Marijuana addiction may not be taken as seriously as other addictions, but it can happen. Many people use marijuana; it has even become legal in some states. It’s true that some individuals do not get into any trouble, and may even use marijuana to relieve medical symptoms. However, for instance, if you or your loved one are smoking marijuana all day, every day–to the detriment of their other activities–something is seriously wrong. The National Rehab Hotline is prepared to answer questions about marijuana addiction because this disorder can develop no matter who you are. If you believe you need to talk to someone about marijuana regarding yourself or a loved one, then give us a call at 866-210-1303.
What Is Marijuana?
First, it’s important to take a closer look at the substance. Marijuana also called weed, cannabis, pot, or Mary Jane, is simply a plant. Its use has been restricted over years, but many people think it’s a fun and natural drug that isn’t too harmful. However, the way it affects your brain might have addictive properties over time.
The drug’s delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol content makes it unique. Most people call this ingredient THC. This is the chemical that causes mind-altering effects. The following are common:
• Some people experience euphoria.
• Others feel more relaxed than normal.
• You may start to feel giggly or easily amused.
• Some people feel quite creative after taking it.
• Many people experience extreme hunger after using it.
• You might grow more sensitive to light, color, sound, touch, taste and even smell.
Most of these feelings seem positive, but there are some negative symptoms linked to THC, too. The following are a few examples to keep in mind:
• Some people start to feel quite anxious with no way to calm down.
• A few users fall into a state of confusion.
• You could experience delusions or hallucinations, and some could be quite jarring.
• Your blood pressure could spike while you’re under the influence.
• Some users feel sick and even vomit while using marijuana.
• Extreme mental ailments could spring up like paranoia, panic or psychosis. You may not know until you quit smoking marijuana for a while whether the mental symptoms are caused by all the weed, or if indeed you or your loved one has a serious mental condition such as schizophrenia.
These extreme symptoms are more common than you might imagine, and they can begin to eat away at your normal life, especially if you self-medicate with marijuana rather than seek professional help.
Why Is Marijuana abuse increasing?
In the past, it was most common for people to smoke marijuana. Some people consumed it by adding it to food, like brownies, but using THC like that was not so common until recently.
This is changing because the U.S. is starting to accept marijuana use as something that is acceptable, either for fun or to treat medical conditions. Not every state has done this yet, but the path toward full legalization continues.
You may have noticed the uptick in people using it as marijuana continues to be normalized throughout the country. It’s estimated that at least half of American adults have tried this substance, and a percentage of those people are now regular users.
While some can use marijuana without falling into addiction, some people are not able to fight it.
Certain people are more susceptible to problems with drugs and alcohol, including marijuana. On top of that, THC content continues to rise as more strains are developed.
In essence, the marijuana that people used in the past is not like the marijuana some are using now. Potency may increase the chances of developing some kind of substance use disorder, which is something that experts are keeping an eye on. With more users out there, it’s easy to see why there may be more people having problems with marijuana use.
Why Do You Need Help?
The reality is that it’s not wise to fight addiction on your own. People might think they can overcome their habit without treatment. These people may misunderstand their condition, thinking it’s simply a matter of willpower, but that’s not true.
This myth is quite dangerous. Part of what we will talk about if you give The National Rehab Hotline a call at 866-210-1303, is the fact that addiction is something you need help with. When a person becomes dependent on marijuana, the brain changes.
Your brain may have rewired itself after spending so much time absorbing the chemicals in marijuana. You can’t will your brain to restore itself to a stage where you’ll be in control again.
Treatment can point you in the right direction. Now, it’s important to point out that treatment won’t be easy. It’ll take a lot of work and a lot of patience on your part.
Once the treatment is over, things won’t go back to normal right away. You’ll have to learn how to stay in control, which is part of what addiction specialists help with. Professionals can teach you the tools you’ll need to fight off temptation and relapse.
The National Rehab Hotline is here to assist you through all of this. We are here to help you understand your addiction, give you access to treatment options and help you reclaim your life.
We know we can do this because we have a good track record, and our staff members care about every person we talk to. You can expect some of the following should you give us a call:
• You’ll get to talk to experienced and trained personnel.
• All of your questions regarding substance use disorder will be answered.
• We will discuss treatment options like MET (Motivational Enhancement Therapy) and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) with you. These are techniques used where you visit the therapist, perhaps once or twice a week for 1-hour sessions, to work out your problems.
• We can tell you everything you might experience should you enter treatment.
