Cannabis, also known as marijuana, grass, and weed, is a combination of dried leaves, flowers, and stems from the Cannabis Sativa plant. It is the most commonly abused illicit drug in the United Kingdom.
The Cannabis Sativa plant contains more than 100 cannabinoids which are responsible for producing the effects associated with smoking marijuana. Cannabinoids are found in all plant parts, but they are more concentrated in the flowering tops and buds. The main cannabinoid in marijuana is delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Cannabidiol (CBD) is another well-known cannabinoid. THC is responsible for producing the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis use, such as euphoria, feelings of relaxation and increased appetite. CBD is non-psychoactive and is thought to help reduce anxiety and stress.
Many people use marijuana because it gives them a sense of relaxation and wellbeing. They enjoy how it makes them feel.
Many individuals wrongly assume that cannabis is a safe or harmless drug, but abusing cannabis can cause short and long-term harms, including the development of drug addiction.
Cannabis addiction is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
There are many different types of synthetic cannabinoids available on the market today. These include:
Cannabis is illegal to possess, grow, distribute or sell in the UK. It is a Class B drug, with penalties for unlicensed dealing, production and trafficking of up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.
Marijuana can be smoked in cigarettes, joints, pipes, bongs and water pipes. Smoking marijuana causes rapid absorption into the bloodstream and affects the brain almost immediately.
A vaporiser heats up a small amount of liquid or dry herb to create a vapour which is then inhaled directly through the mouth. Vaping has become popular because it does not cause combustion as traditional smoking methods do.
Several products are available to ingest marijuana, including oils, capsules and tinctures. Ingesting marijuana may take longer to affect the body than smoking or vaping.
A tincture is a solution made from plants or herbal extracts that is applied topically to the skin. Tinctures have been used since ancient times to treat various ailments. They are usually taken orally, but some tinctures are designed to be applied directly to the skin.
In recent years there has been growing interest in the medical use of cannabis.
There are many medical conditions in which cannabis may be prescribed. It can be used to treat nausea caused by chemotherapy during cancer treatment, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. In addition, medical marijuana can be used to relieve the symptoms of chronic pain, muscle spasms and insomnia. Despite these indications, cannabis is still illegal to possess, grow, distribute or sell in the UK without a license.
Alongside weed, grass and marijuana, there are other street names for cannabis. Some common examples are:
Cannabis addiction is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
The active ingredient in cannabis is THC – short for tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is a psychoactive chemical compound found in the resin glands of the female flowers of the cannabis plant. When smoked, the THC enters into the bloodstream and binds to specific receptors in the brain. Once attached, it triggers a series of reactions inside the brain that produce the ‘high’ associated with smoking marijuana.
THC in cannabis interacts with cannabinoid receptors all over the body when ingested. Chemical signalling across cell membranes is enabled via cannabinoid receptors, which affect various physiological functions such as sensation, appetite, moods, and memory.
There are two types of cannabinoid receptor sites in the human body. CB1 receptors are located mainly in the central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are found primarily in the immune system. Both types of receptor sites respond to cannabinoids. However, only CB1 receptors react to THC.
THC affects the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) by enhancing their effects to increase dopamine release and inhibiting the activity of chemicals such as adenylate cyclase, an enzyme with a variety of fundamental cell-regulation properties.
Some of the cannabis’ chemicals are beneficial, such as CBD, which is known to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Other cannabis’ chemicals can cause adverse effects. For example, THC has been linked to the onset of mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, depression and psychosis.
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Cannabis addiction can be defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disorder that causes the person to experience intense cravings for cannabis and continue to use despite experiencing negative consequences.
There are different phases of marijuana addiction, such as:
Even though not everyone goes through identical stages, this is a typical pattern when dealing with cannabis addiction.
Cannabis dependence might have a detrimental effect on your life. People will develop a psychological dependence on cannabis in the same way they develop other addictions.
Cannabis, like other addictive stimulants, lowers dopamine levels in the brain, limiting its natural production. Dopamine is a biological neurotransmitter that causes sensations of ecstasy and pleasure. Cannabis’ calming effect suppresses this chemical, causing you to feel calm and relaxed.
