Cannabis remains one of the most widely used illicit drugs substance across the globe.
The challenges surrounding cannabis addiction increase each day as access to this substance has grown significantly.

The risks associated with cannabis consumption are alarming and continue to escalate. Prolonged use has been associated with a heightened risk of several physical and mental health issues. Seeking professional help is highly recommended, and at Sierra Recovery, we offer a compassionate environment for everyone who wants to recover from cannabis dependency.

What Is Cannabis?

Cannabis, also known as marijuana comes from the cannabis sativa plant, which contains cannabinoids or the psychoactive compounds that can influence your thought processes, feelings of reward and pleasure, and sensory perception when consumed or smoked. While the initial experience can be enjoyable, it may also lead to various long-term consequences.

This substance appears as a dried, shredded blend of the plant’s flowers, stems, seeds, and leaves, typically showcasing shades of green, brown, or gray that slightly resemble tobacco. It is commonly smoked in pipes and sometimes mixed with other substances. In some cases, marijuana is infused into food or brewed as tea.

How Addictive Is Cannabis?

Many people mistakenly believe that cannabis or marijuana use cannot be addictive, which often prevents those experiencing symptoms of addiction from seeking the help they need. However, marijuana is one of the most commonly misused substances worldwide, making addiction to it more prevalent than many realise.

Cannabis is a highly addictive substance because of the primary component, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the euphoric feeling it gives when consumed.

Negative Effects Of Cannabis Use

When cannabis is inhaled, the active component THC enters your lungs and quickly moves into the bloodstream. It will then distribute to your various organs, including the brain where the THC binds to specific sites known as cannabinoid receptors on nerve cells, affecting their activity. Many of these receptors are situated in the parts of your brain that control your pleasure, thought processes, sensory experiences, and coordination of movement.

Although you might feel a sense of relaxation and an enhanced enjoyment of activities, using cannabis also comes with adverse effects such as paranoia, rapid heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and severe vomiting.

Understanding Cannabis Addiction

Cannabis use disorder (CUD) or cannabis addiction refers to a troubling pattern of cannabis consumption that results in significant impairment or distress in a person’s life. In addition, people with this condition also experience dependence, which means they may encounter withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the substance. They often describe various physical and psychological discomforts which typically intensify within the first week after they stop using the substance.

Signs And Symptoms Of Cannabis Addiction

A diagnosis of cannabis addiction can only be made by a qualified healthcare professional. Clinicians rely on the criteria specified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5).

If you notice that you consume cannabis in larger quantities, you experience strong cravings, dedicate most of your time to obtaining or using the substance, and you often experience unsuccessful attempts to reduce your consumption, you are likely suffering from cannabis addiction. Other telltale signs of cannabis addiction include experiencing tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.

Causes Of Cannabis Addiction

Addiction can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or cultural background. Although the exact causes of cannabis addiction remain unclear, data from research and clinical practice showed that if you have a family history of substance use problems, a dysfunctional environment, past trauma such as physical or sexual abuse, and early exposure to substances, you are at risk of developing cannabis addiction.

It’s important to understand that having one or more of these risk factors does not guarantee that you will become addicted to cannabis. The relationship between these factors and addiction is complex, and they do not necessarily cause one another.

There is no specific formula or set of risk factors that will lead to addiction. However, those factors can increase the chances of developing an addiction.

Cannabis Withdrawal

Withdrawal occurs when your body signals that it can no longer function properly due to cannabis dependence. This can lead to a range of physical and psychological symptoms that can be quite difficult to endure. These can include anxiety, irritability, sleep problems, depressed mood, reduced appetite, headaches, muscle tension, and abdominal discomfort.

While the physical aspects of cannabis withdrawal typically last from one to two weeks, the psychological effects can linger for months or even years if not addressed with appropriate treatment. It is important to recognise that attempting to withdraw from any substance without support can be risky, and seeking professional assistance is always advisable.

Cannabis Addiction Treatment In Our Rehab Centre

Our comprehensive cannabis rehab programme typically involves a combination of interventions that address both the physical and mental aspects of the condition. These include:

Detoxification

Detoxification involves the process of eliminating harmful substances from your body. When it comes to cannabis detox, the programme specifically targets the removal of THC from your body. This can be both physically and emotionally challenging, as you may face intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can differ based on the amount of cannabis consumed and the severity of your condition.

Individual Therapy

Our individual therapy offers a private environment where you can meet with our therapist who specialises in addiction recovery. In these one-on-one therapy sessions, you can collaborate closely with our professionals to reflect on challenges and overall experiences in rehab. This setting also allows you to tackle personal issues that you might find difficult to discuss in group therapy.

In addition, the therapist also works to uncover and address the root causes of your addiction while helping to create effective strategies for preventing relapse and supporting your ongoing recovery.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is a form of treatment conducted in a group setting where multiple individuals receive support simultaneously. This shared environment fosters a sense of community, allowing you to connect with others with similar therapeutic objectives.

Often integrated into a broader rehab treatment plan for those struggling with cannabis addiction, group therapy can be just as effective as one-on-one therapy. Participants in group therapy sessions play a crucial role in this process because they offer guidance and encouragement to each other to overcome addiction. Furthermore, these groups create a space where they can share their experiences and offer each other understanding and compassion.

Holistic And Alternative Therapy

In addition to conventional talk therapies, holistic and alternative therapies have gained recognition as valuable treatment options for addressing cannabis addiction. Holistic methods such as yoga, art, and music therapy promote relaxation and alleviate stress which can help you confront the emotional triggers associated with your addiction. Furthermore, engaging in various creative expressions offers a constructive way to process your emotions and foster personal growth.

Aftercare

Completing a cannabis addiction treatment programme is just the beginning of the journey toward lasting recovery. Our aftercare planning and support are essential in helping you sustain progress over a long period of time. This may include connecting you with support groups or community resources, offering continued therapy or counselling, and ensuring you have access to services that prevent relapse. The aftercare programme in our drug rehab helps you to be equipped with the necessary tools and support to maintain sobriety.

Begin Your Cannabis Rehab At Sierra Recovery

Cannabis addiction is a complex condition that affects major areas of life. If cannabis has become a barrier between you and the life you want to live, know that your story is not over.

We understand that it is not easy and you might feel stuck or unsure where to turn. We are here to listen without judgement, to support you without pressure, and to help you find your way back to a life you feel good about.

You may also be surprised to learn about our affordable treatment programmes compared to other rehab centres. Our facility provides excellent provision for treating most addictions without the need for cutting corners.

If you are ready to feel connected again to yourself and others, take the first step to overcome cannabis addiction by reaching out to our dedicated team at Sierra Recovery.