. It triggers receptors in the brain, which are known as the endocannabinoid receptors. The brain circuits change over time if the consumption of weed is a lot, and over time, the sensitivity to the substance decreases. The naturally produced endocannabinoid becomes less since there is a lot of it coming from external sources. This is usually done to be able to feel a ‘high’ or to avoid something. The dopamine produced enables the person to stay in a state of euphoria, and the dependence will force the person to increase their dosage over time.
How is Weed Addiction Diagnosed
Diagnosing weed addiction typically involves comprehensive tests done by a medical professional or addiction specialist. The behavioural indicators and self-reported claims are taken into consideration here. Questions can be along the lines of control over the urges (or the lack thereof), spending a lot of time, energy, and money to obtain them, and the persistent use of them even after seeing negative results in one’s life. There’s no one test to determine weed addiction, but one’s behavioural, mental and physical state should be enough for the professional to make a diagnosis.
When to Seek Help for Weed Addiction
Recognising weed addiction at its early stages can enhance recovery chances significantly. If one is seen to grow dependent on the drug, then it is best to see a professional about it. If the frequency of use has increased, or a large amount needs to be consumed to feel the same high, then it is also a matter of concern. If one is not able to go about getting through one’s day as they would have before the drug, then that is also another sign. Withdrawing from social circles and neglecting responsibilities are also a tell-tale sign of weed addiction.
Treatment Options for Weed Addiction
Effectively treating weed addiction involves a combination of medical and therapeutic strategies designed to address the diverse challenges associated with addiction. Here, we outline the primary methods used to support individuals on their recovery journey.
Detoxification
Generally, a detox is done to flush the body of the toxins left from the after-effects of weed. The body needs to readjust, which usually presents itself in the form of withdrawal symptoms, such as mood changes, insomnia, change in appetite and irritability. A guided and controlled environment is key to keeping the changes as less chaotic as possible.
Therapy and Counselling
One may approach therapy and counselling to get well. Depending on the case, one may be prescribed Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) or even Contingency Management (CM). The objective of therapy is to help reset the way one thinks about things and break existing thought patterns. Group therapy can help in weed rehabilitation settings, which gives the added advantage of peer support and community learning. Family counselling is also important so that interpersonal relationships are taken care of and a supportive home front can be built.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Even though there may not be any medication specifically for weed addiction, one can reduce the effects of the withdrawal symptoms with medication, at least. Mood changes can be stabilised with the help of antidepressants or anti-anxiety pills. Working with professionals in the field allows certainty to the recovery process, who will determine how to best go about the Weed addiction treatment.
Rehabilitation
Rehab facilities are often necessary to treat weed addiction since they also provide a structured and guarded environment for the healing process to take place. Whether it is residential or outpatient weed rehabilitation, the care provided is the same in principle—both focus on therapy, skill-building, support as well as education. The intensity varies; in the latter, one is generally able to manage other responsibilities at home while simultaneously undergoing Weed addiction treatment, while the former is completely in the hands of the caregivers at the facility.
What Type of Doctors Can Treat Weed Addiction?
In most cases, there is a team of workers who help treat weed addiction consisting of psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, licenced therapists, physicians and other support staff who ensure seamless treatment. The team helps in the entire process - from diagnosis to making treatment plans to providing medication and therapy. Cognitive interventions are usually recommended, and sessions are arranged so that they can deal with healthier coping mechanisms. Experienced workers can help make the process easier.
What are the Effects of Weed Withdrawal?
Even if withdrawal is generally mild as compared to other substances, it still can be difficult to break the habit completely. The body’s readjustment to the lack of externally provided THC is what causes the problem, which often manifests in a loss of appetite, which could lead to a loss in weight. One experiences mood changes and feels anxious and irritable. Sleep patterns get disrupted, leading to insomnia or intense dreams. One may tend to feel restless and have headaches and even abdominal pains.
Their aggression levels may also be comparatively high. The symptoms usually do not span for a long time, generally dying down within the first week of abstinence and falling in the next. With the right kind of guidance, the whole process can become easier for the person.
How Cadabam's Rehabilitation Centre Can Help?
Cadabam's has over thirty years of experience in helping individuals with weed addiction. With an expert team and cutting-edge infrastructure, Cadabam's offers the best recovery experience for people with problems relating to addiction. With multiple Weed addiction treatment programs that are evidence-based and effective, we ensure that you are always on the road to recovery.
If you are searching for a solution to your problem, Cadabam's Anunitha’s De-Addiction Centre can help you with its team of specialised experts. We have been helping thousands of people live healthier and happier lives for 30+ years. We leverage evidence-based approaches and holistic treatment methods to help individuals effectively manage weed addiction. Get in touch with us today. You can call us at +91 96111 94949.