Should You Quit Smoking Weed? Here’s What To Expect.
Let’s look at the facts:
55 million Americans use marijuana, many having become dependent on it, and 4.3% of Americans tried to quit smoking at least 6 times and have failed. It is the second most used mind altering substance in America.
Many are told that you can’t be addicted to weed, however the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) considers marijuana an addictive drug in which people can develop a marijuana use disorder. Psychological dependence is very possible in which one’s body and brain adapt to marijuana as it changes the natural ways the brain works, altering it’s baseline state in a negative way.
What is weed withdrawal like?
Withdrawal typically starts 1-2 days after you quit and symptoms include nausea, headaches, depressed mood, trouble sleeping, nervousness, decreased appetite, and weird dreams. The way you experience symptoms varies on how often and how much you consumed before quitting cold turkey. Chronic cannabis users also may produce intrinsic sleep problems over time.
Having an addiction or dependence on marijuana can lead to various effects even when not in withdrawal. THC can cause cognitive impairment, diminished coordination, a lower reaction time, and paranoia. The THC in weed effects dopamine which leads to euphoria, pain modulation, and anxiety. As you continue to consume weed it becomes harder to quit. Abuse of weed can make new things feel boring to you, ruining the novelties of life. Newer studies are showing too much marijuana use during adolescence can cause your brain long term damage.
Addiction effects all parts of life negatively. Quitting on your own can be very difficult and many do not succeed. It’s easy to get discouraged. Thankfully, there are many ways to treat this addiction and help you quit. This is facilitated with behavioural treatments and medical supervision.
Are you or someone you know struggling with an addiction to marijuana? Please contact us, we can help.
Contact us at info@muskokarecovery.ca, live chat us on our website, or call at 1- 866-491-3337.