Continuous use of cannabis builds tolerance, making the user consume more quantity to feel high. The brain gets reprogrammed as a result of drug abuse and needs more cannabis to feel normal.
If you’ve tried unsuccessfully to stop using cannabis, there’s a good possibility you’ve developed a severe addiction to it.
Cannabis addiction is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
Although cannabis is not widely considered as dangerous as many other illegal substances, it is still illegal to possess it and use it in the United Kingdom.
Many industries and employers have zero-tolerance policies, and adolescent cannabis users are likely to face serious disciplinary consequences at school, work or at home. As a result, there is still a strong incentive to hide cannabis consumption in many contexts, making it difficult to tell whether and when someone has used cannabis since they may take considerable measures to hide their behaviours.
Nonetheless, some signs and symptoms might indicate cannabis addiction in a person, including:
The use of cannabis is widespread in many modern societies, though it has been used for centuries as a medicine, food additive and recreational drug. It is the most widely abused drug in America and the UK. The abuse potential of marijuana varies from person to person depending on their genetics, environment and other factors.
Marijuana abuse has been on the rise in recent years, and it’s not just teens who are using it -many adults are also abusing this drug.
Your body becomes used to the effects of a chemical after some time. As a result, to have the same effect, you must raise the dose of the substance. Cannabis tolerance indicates that larger drug quantities are required to obtain the desired effect. This leads to dependence on the drug for normal functioning, leading, in turn, to drug addiction.
Cannabis can cause physical addiction if used frequently enough. Physical dependence occurs when your body becomes accustomed to the effects of cannabis, and you need higher doses to get high. You also start experiencing marijuana withdrawal symptoms when you stop using the drug. These withdrawal symptoms usually occur after 3-5 days of quitting.
Withdrawal effects from cannabis include:
The physical changes that occur in a person who uses cannabis can include:
If these physical effects persist even after they stop using cannabis, they have likely developed an addiction.
The term psychological addiction is also used to describe the experience of a person who has become dependent on a drug. This also occurs when someone uses cannabis for pleasure and experiences an altered state of consciousness that becomes part of their life.
The main symptoms include:
An addicted individual becomes exceedingly restless when they are not using cannabis and may pose a risk to themselves and the people around them. As a result, some behaviours might arise, these include:
Cannabis addiction is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
Even though addiction has become a relatively well-understood issue in modern times, medical research has yet to figure out why one person develops an addiction while someone else under comparable circumstances does not.
However, several factors have been identified as increasing a person’s chances to develop a cannabis addiction. The recent increase in marijuana potency is one of these concerning factors.
Genetic factors also play a large part in whether someone will develop a cannabis addiction. There are many genes involved in producing endocannabinoids – the chemicals that bind to cannabinoid receptors. Some of these genes are inherited from our parents, while others are passed down from grandparents. For example, there are two versions of the gene CB1. One version binds to the cannabinoid receptors and creates a high level of activity in the brain. The other version does not produce a lot of activity in the brain and is thought to protect against developing a cannabis addiction. Some genes control how quickly the endocannabinoid system reacts. If your endocannabinoid system takes longer to respond to the presence of cannabinoids, then you are less prone to cannabis addiction. About half of the cases of addiction are considered to be caused by genetic factors. The most obvious evidence that someone is at risk of developing a cannabis addiction is a family history of substance abuse and addiction.
Dual diagnosis occurs when drug addiction, such as cannabis addiction, co-occurs with a mental health condition. These mental illnesses are frequently the underlying causes of addiction.
Several environmental risk factors are recognised for cannabis addiction:
Regular cannabis use can develop into dependency and addiction, negatively impacting a person’s life circumstances and prospects. If you are abusing cannabis, you may develop these health problems:
Intoxication from cannabis may lead to car crashes and dangerous behaviour, both of which can have life-altering consequences. When cannabis is used with tobacco, cancer risk and a range of pulmonary and respiratory illnesses escalate.
The lethargy associated with cannabis usage can lead to poor fitness, which is aggravated by bad eating habits and weight gain. This can be a result from frequently succumbing to “the munchies,” a considerably increased hunger while high.
