Answer Addiction

Tag: marijuana side effects

  • "Weed To Know" Campaign Informs Expectant Mothers About Pot Use

    "Weed To Know" Campaign Informs Expectant Mothers About Pot Use

    The campaign focuses on providing expectant mothers with the possible outcomes from marijuana use on unborn children.

    Health officials in Spokane, Washington are using a public information campaign to encourage young pregnant women to exercise caution when using marijuana.

    As coverage in the Spokesman-Review noted, the Spokane Regional Health District’s “Weed to Know” campaign is intended to provide information to expectant mothers who may have “less concern” about using marijuana, which is legal in Washington state.

    Starting a Conversation

    Representatives from the district know that while definitive information about the impact of marijuana use on a fetus has yet to be produced, they want to “stimulate some conversation” in order to give mothers information to make informed choices.

    According to statistics cited by the Spokesman-Review article, marijuana use among pregnant women remains relatively rare at 7%, but that number is higher than data culled in 2014, when just 3.9% of pregnant women reported using marijuana. That number was enough for the Spokane Regional Health District’s Community and Family Services division to launch “Weed to Know.”

    The campaign focuses on providing possible outcomes from marijuana use on unborn children, including the chance of negative impact on brain and body development.

    As Melissa Charbonneau, a public health nurse with the Community and Family Services division, pointed out, the information featured on the site was culled from studies that used lower-income mothers who utilized public health care in other countries, and who had used other substances, including alcohol or tobacco, while pregnant. 

    More Research Needed

    Efforts to obtain more conclusive evidence have been also been historically hindered by the federal government, which has classified marijuana as a Schedule I drug. “It is frustrating, because [we] don’t have all the answers,” said Charbonneau. “But the answers we do have, I think, are enough to give you pause.”

    Charbonneau also points to statements by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists and Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, both of which encourage medical professionals to dissuade expectant patients from marijuana use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as support for their concern. 

    They also look to a pair of studies, one of which is being conducted in Spokane by the Washington State University Nursing School, which is looking into how information about marijuana use is being disseminated to mothers by health care professionals and marijuana retailers. A second, recently funded study at the University of Washington hopes to use in-utero imaging to determine if marijuana use has any effect on the formation of the fetus’s brain.

    As the Spokesman-Review noted, research such as these efforts is crucial in developing a more cohesive understanding of marijuana use during pregnancy without the studies cited in the “Weed to Know” campaign, which are skewed by other substances. 

    “Universally, we would all like to see good research that would answer these questions,” said Crystal Oliver, director of the cannabis advocacy group Washington Sungrowers Industry Association. “We can exclude things like tobacco use.”

    Until those studies are produced, the Health District plans to continue to advise mothers on the possible side effects of marijuana use on their unborn children.

    “We don’t have all the answers, but we want people to think twice about this before I’m going to be put in charge of children, before I’m going to breastfeed my child, before I’m going to get pregnant, or even while I’m pregnant, let’s have some conversations here.”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • A Word of Caution Before You Experiment with Those Marijuana Edibles

    A Word of Caution Before You Experiment with Those Marijuana Edibles

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Edibles include brownies, cookies, and other sweets that contain marijuana. They get you high. However, the THC potency of edibles differs from smoking marijuana. This article seeks to inform you about risks of eating marijuana and the dangers to your physical and mental health. At the end, we invite your questions.

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: Less than 10 minutes.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    What Are Marijuana Edibles?

    The short answer is that an edible is food infused with marijuana. Edibles come in many forms, including:

    • Baked goods
    • Beverages
    • Candies
    • Chocolates
    • Gummies
    • Lozenges

    Edibles may be homemade or prepared commercially for dispensaries. In order to understand how edibles affect your physical and mental health, we must first understand how marijuana works.

    Marijuana is a psychoactive drug that comes from cannabis plants. Generally, people smoke it to get high. The euphoric high is caused by marijuana’s active ingredient, Tetrahydrocannabinol (or THC). THC effects vary from person to person. Some people feel relaxed, happy, and less self-conscious while others feel sleepy, anxious, or uncoordinated. Part of the reason for difference in THC effect is related to your state of mental health.

    In recent years, vaporizers and edibles have become more popular. But how does it work? How does oral ingestion of marijuana differ from smoking it?