• We’ll help you learn to trust the professionals who offer help for addiction.
• Our team will ask about you and what you’re going through so that we can curate a plan for you.
Give us a call at 866-210-1303 to learn about resources near you for getting addiction treatment. We’re more than eager to help you find yourself again.
What Happens If You Don’t Seek Help?
We understand that asking for help is difficult. People are taught to not ask for assistance and take care of everything on their own. This type of pressure can get to you and make you less likely to admit that you have a problem and need help.
Don’t buy into this way of thinking. Don’t give in to the idea that you don’t have a problem, or that you can quit on your own. You need help, and we welcome you here no matter what. Still, you must be aware of what could happen if you don’t address your problem promptly. The following are some things that may happen:
• You continued marijuana use might force you to lose interest in things you normally like to do.
• You could lose interest in work, and that could lead to being jobless.
• If you continue to use marijuana, getting hired at another company may become challenging, because many companies to drug tests when they hire you.
• Financial troubles could be around the corner if you aren’t able to work, yet you’ll continue to purchase marijuana to feed an addiction.
• Some people default on their financial obligations and even lose their homes.
• Your relationships could suffer. Your relationship with your partner or kids may be threatened by your behavior.
• You could cause irreparable damage to your personal life.
• Some people put themselves or others in danger while under the influence.
We say this because we’ve seen what problems with substance use, including using marijuana, can do to someone when the person doesn’t seek help. We want to make you aware of the realities because we do care about you. If these potential negative outcomes are highlighted, maybe you’ll see why we think it’s important that you give The National Rehab Hotline a call so that we can talk about finding solutions together.
The good thing is you can talk to us no matter what time of the day or what day of the week it is. Our hotline is open 24/7 because we want you to know that you can turn to us whenever you feel ready.
Questions You Should Ask
You’re probably wondering what you should ask when you call the National Rehab Hotline at 866-210-1303. It’s intimidating to call a hotline like this if you’ve never had to before. The following are a few questions you can ask our staff that may help you feel better about this call and help you stay in control:
• What kind of therapies do you offer?
• Which therapies help people who are having a problem quitting marijuana?
• Is rehabilitation involved? What would that experience be like for me?
• Will this treatment be covered by the insurance I have?
• If my insurance won’t cover this, what payment options are available to me?
• Can I bring a loved one with me to visit a treatment center?
• My family wants to be involved. What can I do for them?
• How long does treatment usually take?
• What are you going to do to help ensure that I don’t relapse right after treatment?
• If I’m going to go to this treatment center, what am I expected to bring along with me?
Hopefully, these questions make you feel more at ease about this call. Remember that this call will be private. No one here is going to judge you the way others might. If you’re calling for a loved one, ask what you should do to get them help.
We know you’re going through a lot, and we want to help. You’ve probably talked to a few family members and friends who want to help but don’t have the tools to put that desire into action. We’re here because we can assist you in taking action, so you don’t need to feel anxious or scared about this call.
Keep in mind that this is only your first step toward recovery. This is going to be an impactful moment in your life, so we try to encourage you to involve your family in your recovery. The reality is that your addiction has probably affected everyone in your social circle, especially if your addiction has gone on for some time.
Allowing us to talk to your loved ones and guide them through what you’re about to undertake can be helpful to everyone. We can talk about the recovery process when you give us a call at 866-210-1303, and we’ll discuss what should happen next.
Many times, the reason people don’t give us a call is that they’re afraid of the withdrawal process. The truth is that while coming off constant marijuana use is uncomfortable, you can get past this with help from doctors, counselors, and recovery fellowships,. The important thing is that your body gets accustomed to being without marijuana.
You’ve probably seen some elaborate withdrawal symptoms that seem unpleasant. Maybe you’ve seen convulsing, violent episodes, strong vomiting and more. All of that seems pretty scary, but actors exaggerate things for effect.
The truth is that withdrawal is uncomfortable, but part of what addiction specialists do is help mitigate some things you might experience. The important thing is that your body gets accustomed to being without marijuana.
Addiction treatment targets behavior, and to go through that, you’ll have to talk to a mental health specialist who can help you learn more. You’ll learn to recognize triggers and avoid them. You’ll also learn ways to manage temptation and stress; both things could cause you to relapse. This is just a glimpse of what you could expect to learn when you talk to us about treatment.
Allow The National Rehab Hotline to help you in your time of need. Someone from our staff will be waiting by the phone for your call as soon as you’re willing to make it. The number is 866-210-1303, and we’re here for you.