Marijuana usage while pregnant may harm the unborn child, resulting in a miscarriage, premature birth or low birth weight.
Long-term cannabis addiction has been linked to the emergence of significant mental health illnesses such as schizophrenia.
When you smoke marijuana and fall asleep, you’re more likely to start a fire in your home or elsewhere.
Criminal behaviour involving cannabis, such as cannabis manufacturing or distribution, can result in severe consequences, including long-term imprisonment. Associating with drug traffickers dramatically raises the likelihood of witnessing or becoming the victim of violent behaviour.
Cannabis addiction is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
There have been no reports of cannabis overdose deaths, and it is very unlikely that someone may overdose on the substance by accident: a deadly amount of THC is believed to be between 15 and 70 grammes, which is far more than any individual user would ingest unless they are attempting suicide.
However, cannabis can raise an individual’s risk of overdosing on other drugs while consuming various substances simultaneously.
When cannabis is combined with other psychoactive substances, the risk of loss of motor control, disinhibition, nausea, and vomiting increases. This can potentially increase the risk of death from breathing vomit while unconscious.
If you think you’re overdosing on Cannabis, please call 999 immediately.
Cannabis abuse and addiction frequently co-occur with mental health conditions. Cannabis addiction has been related to psychosis, paranoia, depression, and anxiety. Many people suffering from a wide range of mental health conditions use cannabis to self-medicate and escape from their problems.
The following are some of the most common mental health issues associated with cannabis addiction:
When it comes to a person’s long-term addiction recovery strategy, it’s critical to never disregard the indicators of mental health issues or behavioural disorders, while planning treatment.
Self-medication is defined as the use of drugs to relieve the symptoms of a mental illness or an unpleasant health condition. Using drugs as a coping method for psychological problems can lead to addiction and can also exacerbate the underlying mental illness.
Cannabis is frequently used to relieve emotional pain caused by stress, trauma or bereavement.
Unfortunately, using cannabis to cope with such situations might be a risky option. People who are suffering from mental disorders and begin misusing cannabis will use as much as they need to attain the desired results. Over time, the individual will develop a tolerance to the drug and will need to consume more of it to attain the same high. This is a defining characteristic of both dependence and addiction.
Cannabis addiction is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
The abuse potential of marijuana is a concern for many parents.
Cannabis is the most popular illicit recreational substance among teens and young people for a variety of reasons, including its relatively low price and availability compared to many other narcotics.
Many people consider getting high on cannabis to be a common rite of passage throughout adolescence.
However, in addition to any possible health hazards, the illegal nature of cannabis means that young people who use it may face potentially life-altering legal penalties.
Many parents must cope with their child’s drug usage, whether it is experimental or more advanced. Marijuana is frequently one of the most popular substances among teenagers and adolescents. According to research, marijuana abuse is the leading cause of adolescent drug addiction, when they enter rehab.
Marijuana has long been considered the leading gateway drug, meaning that using it leads to using other drugs. Research shows that marijuana may have a gateway effect on adolescents.
Despite the fact that most people try to hide the signs of their cannabis use, there are some signals to be aware of:
Cannabis addiction is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
If you have a cannabis problem, don’t ignore it. Even while marijuana is regarded as a less hazardous substance when compared to other illicit drugs, there are still risks involved with its consumption. Cannabis addiction and its associated effects may be very damaging to your health.
The sooner you seek treatment, the higher your chances of recovery. Call a doctor or an addiction specialist as soon as possible to discuss the problem and the many treatment options that may be available.
Cannabis addiction is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
The realities surrounding cannabis addiction have become more widely recognised, as a result of the widespread consumption of cannabis in the United Kingdom.
As a result of that, an increasing number of public and private addiction treatment centres are now treating cannabis addiction across the country. Inpatient and outpatient treatment options are available to overcome this addiction.
Some of those treatment options include:
Cannabis addiction treatment is similar to that of other drug addictions, with detoxification being a crucial first step.
Excellent detoxification programs will assist users in getting the drug out of their system in a safe and healthy manner. Medical personnel will make sure you don’t go through the full extent of withdrawal without support or relief.