    How the Body Digests Edibles

    The high caused by eating marijuana doesn’t come on the same way as when you smoke it. When you inhale smoked marijuana, THC is delivered quickly from your lungs, to your bloodstream, to your brain. The high comes on almost immediately and peaks 20-30 minutes later. However, when you eat it, it can take up to an hour to kick in. What does this metabolism look like?

    Edibles introduce cannabinoids through the gastrointestinal tract. From the gut, THC is absorbed into the bloodstream and travels via the portal vein to the liver, where it undergoes first-pass metabolism. Here, liver enzymes hydroxylate THC to form 11-hydroxytetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THC), a potent psychoactive metabolite that readily crosses the blood-brain barrier

    11-OH-THC is more potent than Δ9-THC and appears in blood in higher quantities when ingested than when inhaled.

    In this way, edibles are thought to bring on stronger and longer-lasting drug effect comparable doses of smoked cannabis. Not everyone who smokes feels negative effects, marijuana has the strong potential to bring on a bad experience. Especially when the person who consumed isn’t in the proper mindset.

    The short-term effects of marijuana can include:

    • Anxiety
    • Distortions of perception in sight, touch, time, sound, space
    • Increased heart rate
    • Loss of coordination
    • Problems with memory and/or learning
    • Trouble with thinking, and problem-solving

    The long-term effects of using marijuana include:

    • Changes in the brain
    • Fertility issues
    • Immune system problems
    • Respiratory problems

    The Dangers of Marijuana Edibles

    When people take a marijuana edible, they might not know what’s about to hit them. This could, in turn, have psychoactive effects which can be highly uncomfortable. For example, there are instances where people who eat a marijuana experience high levels of anxiety. The reason this counteracts the normal idea that cannabis relieves anxious states is because high amounts of THC can trigger the onset of anxiety. THC stimulates certain regions of the brain which are responsible for fear.

    Another mental risk involved in eating edibles is depression. It should be noted that most people don’t feel depression while high on cannabis, but rather, feel it after a long period of cannabis use. In general, people who use marijuana generally have higher symptoms of depression in comparison to those who don’t. This is the same for the mental health issue of schizophrenia.

    These mental issues don’t pertain solely to eating edibles and can be seen within a person who only smokes cannabis. However, the reason they’re mentioned is because marijuana edibles are a different kind of beast. Generally, the high comes on much stronger in comparison to smoking it and it lasts longer. With that in mind, the mental health issues can become much more serious when THC is eaten.

    Again, the effects always vary from individual to individual. But then there are situations such as Luke Goodman’s. Luke was a young college graduate who ate five times the recommended dose of marijuana edibles and shot himself. Though the cause of death was from a self-inflicted wound, the psychoactive effects of cannabis have been blamed for the decision he made.

    The dangers involved in edibles are very similar to that of cannabis in general. Simply, they’re taken to a new, higher level.

    Can You Overdose on an Edible?

    Yes, you can overdose when eating a marijuana edible.

    People don’t die from taking marijuana or its active ingredient, THC. However, an overdose doesn’t necessarily require a fatal consequence. According to Medline Plus, the definition of a drug overdose is when you take too much of a drug with the outcome of serious, harmful symptoms. Therefore, technically you can overdose from a marijuana edible.

    But what exactly is a cannabis overdose?

    When you either smoke too much marijuana or ingest too much of an edible, the following symptoms may arise:

    • Anxiety or panic attacks
    • Ataxia/Dizziness
    • Nausea
    • Possible crying
    • Sensations of dying
    • Sweating
    • Vomiting

    Furthermore, overdosing on marijuana can result in you having a psychotic reaction – a state of mind where you lose sense of reality and possibly become paranoid. Through these symptoms, there a larger potential for people to injure themselves as marijuana affects:

    • Coordination
    • Judgment
    • Perception

    Luckily, as long as the person overdosing doesn’t inflict injury upon themselves, marijuana overdoses don’t cause permanent disability or death. But that’s not to say these consequences don’t remain a possibility. When someone overdoses on marijuana, they may feel the following symptoms:

    • Disorientation
    • Fast heart rate
    • Hallucinations
    • Pupil dilation
    • Shortness of breath
    • Temporary paranoia, fear, and anxiety
    • Uncontrollable shaking or feeling cold
    • Vomiting and/or nausea

    If you or someone you love experiences a marijuana overdose, it’s important to go the emergency room or call 911 as soon as possible. Psycho-emotional issues can compel someone into doing something which can result in undesired consequence.

