Marijuana also known as Cannabis, is a commonly abused substance. Here in the United Kingdom, it is classified as an illegal drug.
However, in many states of America, marijuana, also known as cannabis, is now legalised for consumption, down to medical accreditations.
Although marijuana is illegal currently, many individuals are attempting to work through the battle between potential marijuana addictions vs its medical capabilities to support pain and mental health disorders. However, the majority are finding it difficult to support this movement, down to the risk of marijuana addictions, still present across the globe.
In this blog, we will touch on the additive characteristics of marijuana, along with proactive recovery routes. We will also focus on marijuana addiction and testing, to consider whether an acceptable, non-addictive quantity is possible.
If you’re suffering from a marijuana addiction, we are here for you at Addiction Advocates. Reach out today for more information on our rehabilitation referral services.
What is marijuana addiction?
Marijuana is a psychoactive drug, derived from the cannabis plant. It is commonly used for recreational consumption, however, in other countries, medical advocacy now exists. Marijuana is favoured for its ability to relax users, to help them mellow out.
Yet, here in the United Kingdom, marijuana is however recognised as a Class B substance, down to its addictive and damaging traits. Throughout the cannabis plant, there are a number of chemical compounds. One of the most common is THC.
THC is a chemical, which if abused excessively can result in physical and psychological effects. This is where addiction can become very dangerous, as long-term marijuana abuse can increase lung cancer risks, heart disease and further fertility issues.
Although there is also a compound identified as CBD, which is recognised as the key factor which benefits medical treatment, THC can override CBD through marijuana consumption, aggravating its hallucinogenic effects.
Over long-term consumption, marijuana addiction can develop. Although it is perceived as less harmful when considering higher potent drugs, it can cause cognitive adaptations, leading to addiction and mental health issues. Schizophrenia, paranoia, aggravation and panic attacks are very common symptoms of excessive marijuana consumption, usually of those with an addiction diagnosis.
Although marijuana addiction and testing are a prevalent topic in the industry, it’s clear to see how the misuse of the substance can cause the common damaging effects of addiction.
Is marijuana addictive?
Marijuana can be highly addictive if it is abused excessively, through consistent and high quantities. Although many will argue its positive traits, for those who have abused the drug for some time, where a psychological addiction will be present, they will likely be experiencing chronic side effects. The addictive qualities of marijuana can be very difficult to live with.
Down to the high correlation between psychoactive drugs and mental health issues, risks of a dual diagnosis are also present, where additional streams of treatment are required. Here is where the complexities of marijuana addiction can advance even further, making it a challenging disorder to treat.
Common marijuana addiction symptoms include:
- The inability to reduce or stop consumption.
- A lack of desire to reduce marijuana consumption, even if risks are present.
- Psychological changes down to higher marijuana doses.
- Experience of psychosis, including hallucinations.
- Feeling demotivated and sluggish.
- Feeling irritable.
- Finding it hard to do normal things like sleep or eat.
Although some will argue that there are many positive effects of marijuana consumption, if an excessive amount is consumed, the above can be experienced, significantly reducing the quality of life. Others will also argue the low risks of marijuana addiction compared to other drugs, supporting the marijuana addiction and testing movement.
Although short-term side effects may be less, long-term abuse can lead to similar negative episodes. With this in mind, if you’re experiencing a marijuana addiction, considering professional support will be required.
How to recover from marijuana addiction?
For those living with a marijuana addiction, effective treatment options are available. Through rehab, a range of physical and psychological treatments will be required to unravel the complexities of addiction.
A detox programme is a common route to treating marijuana addiction. It is important that all traces of the drug are removed, helping the body cope and heal without its addictive qualities.
Alongside medical treatment options, psychiatric support will also be required. As vast psychological changes are likely when suffering from a marijuana addiction, cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational enhancement therapy and exposure therapy will likely be recommended.
The aim of this combined approach is to ensure that all adaptations can be worked through, while also treating any existing mental health symptoms, either pre-existing or developed through marijuana consumption.
In order to receive this form and quality of treatment, visiting a rehab centre will be recommended. This is the most effective and safest route to recovering from a marijuana addiction, ensuring that long-term recovery can be maintained.
Marijuana addiction and testing acceptable levels
Down to the contradicting compounds found in marijuana, there is now a testing movement to identify the most acceptable level of marijuana, without influencing its addictive traits.
Marijuana addiction and testing is a prevalent topic in America, now also presenting itself in the UK. Many medical companies are vouching for the rehabilitating and health benefits of marijuana consumption.
However, many addiction specialists are promoting the importance of maintaining its illegal status, down to the high risks of addiction diagnosis. As marijuana is now a potent drug, where its formulation has advanced over the years, an acceptable level of a psychoactive drug cannot exist.
This movement is especially concerning when considering the increase of mental health diagnoses in the UK. Mental health issues paired with addiction can be very dangerous and difficult to treat. With this in mind, marijuana addiction and testing for acceptable levels currently aren’t accepted by industry leaders.
We hope that this overview on marijuana and its addictive traits has increased your knowledge of its dangers, along with available treatment for addiction.
If you’re suffering from a marijuana addiction, we invite you to reach out to our team. We can help you receive the right treatment to work through the psychosis of marijuana addiction.
