According to a recent survey, approximately 30 million people are consuming cannabis, and around 2.5 million people have shown signs of cannabis addiction in India. Known by different slang like ganja, herb, pot, grass, or Mary Jane, cannabis is one of the most popular substances after alcohol and tobacco to be consumed. However, people consume it for temporary intoxication or euphoria which sometimes also gives a relaxation effect. Probably this is why the drug is often used for recreational purposes. Despite having mind-altering and healing properties due to the presence of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) chemical, excessive usage often leads to dependency on the drug and cannabis addiction.

How Does Marijuana or Cannabis Affect?

As one consumes cannabis (in any form), THC starts flowing through the blood and reaches different parts of the body and brain. It gives a sense of relaxation within a few minutes of consumption, sometimes followed by laughter, euphoria, increased sensory acuity, hunger craving or anxiety, and fear. If consumed in higher quantities, it can also cause hallucinations. Consumption leads to cannabis addiction effects, dependency on the drug, lessening of brain or physical functionality, loss of appetite, and increase in anxiety levels.

Cannabis Addiction Symptoms:

Marijuana use disorder is common; however, identifying the symptoms is subjective, as there could be several factors associated. According to researchers, some of the most common cannabis addiction symptoms include:

Behavioural Changes:

• Failing to stop consuming cannabis
• Consuming one after other to get prolonged effect
• Skipping responsibilities to use cannabis
• Giving up on social life & responsibilities
• Ignoring the risk associated with the consumption, be it physical or psychological
• Withdrawal symptoms when stop using marijuana

Psychological Changes:

• Strong urge or cravings to use cannabis
• Mood swings, irritation, and anxiety
• No interest in activities or people or surroundings
• Lack of motivation and positivity
• Memory loss
• No focus or no decision-making ability
• Need more cannabis to feel the same effect

Physical Changes:

• Trouble in maintaining the sleep cycle (insomnia)
• Daily cough
• Acute chest problems
• Lung infection
• Poor immune system
• Affects central nervous system
• High blood pressure
• Fertility problems

Cannabis Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms

Suddenly quitting or abrupt disruption of cannabis consumption is the primary cause of withdrawal symptoms in the dependent or addicted marijuana user. The symptoms are typically visible after 24 to 72 hours of stopping the usage. The peak withdrawal symptoms can be seen within a week and then slowly the effects of cannabis addiction subside after 15 to 20 days. Common withdrawal symptoms are:

• Insomnia
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Anxiety and irritation
• Frequent mood swings

How to Quit Cannabis Addiction?

Quitting any addiction is a challenging task, be it tea, alcohol, cannabis, or cigarettes. However, no matter how difficult the process is, the result always pays off. The process of cannabis addiction recovery starts with self-awareness and setting clear goals. People who believe they can, they often will! Here are simple ways to practice for quitting marijuana use:

• Set clear goals: Make sure you think and set realistic goals. Plan if you want to cut down the usage or willing to quit completely.
• Find out and understand the reasons for quitting: Unless you are aware of the reasons, there is no way you will be able to achieve your goal.
• Write down the negative impacts of cannabis: Take a pen and paper and note down how cannabis has negatively impacted your life and how beneficial it would be to living a cannabis-free life.
• Find out the trigger points: It can be a place, people, or situation that provokes you to consume marijuana. Identifying triggers often help in developing coping strategies.
• Support system: Make sure you tell your friends and family about your plans of quitting. Seek help and motivation from them in the journey.
• Manage withdrawal symptoms: Create a plan to deal with withdrawal as this is the stage where most people fail.

How to Manage Cannabis Addiction Withdrawal Systems?

Unlike popular opinion, quitting cannabis leads to withdrawal symptoms. And, to deal with them, one needs to:

• Stay hydrated (drinking water helps in the coping mechanism).
• Eat nutrient-rich food to balance the energy levels.
• Start following a healthy routine, including a bed-time regime.
• Engage in positive activities like workouts, dancing, reading, or even binge-watching.
• Take help of friends or therapists.

Cannabis Addiction Treatment

Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) requires behavioural and lifestyle changes. And the best way for cannabis addiction recovery is by consulting experts and seeking professional support from de-addiction centres.

• Opt for Behavioural Therapy and Counselling: It includes Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT) that helps in identifying triggers and developing coping mechanisms, followed by Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) and Contingency Management (CM). The process encourages self-motivation and rewarding for reinforcing drug-free lifestyle.
• Medication: Sometimes, along with the therapy, the patient also needs medication during the process of quitting cannabis consumption completely. Sleep-aid medicines, antidepressants, and painkillers are often prescribed, depending upon the requirement.

Live an Addiction-free Life with Athena Behavioural Health

Cannabis addiction is mind-altering, creates lifestyle imbalances, and affects physical functionality. It is important for you to seek professional support at the earliest. If you or someone around you has been facing this disorder, Athena Behavioral Health Centre is the destination for an ideal treatment and cannabis addiction recovery.

A group of qualified therapists, psychologists, psychotherapists, psychologists, and mental health experts at Athena ensures a proper understanding, diagnosis, behavioural changes, and cannabis addiction treatment at ease.

Know more about the detailed treatment plan by booking your first consultation with us today. Call us now at +91 9289086193 or email at customercare@athenabhs.com.