Between work, relationships, and other daily tasks, there are a lot of stressors that people have to take on each day. It is normal to find ways to decompress and relax. However, not everybody makes the best decisions when it comes to winding down.
It may seem harmless to partake in a recreational drug like marijuana, but health effects can be dangerous for your health. It is possible to become addicted to marijuana, and it is important to get help as soon as possible. If you or a loved one needs dual diagnosis treatment, contact Insight Into Action Therapy at 703.935.8544.
Common Health Effects of Marijuana Abuse
Both short-term and long-term health effects of marijuana abuse affect your mental and physical well-being. Depending on the amount and potency, it is possible to become dependent on the drug. For those who already have a mental illness, marijuana can exasperate those symptoms. The longer you have been dependent, the worse the symptoms can get.
Some short-term effects include:
- Panic attacks – Especially for those with a mental health disorder
- Memory issues – Not remembering things that were just told to you
- Paranoid thoughts – Being suspicious of people with no evidence
Some long-term effects include:
- Issues with retaining information – Learning new information becomes harder
- High risk of psychoses – Higher chance of disorders like schizophrenia
- Possible chronic cough – The smoke can cause constant coughing
- Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (repeated vomiting) – Uncontrollable bouts of vomiting after cannabis use
The longer a person uses marijuana or the more frequently it is abused, the worse the effects can become, and the likelier it can become an addiction. Often marijuana abuse is a sign of an underlying mental health issue like depression or anxiety. Similarly, when someone habitually abuses marijuana, they put themselves at greater risk of developing mental health concerns.
Signs of Marijuana Abuse
When used too often, the signs of a marijuana abuse disorder become more apparent. Everyday activities become more difficult as your cognitive abilities and motivation will decrease. It affects everyone differently. However, some signs can point to someone having a problem.
- Cravings – Constantly feeling the urge to use marijuana
- Loss of social interest – Lack of interest in relationships, work, and hobbies
- Trouble focusing – Unable to keep your mind on a task
- Depression – Lower dopamine levels can cause depression
Besides the negative health effects, marijuana abuse can affect your work-life, friendships, romantic relationships, and recreational activities. It becomes harder to find the motivation to enjoy the things you used to love if you have become dependent.
Treatment Options for Marijuana Use Disorder
Trying to quit something that you are dependent on is difficult and overwhelming. In a lot of cases, getting professional help is the best option. Trained professionals are great for giving the best advice to help a person safely quit something dangerous. Some therapies and treatment programs to consider are:
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Group therapy
- Relapse prevention
Every person’s needs are different in recovery, so speaking with a doctor to decide what works best for you is important when deciding what treatment option to pursue.
Getting Treatment at Insight Into Action Therapy
Knowing the signs of a marijuana abuse disorder is the first step to recovery. At Insight Into Action Therapy, our goal is to get you the treatment you need to help you on your way to a dependency-free life. Our outpatient center specializes in mental health and substance use disorders with a wide variety of therapies and treatment options.
Our team is always happy to assist you or a loved one with any problems or questions. To find out more details about how we can help you, contact us at 703.935.8544.