    Lack of Regulation – Even in Legal States

    One of the biggest issues with eating marijuana is that there’s little regulation involved in determining what’s “too much”. Part of the problem is everyone reacts to THC differently, especially when ingested through the stomach. For example, a skinnier person will require less of an edible in order to get the same dose as someone who weighs more. Admittedly, cannabis businesses encourage new-time marijuana users to start at a lower dose and go slow with how much they intake. However, dose specific reactions are unpredictable.

    Even in legal states, distributors are not entirely sure how to label marijuana dosages. Legalization is still very new. Therefore, without federal regulations, states must determine management of product labeling themselves. And what we’re noticing is different states have created different regulations.

    Edibles on School Campuses

    Another problem we’re seeing is that marijuana and edibles have found more accessibility on school campuses. Additionally, more and more teens using weed. Part of the reason is, with legalization, cannabis has become much more accessible in general. Therefore, kids and teenagers are finding a way to obtain it and share it with their classmates. Another reason is that perceptions of harm have decreased. The National Institute of Health’s (NIH) 2017 Monitoring the Future survey shows that marijuana is more popular than traditional cigarettes or even pain killers.

    While overall stigma around marijuana has decreased (and this can be good for medical purposes), when it comes to curious-minded young people, we’re telling them that cannabis is okay. We’re saying, in fact, that eating cannabis can be medically good for you! With that kind of outlook, teenagers are beginning to view marijuana as an alcoholic views drinking – as a means of self-medicating.

    The National Institute on Drug Abuse has a Monitoring the Future survey in which they observe drug trends amongst the youth. The survey reported these statistics:

    • About 1 in every 16 high schooler seniors use weed daily.
    • Daily marijuana smoking has surpassed daily cigarette smoking for all teens.
    • Only half of 10th and 12th graders perceive risks in smoking marijuana as they did 20 years ago.

    Harm Reduction Tips

    In order to avoid edible overdose, there are a few considerations to take into account. Factors such as:

    •  Eating habits
    •  Gender
    •  Metabolism
    •  Weight

    …contribute to how soon and for how long you will feel intoxicated following oral ingestion. However, the lack of consistency in how much THC is present in edibles and the delayed intoxication can lead to consumption of higher than intended amounts of the drug.

    For this reason, ALWAYS LOOK FOR THE PRECISE AMOUNTS AND RELATIVE CONCENTRATIONS OF THC AND CANNIBIDIOL IN EDIBLES. Further, do not eat more edibles than suggested for your gender, weight, and metabolism.

    Also know that labels may be inaccurate and formulas may be inconsistent. So, to be absolutely certain of what you’re about to eat….you may need to send a sample to a lab. At the least, seek more information from the person who’s selling you the edible.

    Be sure that you wait long enough for effects to onset. Avoid increasing doses or eating more until at least a couple of hours after your first bite. This way, you can reduce risk of compounded effects, including overdose and temporary psychosis.

    Finally, never eat a marijuana edible and then drive. More harm reduction tips here:

    Are Marijuana Edibles Addictive?

    Yes, marijuana and edibles can be addictive. In this case, however, addiction depends more on the person rather than the drug. Most people who smoke marijuana don’t become addicted. According to NIDA, from 9-17% of users become psychologically dependent on this drug. Still, you may wonder, how does one become addicted to cannabis?

    Well, there are a couple of factors to consider. The first is the age in which the person first consumed marijuana. When someone tries cannabis at a young age (their teenage years), their risks of developing an addiction increase. Another factor is if someone uses marijuana daily, they’re much more likely to develop an addiction than those who don’t use daily. On the other hand, people who smoke casually (not on a daily basis) are less likely to experience any of the symptoms which come with a marijuana addiction.

    Signs of an addiction include:

    • Anxiety, paranoia, and fear
    • Consistent coughing (may have mucus)
    • Distorted perception
    • Difficulty thinking and problem solving
    • Dry mouth
    • Impaired coordination
    • Loss of control
    • Poor memory
    • Problems with memory
    • Rapid heartbeat
    • Red (bloodshot) eyes
    • Slow reaction time

    With these symptoms in mind, it’s important to remember that – just like any other addiction, marijuana comes with its own set of withdrawal symptoms:

    • Chills
    • Cravings
    • Headaches
    • Increased feelings of depression
    • Irritability
    • Loss of appetite
    • Loss of focus
    • Mood changes
    • Sleeping difficulties
    • Stomach problems
    • Sweating (including cold sweats)

    So, what can you do if you think you’ve got a problem?

