Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved marijuana for treating specific medical problems, three individual components of marijuana – called cannabinoids – have been approved as drugs. When someone is dependent on marijuana, they may experience withdrawal when they attempt to quit or cut down on the consumption of the drug. If you feel like your marijuana use has gotten out of control, it’s time to reach out for help. Contact one of our compassionate Admissions Navigators at American Addiction Centers (AAC), who will listen to your story, explain your options, and even help verify your insurance. These symptoms can help you recognize if marijuana is affecting your life in ways that might require change.
Addiction to Smoking Weed
- Whether you are tapering your use or quitting cold turkey, it is vital to be aware of the people, objects, or situations that can trigger drug cravings and use.
- Once you are more aware of the things that trigger your drug use, you can plan to deal with those triggers.
- Some researchers are looking at CBD, the nonintoxicating component of cannabis, as a treatment for cannabis withdrawal.
- When you decide to quit smoking marijuana, be prepared for withdrawal symptoms.
- There are many support groups available to those who wish to kick their habit.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is not only widely used in marijuana addiction treatment. It’s also a scientifically proven approach towards relapse prevention.6 It teaches recovering addicts to understand how their thoughts, feelings, and actions affect their recovery. Undergoing detox in a professional setting is crucial for managing these symptoms effectively. Professional rehabilitation centers provide medical supervision, ensuring a safe detox process and reducing the risk of relapse during this vulnerable period. For individuals in Georgia seeking unique rehab options, understanding the importance of detox can be a motivating factor in seeking help.
Signs and Symptoms of Marijuana Abuse and Addiction
Self-help strategies are important, but does weed have addictive properties sometimes you might need a helping hand. Reach out to your doctor or find a mental health professional who specializes in treating addictions. Creating a new routine can also be helpful when you are quitting a substance such as marijuana. Keeping a routine during stressful times can be important for your mental well-being, but sticking to old habits (those that featured regular drug use) can make recovery much more difficult. Whether you are tapering your use or quitting cold turkey, it is vital to be aware of the people, objects, or situations that can trigger drug cravings and use. Identifying these triggers and finding ways to avoid or cope with them can help you be more successful.
The importance of finding purpose in recovery
Among those daily or nearly-daily users are many who look to cannabis for help with assorted ailments. In 2018, the International Cannabis Policy Study found that 27 percent of North Americans between 16 and 65 had used cannabis to help with pain, sleep, migraines, anxiety, depression and PTSD. Conditions that qualify under Utah’s medical cannabis law include HIV, Alzheimer’s, ALS, cancer, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and PTSD. By understanding the importance of both detox and comprehensive treatment, individuals can take the first steps toward reclaiming their lives from cannabis addiction. Many individuals who use marijuana long-term and attempt to quit encounter withdrawal symptoms, which can complicate the process of cessation 1.
How Samba Recovery Addresses Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders
This step can significantly alleviate feelings of isolation, boosting your motivation. Remember, seeking support from trusted individuals enhances your resolve, making the challenging path ahead feel more manageable and less lonely. Cannabis withdrawal typically results in sleep disturbances too, with insomnia being one of the most common challenges in the first few days.
Comprehensive treatment programs aim to mitigate these effects and help individuals rebuild their lives. Detoxification is the first step in the recovery journey from cannabis addiction. It involves clearing the body of THC, the active substance in marijuana, and managing withdrawal symptoms in a safe and controlled environment. Withdrawal symptoms from marijuana generally peak around the third day of detoxification 2. These symptoms can include irritability, anxiety, insomnia, and gastrointestinal issues, which can vary based on individual factors 6. It’s important to understand that overcoming cannabis addiction involves more than just stopping the use.
Mental health treatment as part of a comprehensive recovery plan
Our brain is altered by THC and CBD, which produces precisely the experience people like. However, too frequent cannabis use has a cumulative effect on the number of our functional cannabinoid receptors. This results in a deficit of receptors in between times we are high, and this deficit explains the ongoing impact of too frequent use. “Too frequent” is different for different individuals but may be as often as once a week for some people.
What Does It Mean To Have a Substance Abuse Problem?
Unfortunately, it also opens byways for marijuana abuse, especially among teenagers. People who use marijuana for recreation do it for their personal enjoyment. So they tend to use it infrequently or only during social occasions. Recreational users also don’t consume marijuana to get “stoned” Alcoholics Anonymous and are only after its mild, positive effects.
When seeking help to overcome marijuana addiction, there are several valuable resources available. Two of the most effective are the SAMHSA Helpline and Marijuana Anonymous. In 2022, approximately 19 million individuals aged 12 or older met the criteria for a marijuana use disorder, highlighting the widespread impact of this condition 2. The disorder can lead to significant impairment in daily functioning and overall well-being. After completing Marijuana Addiction Treatment, individuals are encouraged to engage in aftercare. Maintaining connections with a supportive community is crucial for long-term recovery.
Withdrawal Symptoms
American Addiction Centers (AAC) offers multiple forms of treatment to help you if you have become addicted to marijuana. Evidence-based therapies help you gain the skills to cope with cravings and avoid triggers. Therapy also helps improve other skills, such as problem-solving and lifestyle management.