Today more countries, including Thailand, are legalising marijuana or cannabis for medical and recreational purposes. However, the risk of addiction does not diminish. Cannabis marijuana addiction treatment should still be considered as seriously as when the drug was deemed an illicit substance. As a matter of fact, with the legalisation of cannabis, it is possible that the risk of addiction is higher as it becomes more easily available. This is not unlike alcohol addiction. While there may be legitimate, medical and even recreational uses for marijuana, it is important to recognise the signs of when you or a loved one might need cannabis marijuana addiction treatment.
What is Marijuana?
Marijuana is what people call the parts of a cannabis plant that contain delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). There are 3 recognised types of cannabis plants: cannabis sativa, cannabis indica, and cannabis ruderalis. THC is mainly found in the flowers of these plants, although it can be found in smaller amounts in the leaves, seeds, and stems.
Smoking or ingesting the plant can have mind-altering effects as the THC is absorbed by the body and brain. It can include feeling euphoric, having an altered perception of time or senses, being talkative and easy to laugh, and having an increased appetite, but it can also increase anxiety, cause panic, heighten fear, and induce hallucinations.
How Addictive is Marijuana?
There are many people who think that marijuana is not addictive. Like other drug addictions, it is. Some research indicates that around 9% of users become addicted. That number is higher among younger people, at about 17%, and for those who use marijuana daily, it is over 25%, up to 50%. As with any drug that changes your brain chemistry, it is possible for you to become dependent on it.
If you rely on that calm euphoria for what may be an untreated depression or anxiety disorder, you could become addicted. This can be true even if you are not suffering from a mental health disorder but find yourself needing marijuana to handle social situations without feeling uncomfortable. When you need marijuana every day to be able to function, that is when you may want to consider cannabis marijuana addiction treatment.
As with many other types of addiction, there are factors that may contribute to the possibility of addiction. If your family has a history of addiction, it is possible that you may have that predisposition as well. In addition, if your social group uses or encourages the use of drugs, it is more likely, especially at a younger age, that you will start using drugs as well. And, as mentioned above, if you have a pre-existing mental condition, you may try to self-medicate with drugs, which, without professional help, may lead to addiction.
Cannabis Addiction Symptoms
Cannabis addiction can express itself in many ways, depending on the severity of the dependence. Symptoms of marijuana addiction can include:
- Declining work or school performance, including lack of focus and frequent absences
- Lack of interest in social and familial activities and interactions
- The inability to stop using marijuana, even when marijuana use could cause significant problems, such as driving a car
- Becoming secretive and even deceptive with work, friends, and family
- Having poor judgment or problems making decisions
- Being easily agitated or going through severe mood swings
- Having problems focusing and losing track of time
- Feeling paranoid and withdrawing from all normal interactions
- Struggling with financial issues
- Other physical symptoms include bloodshot eyes, hunger, memory loss, dry mouth, rapid heartbeat, and impaired coordination and response time.
The more a person uses marijuana regularly, the more they may develop long-term physical issues such as heart, lung, and mental processing problems.
Marijuana withdrawal
Another sign of cannabis or marijuana addiction is withdrawal. If you use the drug regularly to the point that your body relies on it, then if you stop using it, you may exhibit withdrawal and severe cravings. Symptoms could include:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Restlessness
- Depression
- Shakiness
- Sweating and chills
- Irritability
- Appetite loss
- Sexual dysfunction
- Constant dizziness
If you or someone you care for is experiencing withdrawal symptoms after stopping use, you should consider getting professional help to ensure that you do not handle the withdrawal by going back to using marijuana.
The Cabin Can Help With Cannabis Marijuana Addiction Treatment
The Cabin Rehab in Thailand is a world-class drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre. Our team comprises experienced healthcare professionals and counsellors who understand the struggle of overcoming addiction, including cases whereby mental health and trauma treatment may be needed to address underlying issues that may have been contributing to addiction. If you or someone you care for is suffering from marijuana addiction, or even if you just think this is the case, you can contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Speak to one of our team who will treat you with compassion and respect as we work with you to determine what course of action is best for you. Contact us today and get help now.
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