Cannabis culture and cannabis use have become significantly more prevalent and accepted in recent years. One of the primary reasons for this is that recreational cannabis use has become legalized in many states, and restrictions have become looser in others. Unfortunately, this trend of legalization does not take into account the pain that cannabis addiction can cause. This includes the negative cognitive effects of cannabis addiction. The good news is there are many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help one to recover.
Better Understanding Cannabis and Cannabis Addiction
Millions of people struggle with cannabis addiction every day. This is true both in the United States and around the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Approximately 3 in 10 people who use cannabis have cannabis use disorder. It is estimated that people who use cannabis have about a 30% likelihood of becoming addicted.” Also, “The risk of developing cannabis use disorder is greater in people who start using cannabis during youth or adolescence and who use cannabis more frequently.”
Many people don’t acknowledge cannabis addiction as a problem. This is because they stigmatize cannabis use as something less severe than using alcohol or other substances. This is both unfortunate and unfair.
The reality is that cannabis addiction can be just as destructive and painful as other addictions. This is because all addictions are diseases. Some people get confused and think that addiction is some type of moral failing or “choice.” This is false. Addiction has more in common with other chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes than it does with a choice.
The Signs and Symptoms of Cannabis Addiction
Now, the signs and symptoms of excessive cannabis use and cannabis addiction are always going to vary based on the individual. However, one can look out for many universal signs and symptoms of cannabis addiction. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Not being able to stop once using cannabis
- Loss of appetite (or excessive appetite) and a lack of care regarding physical appearance and well-being
- Experiencing trouble at work or school
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Feeling anxious, nervous, or overly “stressed out”
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Using cannabis as a “gateway” to alcohol and other substances
- Having trouble with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
- Experiencing physical ailments such as headaches, body aches, and gastrointestinal problems
- Impaired judgment
- Having feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness
- Causing harm to oneself or others
- Having suicidal ideations
Now, as previously mentioned, people often minimize cannabis addiction or even falsely categorize it as a “choice.” However, as one can see, these signs and symptoms are significant and can even be deadly. This is why reaching out for professional help sooner rather than later is critical. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences. It could also greatly reduce the cognitive side effects of cannabis addiction.
The Cognitive Effects of Cannabis Addiction
The cognitive effects of cannabis addiction can range from mild to severe. This is dependent on how much cannabis one uses and for how long.
According to the Journal of Addiction Medicine, “Cannabis use has been shown to impair cognitive functions on a number of levels – from basic motor coordination to more complex executive function tasks, such as the ability to plan, organize, solve problems, make decisions, remember, and control emotions and behavior. These deficits differ in severity depending on the quantity, recency, age of onset, and duration of marijuana use… Individuals with cannabis-related impairment in executive functions have been found to have trouble learning and applying the skills required for successful recovery, putting them at increased risk for relapse to cannabis use.”
This focus on “relapse” is important because many people don’t realize just how prevalent relapses are in the U.S. According to the peer-reviewed journal Current Psychiatry Reports, “It has long been known that addictive disorders are chronic and relapsing in nature. Recent estimates from clinical treatment studies suggest that more than two-thirds of individuals relapse within weeks to months of initiating treatment.” Also, “For 1-year outcomes across alcohol, nicotine, weight, and illicit drug abuse, studies show that more than 85% of individuals relapse and return to drug use within 1 year of treatment.”
The Cognitive Effects of Cannabis Addiction: Long-Term Success With Lantana Recovery
The good news is that there is a solution for recovery from cannabis addiction. Here at Lantana Recovery, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” That is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive, with a focus on the future.
The future is now. Recovery is waiting. The key is to reach out and grab it.
Many people are aware that cannabis use can make one “absent-minded” and “aloof.” However, they may not be aware of the serious cognitive damage that cannabis use can cause over time. The good news is that there are many effective means, methods, and modalities to help one recover from cannabis addiction. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about cannabis addiction and how to recover, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