    Treatment for a Problem

    If you or someone you know is addicted to marijuana, it’s important they seek out treatment. Marijuana addiction can lead to the following negative effects if it’s left untreated:

    • The inability to cut down or quit using marijuana.
    • Spending lots of time thinking, seeking out, and using marijuana.
    • Reduced participation in what previously interested activities.
    • Choosing interests only when they involve getting high.
    • Problems with everyday responsibilities..
    • Using for the sake of escaping and coping with life stressors.
    • The dependence of marijuana to be creative.

    Upon entering treatment, you can expect the following:

    1. A medical assessment in which doctors will test you and ask you questions as a means of collecting information of your current condition.

    2. A medical detox in which you’ll withdrawal from marijuana. This usually takes about a week, however, since marijuana doesn’t affect the body nearly as much as other substances (such as cocaine and heroin), a medical detox might not be necessary. After the medical assessment, you’ll know how difficult your withdrawals may be.

    3. Psychotherapies are recommended to treat underlying issues that are buried. You’ll learn how to handle everyday emotions and life stressors without marijuana being a factor. Furthermore, you’ll be educated in techniques which can reduce cannabis cravings. These therapies can come in a variety of forms including:

    ◦ Family therapy
    ◦ Group Therapy
    ◦ Individual Counseling

    4. Pharmacotherapy (medication) is sometimes used to help ease withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings. Again, since marijuana isn’t as physically addictive as other drugs, you might not need any medication. You should talk to your doctor if you think you’ll need medical assistance.

    5. Educational sessions in which you’ll be informed on the dangers of marijuana addiction and how to prevent relapse.

    6. Aftercare services which will provide you with support as a means of maintain sobriety.

    It’s important you seek out medical supervision while going through the treatment process as it’ll guarantee the success of you quitting marijuana. Since marijuana isn’t as dangerous in addiction as other drugs, you can safely withdrawal and get sober yourself. However, many find it of greater help to enter a reputable treatment facility and learn how to change their lives for the sake of sobriety. And at the least, you’ll benefit from working with a psychologist, counselor, or therapist. Guidance in addressing thought patterns can help you change behaviors.

    Where to Find Help

    The first person you’ll want to consult is your doctor or physician. S/He will be able to offer a brief assessment of possible addiction. Your family doctors or general physician can also give you the best references to treatment within your area.

    Second, you can call us for help. The telephone number listed on this page will connect you to a helpline answered by American Addiction Centers (AAC). The helpline is offered at no cost and with no obligation to enter treatment. We’ll discuss your treatment options with you, which can include rehab. So, if you are ready to get, pick up the phone and give us a call.

    Here’s a checklist of places to find help:

    Finally, look out for support groups in your local are. The people involved in these will help you along the recovery process and make sure you stay in sobriety. Marijuana Anonymous holds meetings around the U.S. Check their directory for listings in your city and state.

    Your Questions

    If you have any questions pertaining to marijuana edibles or marijuana addiction, we invite you to ask them below. If you have any advice to those struggling with addiction or curious about marijuana edibles, we’d also love to hear from you. We try to reply to each comment in a prompt and personal manner.

    View the original article at

  • Is Your Teen Smoking Pot? Here’s 5 Next Steps to Take

    Is Your Teen Smoking Pot? Here’s 5 Next Steps to Take

    Nearly 6% of American High School Seniors Use Pot Daily

    The discovery that your teenager is smoking pot can be upsetting. Whether you caught them in the act or they admitted it to you, the next steps that you take are critical for their long-term health and happiness. While teens have often been known to engage in rebellious acts over the years, those who experiment with marijuana frequently discover that they cannot stop as easily as they thought.

    According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens, nearly six percent of high school seniors admitting to using marijuana on a daily basis, and forty-five percent claimed that they had tried it in the past year.

    If you suspect that your teen may be smoking marijuana, here’s a few steps you should take to make sure that he or she does not face the consequences of becoming a chronic user.