Painkillers and sedatives, for example, are administered in the event of severe anxiety or panic attack.
To combat the severe effects of cannabis withdrawal syndrome, a variety of drugs can be employed in cannabis addiction treatments. Antidepressants, anxiolytics, sleep aids, antipsychotics, and other medications may be used to treat particular symptoms of cannabis withdrawal before, during, or after the detoxification process.
Don’t go through the process of recovery alone. Treatment providers can answer your questions. Get in touch with one today.
Call 0800 999 1083 today!
Following detox, you will be given the choice of an inpatient or outpatient recovery programme. This will be determined by your level of cannabis addiction as well as your particular circumstances.
You will also receive aftercare therapy to help you avoid relapse following your recovery.
Getting sober on your own is not only difficult during the detox process, but it also increases your chances of relapsing later on. Inpatient addiction treatment programmes provide a closely regulated setting in which you will get medical care as well as emotional support to help overcome the cannabis addiction.
Inpatient treatment programmes provide the greatest degree of care, including medically supervised detoxification and 24-hour care and support.
An outpatient treatment programme it’s generally successful to treat a cannabis use issue in its early stages.
Outpatient treatment is a great choice for those who want to quit taking drugs but need the flexibility of a programme that can accommodate their schedules. It is feasible to maintain employment and social responsibilities while undergoing outpatient therapy by engaging in the program’s scheduled activities.
Therapy for marijuana use disorder is an important aspect of recovery. Therapy gives people a choice of possibilities for rehabilitation. These are some of the therapies that can be helpful in treating cannabis addiction:
Counselling‘s goal is to assist you in identifying the source of your behaviour and making adjustments that will help you avoid relapsing in the future.
During counselling, the goal is for you to develop a trusting connection with your counsellor. You will find it simpler to communicate your issues and emotions after this friendship has been built.
Counselling takes place in a safe and comfortable setting, allowing you to speak up about your problems. This is a great way to assist people to overcome their cannabis addiction.
As a result, if you are battling with addiction and want to make a change, counselling will be a great resource.
n drug addiction treatment, cognitive behavioural therapy is commonly employed. When treating cannabis addiction, cognitive behavioural therapy helps patients confront negative beliefs and feelings.
CBT encourages people in recovery from cannabis use disorder to make connections between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours and to be more aware of how these things affect their recovery.
ACT is a type of counselling and psychological intervention that encourages people to open up about unpleasant feelings, memories, and experiences and learn how to react to them in a sensible and helpful way, accepting their place in the grand scheme of things and working toward “valued behaviour,” or dealing with negative factors in a way that does not lead to problematic impulses.
The patient will leave rehab having achieved sobriety and having established a far more optimistic attitude about their future.
The patient was taught several coping skills and psychological defences against relapse while completing a cannabis addiction treatment programme.
However, recovering from cannabis addiction is a long-term process that cannot be accomplished merely by finishing a successful treatment programme.
Some rehab facilities provide clients with up to a year of free aftercare to aid in their recovery. There are some other alternatives for dealing with the ongoing issues in the future. These include joining:
People can discuss their experiences with cannabis in support groups. There are several support groups for persons suffering from cannabis addiction, but there are also general support groups for anybody struggling with drug abuse issues.
Twelve-step programmes provide a secure environment for users to discuss their cannabis experiences and learn from one another. Triggers, cravings, relapse prevention, and coping skills are among the topics discussed by group participants. These organisations gather on a regular basis to address their issues and make atonement for previous errors.
Cannabis addiction is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
Cannabis addiction is difficult to deal with not just for the addict, but also for their family.
Relapses are common among people who are addicted that’s why it’s very important to know the warning signs of relapse and develop strategies to learn how to manage potentially dangerous situations and behaviours.
Probable triggers for cannabis use should be avoided, as well as stressful situations. Finding a healthy distraction or hobby, as well as learning about the addiction, may be really helpful in preventing relapse.
Holistic therapies including Yoga and Meditation have been linked to reduced stress levels, making them an excellent complement for people recovering from cannabis addiction.
