More and more people are minimizing cannabis use as of late. A big reason for this is that more and more places are legalizing cannabis for recreational use (especially in the U.S.). Unfortunately, this minimization and legalization do not take into account all of the damage that excessive cannabis use can cause. This includes the negative physical side effects of cannabis addiction. The good news is there are many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help one recover from the effects of cannabis addiction.
Better Understanding Cannabis Addiction
Millions of people struggle with addiction every day. This includes people both in and outside the U.S. Millions of these people are also struggling with the effects of cannabis addiction.
According to the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Cannabis is the most commonly used federally illegal drug in the United States; 52.5 million people, or about 19% of Americans, used it at least once in 2021. Recent research estimated that approximately 3 in 10 people who use cannabis have cannabis use disorder.” Also, “The risk of developing cannabis use disorder is even greater for people who begin to use it before age 18.”
It is also important to understand that cannabis addiction is a disease rather than some type of moral failing or “choice.” Better understanding this can help one to better understand the negative side effects of cannabis addiction.
Understanding the Effects of Cannabis Addiction
The effects of cannabis addiction are far-reaching. They can negatively affect an individual (and their family and close friends) physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Cannabis addiction can also have negative developmental effects on teens.
According to the New England Journal of Medicine, “The brain remains in a state of active, experience-guided development from the prenatal period through childhood and adolescence until the age of approximately 21 years. During these developmental periods, it is intrinsically more vulnerable than a mature brain to the adverse long-term effects of environmental insults, such as exposure to tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the primary active ingredient in marijuana. This view has received considerable support from studies in animals, which have shown, for example, that prenatal or adolescent exposure to THC can recalibrate the sensitivity of the reward system to other drugs…” Excessive cannabis use can also cause mood changes.
It is important to understand that the potency of cannabis is much stronger than it has ever been in history. This leads to more adverse effects. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Cannabis products with THC can cause changes in mood, thoughts, and perceptions of reality. These products can also cause harmful health effects on the brain and other parts of the body. In recent years, there have been big increases in the variety of cannabis products and how much THC they have, as well as a greater variety of ways people can consume them.” The negative effects of cannabis addiction can also be physical.
Better Understanding the Physical Side Effects of Cannabis Addiction
Excessive cannabis use can lead to many physical ailments. This can include respiratory issues if the cannabis is smoked or vaped. It can lead to weight problems due to how cannabis use causes people to lose the healthy regulation of how they eat.
The physical side effects of cannabis addiction may also include poor motor skills and balance due to cannabis intoxication. Cannabis use can also lead to a lack of motivation, which also leads to poor physical health due to physical inactivity. This is why introducing physical activity into one’s cannabis addiction recovery plan can be so important. One of those helpful physical activities may be yoga therapy.
Recovering From the Effects of Cannabis Addiction With Holistic Healing Methods
Holistic healing methods like yoga have been practiced for thousands of years. Originally, yoga was solely utilized as a spiritual and/or religious practice, but it has since moved into the realm of recovery.
Yoga offers a myriad of benefits that can help one recover from cannabis addiction. According to the International Journal of Yoga (IJOY), “Therapeutic yoga is defined as the application of yoga postures and practice to the treatment of health conditions. Yoga therapy involves instruction in yogic practices and teachings to prevent reduce or alleviate structural, physiological, emotional, and spiritual pain, suffering, or limitations. Yogic practices enhance muscular strength and body flexibility, promote and improve respiratory and cardiovascular function, promote recovery from and treatment of addiction, reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, improve sleep patterns, and enhance overall well-being and quality of life.”
The Importance of Long-Term Success at Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive, with a focus on the future.
Recovery is the future, and at Lantana Recovery, the future is friendly. The time to get well is now. We can help.
Many people view cannabis use as only having cognitive and emotional effects. However, excessive cannabis use can cause serious physical harm. The good news is that this physical harm is reversible with the right help. There are many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help one recover from excessive cannabis use and cannabis addiction. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, 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 best to recover, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
