Cannabis use is becoming more and more accepted every day. This is especially true in the United States, as many states are legalizing cannabis for recreational use. Also this is especially true for younger people, as cannabis culture has never been more apparent and acceptable. Unfortunately, cannabis culture does not discuss the dangers of cannabis addiction and all of the negative signs and symptoms that come along with it.
Better Understanding Cannabis Addiction
Cannabis addiction affects millions of people all over the world. It also often starts when people are still in their teens or early 20s. 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 cannabis use disorder is greater in people who start using cannabis during youth or adolescence and who use cannabis more frequently.”
The landscape of cannabis addiction and cannabis culture is also shifting among the sexes. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “For the first time in 2023, 19-to-30-year-old female respondents reported a higher prevalence of past-year cannabis use than male respondents in the same age group, reflecting a reversal of the gap between sexes. Conversely, male respondents 35 to 50 years old maintained a higher prevalence of past-year cannabis use than female respondents of the same age group, consistent with what’s been observed for the past decade.” Many of these individuals will end up with cannabis use disorder, which is why recognizing the signs of the disease is so important.
Out of Cannabis Culture Come the Signs and Symptoms of Cannabis Addiction
Cannabis use and cannabis addiction have some very distinct signs, as well as some of the more universal signs of addiction. While they may vary based on the individual, the following are some of those signs:
- Smelling like marijuana (especially if one smokes it)
- Experiencing physical ailments such as headaches, body aches, and gastrointestinal problems
- Feeling anxious, nervous, or overly “stressed out”
- Having feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Experiencing trouble at work or school
- Loss of appetite and a lack of care regarding physical appearance and well-being
- Trouble breathing (especially due to vaping or smoking marijuana)
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Causing harm to oneself or others
- Having suicidal ideations
Many people can minimize cannabis use and cannabis culture. However, as one can see, these signs and symptoms are significant and can even be deadly. This is why reaching out for professional help as soon as possible is vital. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences.
From Cannabis Culture to Recovery
There are many effective ways to recover from excessive cannabis use and addiction. The key is to find a recovery center that focuses on a multi-angled approach. This means that they offer multiple means of recovery.
These means, methods, and modalities often include psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), experiential therapies like nature immersion therapy and art therapy, and holistic healing methods like mindfulness meditation. Yoga therapy can also be an ideal form of holistic recovery.
Recovering From Cannabis Addiction With a Holistic Approach
The iconic yogi and spiritual leader B.K.S. Iyengar famously said, “Yoga allows you to rediscover a sense of wholeness in your life, where you do not feel like you are constantly trying to fit broken pieces together.” Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years. Initially, it was used solely as a religious or spiritual practice, but it has since moved into the realm of recovery.
Yoga therapy 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 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.
It is important to remember that recovery from cannabis addiction is a journey. However, that recovery journey may be one of the best rides a person may ever take, and it can all start right here at Lantana Recovery.
The use of cannabis and its dangers have been minimized in recent years. This is largely due to the legalization of cannabis in many states. Unfortunately, this brings with it many misconceptions and risks for young people. The good news is there are many means, methods, and modalities that can help one recover from 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 the dangers of cannabis culture, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