    1. Confirm Your Suspicions

    Your first step is to find out for sure if your teen is actually using marijuana. Here are some signs that might suggest your teen is smoking pot:

    •  You find paraphernalia or smelled marijuana smoke on your teen
    •  Your  teen is hanging out with known users of the drug
    •  Your teen wears clothing or listens to music that glorifies pot
    •  Your teen exhibits signs of being under the influence, such as having memory lapses or   difficulty   holding a clear conversation

    If you suspect that your teen is using marijuana, you can confirm your suspicions by simply asking them if they are smoking or ingesting pot. Keep in mind, however, that your teen may lie if they believe that telling the truth will get them in trouble. In these instances, you may need to seek further proof of their marijuana use by having them take a drug test at home or in a professional setting.

    2. Open Up a Dialogue

    Ideally, you have been talking to your teen about drugs for several years. Now, you need to open up a deeper conversation about marijuana use. Begin by picking a time when you know that your teen is comfortable and open to talking. Try to avoid times when you are rushed, such as on the way to school since this conversation could turn into one that is more complex than you expected. You can also use techniques such as asking open-ended questions to make sure that this feels like a conversation and less like a lecture. Remember that your goal is to get your teen to open up about their marijuana use so that you can begin to work together on finding a solution to help them stop.

    3. Talk About the Risks for Teens

    One of the reasons for the increasing rates of teen marijuana use is that it is no longer depicted as dangerous in the media. Teens who read about the legalization of marijuana for medical and recreational purposes may begin to think that using the drug is low risk. While marijuana may be legal in certain states, the truth is that it is still illegal for teenagers to use. Marijuana also affects teenagers differently than it does adults, and your kid needs to know the facts.

    Gather some information about the risks of using marijuana for teens before you sit down with your child to talk about their use. For instance, you may put together a few facts about how marijuana affects the developing brain. Your teen may be surprised to discover that doing pot in their teen years could affect their ability to think and rationalize properly as adults.

    In addition the physical risks of marijuana use, your teen is also placing themselves in a risky situation. For example, your teen could face stiff fines and jail time if they are caught with marijuana in their possession. Chronic use may also be causing your teen to struggle in school, or they may have been kicked off of their sports team.

    4. Check for Other Forms of Drug Abuse

    Marijuana is often considered a gateway drug because kids who try it may be tempted to experiment with stronger substances to achieve different effects. Certain drugs, such as PCP, can also be mixed with marijuana to make the high more intense. If you know that your teen is smoking pot, then you should find out if there are other forms of substance abuse in your child’s history. While you can ask them if they are using other drugs, you may need to seek a professional evaluation if they are not forthcoming. Keep in mind that teens often mix pot with alcohol, which can lead to coexisting addictions that must be treated at the same time.

    5. Treat Any Underlying Causes

    Teens do drugs for a variety of reasons. While some teens may use marijuana once out of curiosity or due to peer pressure, those who use it more often are likely trying to mask other issues.

    For example, your teen may feel like using weed helps them to overcome their social anxiety. They may enjoy how it makes them feel cool or helps them to fit into a specific social group. Keep in mind that marijuana is not just used by kids who tend to get in trouble. Athletes, gifted students and popular kids are all vulnerable to falling prey to marijuana addiction, especially if they feel like it helps them to be a part of a group.

    Your teen may also use marijuana to deal with serious mental health issues, and this is more common if they have never been diagnosed. Teens with anxiety may feel as though the pot helps them to stay calm, and kids with ADHD may like how they think it helps them to stay focused. While you may know that marijuana does more harm than good for these conditions, your teen may need to work with a professional counselor to learn how to cope with their mental health issues in healthier ways.

    Conclusion

    Contrary to popular belief, marijuana is an addictive substance that has negative effects on a teenager’s health. When you suspect that your teen is smoking pot, be sure to take immediate action. With lots of talking and professional counseling, your teen can learn to live a happy life without relying upon substances to feel better.

    View the original article at

  • Is it Difficult to Quit Marijuana?

    Is it Difficult to Quit Marijuana?

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: It is fairly easy to quit using marijuana, even if you’re physically dependent on THC. You’ll learn more about the addictive potential of marijuana in this article. Then, we review common side effects of quitting and typical withdrawal protocols. Finally, we offer tips from the experts.

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: 10 minutes

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    Physical Dependence

    Marijuana is one of the most casually used drugs today. Repeated use can lead to physical and psychological dependence, which means your body and brain crave marijuana to be able to function normally. But what’s the difference between the two?

