Cannabis is also referred by other names such as marijuana, weed and pot. It is primarily native to Central and South Asia, which is not just used as a traditional medicine but is widely misused as recreational substance to achieve a state of euphoria. In the 21st century, Cannabis is growing to be legalized and normalized, resulting in potential dependency and leading to severe psychological and physical distress.
Prolonged marijuana consumption disrupts the normal functioning of the brain and causes significant challenges, especially addiction. Cannabis addiction, however, is often misunderstood as a ‘harmless drug’, and having productive values, rather leading to extreme dependency and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempt to quit.
Cannabis Addiction is also recognized as Cannabis Use Disorder under Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM).Cannabis addiction is a high- risk factor among the adolescents and early adults affecting their relationships at work, school and home.
Cannabis is also referred by other names such as marijuana, weed and pot. It is primarily native to Central and South Asia, which is not just used as a traditional medicine but is widely misused as recreational substance to achieve a state of euphoria. In the 21st century, Cannabis is growing to be legalized and normalized, resulting in potential dependency and leading to severe psychological and physical distress.
Prolonged marijuana consumption disrupts the normal functioning of the brain and causes significant challenges, especially addiction. Cannabis addiction, however, is often misunderstood as a ‘harmless drug’, and having productive values, rather leading to extreme dependency and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempt to quit. Cannabis Addiction is also recognized as Cannabis Use Disorder under Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM). Cannabis addiction is a high- risk factor among the adolescents and early adults affecting their relationships at work, school and home.
Signs and Symptoms of Cannabis Addiction
Cannabis or marijuana can manifest in a variety of forms, affecting the individual’s physical, psychological and the behavioural health. Early recognition and intervention is crucial to prevent the symptoms from escalating into a life threatening condition. Common symptoms include:
Physical Symptoms of Cannabis Addiction:
- Consistent feeling of fatigue, nausea, dizziness.
- Extreme lethargy or sleepiness.
- Blood shot or red eyes.
- Increase in appetite.
- Respiratory issues, such as breathing difficulties, coughing, chronic bronchitis, especially those who smoke cannabis.
Psychological Symptoms of Marijuana Addiction:
- Intense cravings for the substance, wanting it more than required and unable to stop oneself from marijuana.
- Depression, anxiety, nervousness, restlessness and irritability.
- Cognitive impairment such as difficulty in concentration or memory issues.
- Mood fluctuations and inability to regulate emotions.
Behavioural Symptoms of Cannabis Addiction:
- Compulsive behaviour towards the substance.
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school and home.
- Social isolation especially from friends and family.
- Reckless spending, stealing or requiring money more often to purchase the substance.
Withdrawal Symptoms of Cannabis Addiction:
- Irritability, restlessness and mood swings.
- Insomnia or hypersomnia.
- Loss of appetite or weight gain.
- Frequent headache, shivering, or muscle pain.
- Intense craving for weed.
Causes of Cannabis Addiction
Cannabis Addiction is often caused due to biological, psychological and the environmental factors.
Genetic Factors Leading to Addiction:
A strong family history of cannabis addiction can increase the likelihood of developing cannabis use disorder. Dopamine is released by the brain as a result of regular cannabis use leading to habitual consumption
Psychological Factors Leading to Cannabis Consumption:
Underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression can increase the susceptibility of cannabis consumption. Extreme stress may require one to consume the substance to cope with it.
Environmental Factors Contributing to Consumption of Cannabis:
Peer pressure may force an individual to consume the substance. Adolescents may be early exposed to the substance on trial basis further leading to addiction. Other stressful life events such as unhealthy living conditions or loss of a loved one may lead an individual to consume the substance.
Treatment Options for Cannabis Addiction
Overcoming cannabis addiction requires a consistent effort from the psychiatrists at a mental health clinic as well as the loved ones. Effective treatment plan include a combination of behavioural therapies, medication management, and holistic methods, which are often used in a rehabilitation centre for cannabis addiction in India.
Behavioural Therapies to Treat Cannabis Addiction:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps one to identify and modify the negative thought patterns and change them to affirmative and positive thoughts associated with cannabis consumption. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) in a rehab centre helps one with withdrawal symptoms such as emotional management and coping methods to deal with extra affairs of life. Motivation Enhancement Therapy (MET) used as a cannabis addiction treatment helps an individual to develop the motivation to quit the substance completely. Contingency Management (CM) for cannabis addiction used reward system as a way to encourage the individual to quit the substance and maintain sobriety.
Medication Assisted Treatment at a Rehab Centre:
Cannabis addiction has no fixed set of medications to overcome the substance addiction. However, mental hospitals usually prescribe medications to manage the withdrawal symptoms caused due to addiction.
Support Group Networks Used in a Mental Hospital for Addiction:
Peer support groups such as Marijuana Anonymous (MA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provide a sense of coherence, responsibility and community during the crucial stage of recovery process. These groups at a psychiatric clinic get an opportunity to ex press their thoughts which works as a sharing experience from one another.
Complementary Method to Treat Addiction:
A mental health centre for addiction often uses holistic treatment methods such as mindfulness practices, yoga, nutritional counselling and art and music therapy to improve emotional regulation and build physical health thereby promoting an overall well- being of the individual.
Athena Luxus as the Best Rehab Centre for Cannabis Addiction
Athena Luxus in Delhi, NCR, India serves as the premier centre for cannabis addiction treatment and cure. Athena Luxus is located in a serene and a protected environment where the entire focus is on the recovery of the individual. The best mental hospital for cannabis addiction has a team of experienced psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers.
Athena Luxus ensures that every person receives an individualized treatment plan catering to each individual’s unique needs. The cannabis addiction treatment centre also combines evidence- based treatment plan along with complementary therapies such as yoga, mindfulness practices, and art and music therapy. Athena Luxus also ensures that family support and guidance is a part of their treatment program, thereby minimizing the risks of relapse and ensures long term success. To contact Athena Luxus, dial at +91 9718921212 or email at customercare@athenabhs.com.