They can assist you in feeling better, reducing cravings, and preventing relapse when you return to normal life.
You will reintegrate into society as a clean and sober person once you have completed treatment. The temptation to use again will always arise, and it may come from the most unexpected sources. Surround yourself with a solid network of people who can help you stay clean.
Avoiding solitude is a smart way to start; when you’re alone, you’re more likely to relapse. Move in with a trusted friend or family member for the first few weeks and if you have any problems, don’t hesitate to contact your sponsor.
Take up new activities that do not include smoking, such as yoga, painting, or listening to music.
Cannabis addiction is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
1. It can be addictive.
Although marijuana has been around for thousands of years, scientists still don’t know exactly why it affects people so differently. But they do recognise marijuana addictive properties.
2. Marijuana is the most commonly abused drug in the UK today.
According to recent surveys, cannabis is the most used drug in 2018/2019 in the UK.
3. It can cause mental illness.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that people with a history of heavy marijuana use were three times more likely to develop schizophrenia later in life.
Another recent study showed that regular users of marijuana had higher rates of anxiety, depression and psychosis than non-users did.
Cannabis was the most often used drug in the UK in 2018/19.
In 2018/19, around 2.6 million individuals used cannabis. This translates to 7.6% of adults between the ages of 16 and 59.
Cannabis was the most widely used substance by young adults in 2018/19, with over 1.1 million individuals using it. This translates to 17.3 per cent of young people between the ages of 16 and 24.
Marijuana, also known as cannabis, marijuana, pot, or dope, refers to the dried flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds of the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant includes more than 100 compounds (or cannabinoids). These compounds include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is impairing or mind-altering, as well as other active compounds, such as cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is not impairing, meaning it does not cause a “high”.
Cannabis can be used in a number of ways.3,4 Cannabis can be smoked in joints (like a cigarette), in blunts (cigars or cigar wrappers that have been partly or completely refilled with marijuana), or in bongs (pipes or water pipes).
Cannabis also can be mixed or infused into foods like cookies, cakes, or brownies (called edibles) and can be infused in drinks.
It can be vaped using electronic vaporising devices (i.e., e-cigarettes or vape pens) or other vaporisers.
Compounds (or cannabinoids) in marijuana can also be extracted to make oils and concentrates that can be vaped or inhaled. Smoking oils, concentrates, and extracts from the marijuana plant, known as “dabbing,” is on the rise. Health and safety risks exist for each of the different ways of using marijuana.
Yes. According to research, three out of every ten marijuana user may have a marijuana use disorder, which means they are unable to quit using marijuana despite the fact that it is causing them health and social problems. Marijuana use disorder is more likely to develop in those who start using marijuana before the age of 18 and in those that use it often (daily/nearly daily).
In addition, the concentration or intensity of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana products is rising and daily or near-daily marijuana usage is rising, both of which could increase the risk of addiction and other negative health consequences.
The signs that someone might have marijuana use disorder are:
Marijuana use, especially in large dosages and on a regular basis (daily or nearly daily), can cause disorientation, as well as unpleasant thoughts or feelings of anxiety and paranoia.
Marijuana users are more prone to experience both short-term psychosis (not knowing what is real, hallucinations, and paranoia) and long-term mental problems, such as schizophrenia (a type of mental illness where people might see or hear things that are not really there).
People who start using marijuana at a younger age and use it more regularly have a higher risk of developing psychosis.
Marijuana usage has also been connected to depression, social anxiety, suicidal thoughts, attempts, and deaths.
When you combine alcohol and marijuana, you're more likely to be impaired than if you only use one of them. A higher level of impairment can lead to a higher risk of physical harm. When you consume marijuana and cigarettes at the same time, you may be exposed to more toxic chemicals, which can put your lungs and cardiovascular system at risk (heart and blood vessels). In addition, marijuana has the potential to alter the way prescription medications work. Always consult your doctor about any medications you are taking or considering taking, as well as the potential negative effects of mixing them with other substances, such as marijuana.
No matter where you live, there are drug and alcohol rehab options for you to discover. Treatment providers are waiting to answer your questions. Get started today.
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