    PHYSICAL DEPENDENCE is natural and expected outcome of regular use of a psychoactive drug like marijuana. It occurs in all individuals who use marijuana daily…but the time it takes to become drug dependent varies by individual.. Those who are physically dependent can become drug-free through a gradual decrease in dosage or by quitting marijuana cold turkey.

    PSYCHOLOGICAL DEPENDENCE (a.k.a. ADDICTION) can be accompanied or precipitated by physical dependence, but not always. The main difference between physical dependence and psychological dependence are a mental obsession. Those who have become addicted to marijuana will experience an uncontrollable need (cravings) to feel the pleasurable and euphoric rush from another dose. This craving can lead to obsessive-compulsive drug seeking and drug use behavior and an inability to quit smoking weed, even if you want to, even if you are aware of the harm it’s causing

    How Addictive Is Marijuana?

    The jury is still out on this one.

    According to the Controlled Substance Act (CSA) marijuana is still a Schedule I drug. Federally, law enforcement officials view marijuana as having a high potential for abuse/addiction and no medical purpose. However, more and more states are challenging this view. According to Business Insider magazine, in 2018, over half of all U.S. states have legalized the use medical marijuana for therapeutic purposes. The medical use of marijuana is certainly under the microscope.

    Still, scientific research supports the view that marijuana is an addictive drug due to the following facts:

    1. Neuroscientific demonstrations have proved that marijuana affects the reward center in the brain in an exact same manner as all other addictive substances.
    2. Animal studies where marijuana was given twice a day for one week showed an occurrence of addictive symptoms.
    3. Clinical reports of humans reveal a similar pattern of withdrawal symptoms as in animal studies during the first weeks of abstinence.

    The bottom line is that marijuana is a psychoactive drug. It affects the mind. When you use marijuana daily for a period of time, you become physically dependent on the THC found in marijuana. Take away the THC, and withdrawal symptoms occur.

    Still, withdrawal alone does not characterize addiction. The cravings and obsessive thought patterns around use, followed by uncontrolled consumption are the hallmark signs of an addiction. Add to this continued use dspite negative consequences to home, health, or social life…and you’ve got a budding addiction on your hands.

    Why Quitting is Difficult?

    Marijuana does not cause strong physical dependence when used for a short period, but when abused over a longer period it might cause tolerance (need for increasing doses to be able to reach the initial high). High-dose or long-term smokers can experience more severe withdrawal symptoms, making total cessation difficult. Furthermore, the need to use weed to fill an emotional gap can keep people from a life of abstinence.

    Quitting can also be difficult if other people around you continue to use. For example, when surrounded by smokers while trying to give up, you’ll find yourself strongly influenced by them to smoke also. This is why experts advise major life changes when you want to quit for good.

    Dangers

    Marijuana is considered a fairly benign drug, although main dangers of use as reported by the NHTSA include the real threat of drugged driving incidents. Still, there haven’t been any consistent records of severe dangers during quitting. However, the following methods of discontinuation are not recommended due to the high chances of relapse that can lead you back to using again.

    1. Relapse.

    The main risk of quitting marijuana is starting back again. This is called “relapse”.  Excessive cravings can make tapering a prolonged and unpleasant experience for you. In fact, if you find that can’t stop, then you can use cold-turkey as an alternative method. Be aware that going cold turkey can increase the severity of mood disorders and sleeping problems. See the list of side effects below for more.

    2. Stopping marijuana without medical supervision.

    Marijuana alters the brain chemistry and when used for a longer period causes physical and psychological changes. Doctors at detox clinics/ treatment centers can monitor your state and manage withdrawal symptoms to ensure that the process is safe…especially if co-occuring mental health disorders like depression or anxiety are just below the surface.

    Side Effects

    If you’ve been using marijuana for a longer period of time, physical dependence can cause you difficulties during quitting because of withdrawal symptoms. While many people report experiencing few or no withdrawal symptoms at all, others report extreme mood swings, dysphoria, and sleeping problems.

