The reality is that more and more people are using cannabis than ever before. There are many reasons for this. One of the biggest ones being that cannabis is becoming legal in more and more places. Unfortunately, this increase in cannabis use is also causing a drastic increase in cannabis addiction.
Better Understanding Cannabis Addiction
Many people are at risk of cannabis addiction (also known as cannabis use disorder). 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.” Lastly, “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 minimize cannabis use because they feel that it is not addictive. This is simply untrue, especially when it comes to psychological addiction. Often, people who become addicted to cannabis become addicted to the euphoria that they feel cognitively rather than a physical pang. It is also important to be able to spot the signs and symptoms of cannabis addiction if one is going to get the help that they need.
Understanding the Signs and Symptoms of Cannabis Addiction
The signs and symptoms of cannabis addiction are going to vary based on the individual. However, there are many universal signs that there may be a problem. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Losing interest in activities and hobbies once enjoyed
- Experiencing otherwise unexplained physical symptoms like headaches, body aches, and gastrointestinal problems
- Trouble with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
- Feeling an overwhelming sense of dread
- Not being able to stop using cannabis once started
- Feeling overly anxious, nervous, or “stressed out”
- Having feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness (depression)
- Experiencing cannabis-related trouble at work or school
- Committing self-harm
- Having suicidal ideations
As one can see, these are significant issues that should never be minimized, which is why if any, many, or all of the symptoms manifest, it is important to seek help sooner rather than later. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences.
Getting Help for Cannabis Addiction
The biggest part of getting help for cannabis addiction is reaching out for help. Often, this means reaching out to close friends and family for help.
However, many people find it better to reach out to various recovery or 12-Step groups instead. These groups can help one stay sober and recover from cannabis. Also, these groups can help one to avoid a potential relapse.
Relapse is more common than many people may understand. According to the peer-reviewed thesis, Addiction Relapse Prevention, by Doctors Guenzel and McChargue, “One primary concern in addiction treatment is the high rate of relapses within a short period after even the most intensive treatment. Many studies have shown relapse rates of approximately 50% within the first 12 weeks after completion of intensive inpatient programs that often last 4 to 12 weeks or more and can cost tens of thousands of dollars.”
Different Means, Methods, and Modalities for Cannabis Addiction
The good news is there are many effective means, methods, and modalities for recovering from cannabis addiction. One of the most popular and effective ways is via psychotherapy like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can be particularly effective because it helps an individual see the underlying negative way that they view themself and the world around them.
CBT can also be particularly effective because it makes the individual an active participant in the recovery process. According to the peer-reviewed journal, Cognitive Therapy and Research, “Consistent with the medical model of psychiatry, the overall goal of treatment is symptom reduction, improvement in functioning, and remission of the disorder. In order to achieve this goal, the patient becomes an active participant in a collaborative problem-solving process to test and challenge the validity of maladaptive cognitions and to modify maladaptive behavioral patterns… Although these strategies greatly emphasize cognitive factors, physiological, emotional, and behavioral components are also recognized for the role that they play in the maintenance of the disorder.
There are also many other effective modalities. This includes experiential therapies like art therapy and nature immersion therapy, and holistic healing methods like yoga therapy and mindfulness meditation.
Success Over Cannabis Addiction With 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.
Cannabis addiction can rob an individual and their family of the future they both deserve and desire, but it doesn’t have to. The key is to reach out, ask for help, and take the first step.
Cannabis is more popular than ever in the U.S. Because of this, it is often seen as a harmless substance. This is simply untrue. There are many harmful symptoms and warning signs of cannabis addiction. Being able to recognize them can be critical for getting the essential help that one needs. 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.
