What is Cannabis?
Whether you’ve used it or not, many people have heard about this popular drug and its the various effects of cannabis abuse on people. Marijuana is a form of cannabis, a derived substance from a natural source, unlike many synthetic drugs. The cannabis plant, or cannabis sativa, grows in nearly any temperate areas of the world.
This product is becoming increasingly accepted by many states as a medical alternative to pain relief. Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol is the active main ingredient, also known as THC.
People aim to achieve a euphoric “high” by recreationally using the drug in forms of marijuana, hashish, and hash oil. Marijuana is the dried flowers and leaves that are derived from the cannabis plant itself. This is generally the least potent form of cannabis as it contains less THC, and is smoked or made into edible products. Hash oil is obtained from hashish, which is a thick oil that is smoked and contains the most THC resulting in a very potent substance.
Effects of Cannabis Abuse
Certain strains of marijuana can cause different effects on people because of the way they are composed. Sativa strains, for example, can cause the increase in heart rate more so than the hybrid indicator strains. The effects of a sativa strain can be more uplifting and energize to a person using the substance. This can lead to anxiety, paranoia, panic, and palpitations of the heart. Other short-term effects of cannabis abuse can include drowsiness, loss of inhibitions, increased appetite, bloodshot eyes, dryness of eyes, mouth, and throat, and loss of coordination.
Long-term effects of cannabis abuse are still being researched, and not fully concluded. From the available evidence, there are probable adverse effects that many people do experience. From smoking the substance consistently and over a long period of time, some people may have an increased risk of respiratory diseases. There may also be decreased memory and a decline in learning abilities. More commonly, people may experience decreased motivation in work, studies, or concentration. This may happen since recreational marijuana can leave an individual savoring the moments of euphoria, and not continue with the tasks of their normal schedule. Some people even have a difficulty stopping or dimming the use of the substance and creating an unplanned addition.
Currently, in the United States, cannabis is legal for medical purposes in 50% of the states, with many other states allowing cannabidiol products with low THC content to be purchased for medical use. Although the FDA has not approved any of these products, they are selling over the internet and physical dispensaries around the U.S. Both CBD and THC will interact in the endocannabinoid system with the body. This system regulates the balance in the immune system, cell communication, appetite, and metabolism. The plant cannabis sativa inspired the discovery of this named body system. A component in cannabis, the CBD cannabinoid is legally sold frequently and does not cause a euphoric effect on users, rather a medicinal body interaction.
Studies have shown long-term effects of CBD use does not show neurological, psychiatric, or clinical effects on the body. Cannabis products that contain THC are showing a problem to the public, however. With the rise in legal cannabis attainability, what is cannabis addiction, and how can it be addressed?
More Effects of Cannabis Abuse or Addiction
When people have a dependence on a substance that’s regularly used and symptoms of withdrawal occurring when the drug is not being taken, an addiction has taken place. Many people who frequently use marijuana report feelings of irritability, sleep and mood difficulties, cravings, and physical discomfort when not using the drug. When the brain is accustomed to regular use, the body will show signs of “needing” the drug.
Although the effects of cannabis abuse are interfering with aspects of life, an addicted person will continue the use of it. Since the amount of THC seems to be rising with newer methods growing the cannabis plants, the consequences of use could be worsening. People who are new to the usage or younger users who still have developing brains are more susceptible to the effects of high THC contents. Research suggests that experienced users may be able to adjust their potency intake by smoking it differently or using different products. Although this makes sense, an addicted experienced user has little to no control over their usage.
Similar to other substance use disorders, marijuana abuse can be more than difficult to quit on your own. Some people will have coexisting issues such as psychiatric disorders along with their addiction. Other substances may also be abused concurrently with the marijuana addiction. Modern and effective treatments that involve behavioral therapies, self-help, and spiritual healing can result in long-term sobriety.
Self-control is one aspect of personality that doesn’t favor in its relation to addictive qualities a person may have. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one sought after treatment of those suffering from a cannabis addiction. This form of psychotherapy can teach strategies to people that correct problematic behaviors. Self-control can be enhanced and break drug use and other accompanying problems.
Treatment for Substance Abuse
Programs that incorporate alternative cognitive behavioral therapies that address everyone individually have better success rates. Mental health issues often stem from substance addiction. Changing thinking patterns and creating positive mindsets can help an addicted person in their recovery process. A faith-based recovery program will help keep individuals on track and keep from falling into monotony. By prioritizing, relieving stress, having a substance replacement, and a nurturing relationship, addicts can help themselves manage their addiction with a supportive network of people.
When addiction is prevalent in your life, you may not think highly of your current self nor realize the benefits of sobriety. As some rehab facilities will aim to only treat the addiction and not treat the other areas of the body, A Forever Recovery does things differently. The root of the addiction problem lays not only with the substance itself but certain traits of the individual as well.
At A Forever Recovery, the way people feel about themselves and proper decision making will be addressed and solved to create a happy and successful recovery. Clients are given the time to goal accomplishments and self-empowerment. A life of addiction can turn into long-term sobriety with recovery. A Forever Recovery professional counselors can speak to you about our empowerment and treatment programs that will best suit an individual’s addiction to a life-long road of sobriety.
Call toll-free today to learn more about the effects of cannabis abuse or addiction.