    A list of common marijuana withdrawal symptoms includes:

    • Anxiety
    • Cravings
    • Depression
    • Distorted sense of time
    • Headache
    • Increased aggression
    • Loss of appetite
    • Paranoia
    • Sleep disturbances

    The Safest Way to Quit

    If you feel unable to stop using marijuana on your own it’s best to seek advice for the medical issue from a trained and educated medical professional. To make the process of quitting marijuana safer and less risky you can try any of the following methods:

    1. Medical supervision and the use of medicines.

    This method means that you’ll follow your doctor’s recommends on how to stop taking marijuana. Getting a medical clearance means that your condition will be evaluated by your doctor and you’ll be prescribed with medications to ease your withdrawal discomfort.

    New medications prescribed during marijuana addiction treatment are:

    • Baclofen works by eliminating the reward effects or positive sensations associated with marijuana abuse.
    • Vistaril (Hydroxyzine) is prescribed to help you reduce anxiety during withdrawal.

    The protocol is to test you before and after you quit smoking marijuana. Medical supervision also includes developing an individual plan for reduction of marijuana daily doses between you and your doctor, or a plan to go cold turkey.

    2. Tapering or slowly reducing doses.

    This method can help ease your withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. Gradual tapering is recommended for those who have not succeeded coming off marijuana cold turkey. It is a longer lasting process than cold turkey but possibly more successful in the long-term. Tapering plans are unique for each individual, created along with a doctor, and tailored to a patient’s’ individual needs.

     

    3. Go to a detox clinic, especially if you use other drugs.

    Detox centers allow you to recover in a safe and drug-free environment. Detox programs usually begin with an assessment where you’ll be examined about your length and frequency of marijuana use, drinking, or other drugs. Addiction counselors at the detox clinic will compile a medical history file and develop a withdrawal symptom management course specifically designed to meet your needs.

    Trained physicians and nurses at the detox clinic will help you minimize withdrawal symptoms while keeping you safe. Medical staff at the detox facility will always be available to help you handle any physical stress or emergencies and ensure that your marijuana detox is successfully done.

    4. Consider rehab.

    If you are a long time marijuana user and have developed an addiction, you will highly benefit from a structured and tailored to your needs treatment program. Inpatient treatment programs have an integrated approach which includes:

    1. Introduction to the program and to life without marijuana.
    2. Marijuana detox.
    3. Pharmacological and psychological therapy to help you better cope with withdrawal.
    4. Physical, emotional, and mental health support during the treatment process.
    5. Aftercare programs that teach you about relapse coping techniques.

    Tips for Tapering marijuana

    TIP #1 Avoid carrying big bag with you. Instead, make a gradual reduction plan

    Decide how much you’ll smoke each day and how much you’ll reduce. Then reduce your marijuana into daily bags or daily joints. In order for this to work you need to stick to your daily dose and avoid taking joints from others.

    TIP #2 Take longer breaks between each dose of marijuana

    Find other things that will occupy your mind other than smoking. This way, you’ll prolong the hours between every next dose and you’ll have less difficulty reducing your daily intake. For example, you can start going home or going to bed earlier to shorten the hours during which you usually smoke.

    TIP #3 Gradually cut the number of joints you smoke a day.

    If you currently smoke 6 a day, smoke 6 for 3 days, then 5 for 3 days, then 4 for 3 days, and so on until you quit marijuana for good.

    TIP #4 Stick to your plan!

    The idea of tapering is to help you physically and psychologically accustomed to less marijuana, but this can only work if you have control over how much you consume and don’t give into pressure from your friends.

    Your Questions

    Do you still have questions about cutting down or quitting weed for good? Please leave your questions and comments – or share your experiences – in the comments section below and we will try to respond to you personally and promptly.

    Reference Sources: Addiction Center: What is Marijuana Withdrawal?
    Reddit: Have you ever wondered why is so difficult to quit smoking weed?
    Quora: Why is it difficult to stop smoking weed?
    Rehabs: Choosing the Best Inpatient Marijuana Rehab Center
    Lake View Health: Marijuana Addiction Treatment Facility
    Detox: Your Guide to Marijuana Detox Centers and Programs
    Choose Help: Tapering Marijuana to Reduce Withdrawal Symptoms
    Recovery Connection: Medication for Marijuana Addiction
    Learn About Marijuana: WA: Dependence on Marijuana
    Drug Library: Use of marijuana for therapeutic Purposes
    NIH: Is Marijuana Medicine?
    CSAM-ASAM: Marijuana’s Addictive Potential (for the general public)
    CSAM-ASAM: Marijuana’s Addictive Potential (for healthcare professionals)

    View the original article at