Cannabis Rehab, Detox & Aftercare
If you, or someone you know, are struggling with an addiction to cannabis, we are about to open your eyes to the many different ways that you can access treatment to help you reduce or end that addiction. Here, in this guide to cannabis rehab, we will discuss the various methods and techniques employed in the entire rehabilitation process for someone who is addicted to using cannabis.
We will explore the basics of cannabis, including the role it plays in your psychological and physical wellbeing. We will then delve into the various ways that you can identify if you or someone you know actually has a problem.
From there, we will inform you about all of the different treatment options that are available to you, in addition to an entire overview of the rehab process and what you can expect to experience on your path to recovery.
Finally, we will tell you all about the withdrawal symptoms that usually arise when someone has stopped using cannabis, followed by the ongoing aftercare process. We hope that this guide will not only help to inform you about the consequences of cannabis abuse, but also give you some hope that there are a multitude of solutions available to help solve this global problem.
Cannabis Addiction
Cannabis addiction is a common problem that plagues many members of our global society. As a matter of fact, cannabis happens to be the most used drug around the world, with its first use being traced back to ancient China. Since then, it has been used in various capacities as a natural medicinal herb and has also been widely adopted as a recreational drug that is used by youth and adults of all ages and backgrounds.
Of course, as with any substance that can give a temporary feeling of euphoria, the incidence of abuse has only increased over time, leading to what some may characterise as a cannabis epidemic.
Understanding the Difference Between Cannabis Dependence/Addiction
In order to fully understand what cannabis addiction entails, it is helpful to discern between the differences involved with cannabis dependence. In cases of dependence, an individual will usually have some sort of underlying medical issue that involves using cannabis as a form of natural treatment.
As has been well documented, cannabis can provide all kinds of medical benefits for those who may be suffering from certain diseases and ailments.
Perhaps the most common use of cannabis as a medicinal treatment is in people who have been diagnosed with glaucoma, a common eye disease that can cause pressure to build up within the eyeball and cause discomfort and impaired vision.
Another way that cannabis has been used in medical care is with cancer patients who are suffering from the side effects of intense treatments like chemotherapy. Cannabis has been shown to increase appetite and reduce nausea, both of which tend to be side effects of various cancer treatment regimens.
Cannabis addiction, on the other hand, is something that happens when a person chooses to use cannabis rather than needing to do so. In many cases, the use of cannabis in this way becomes a sort of escape from the everyday problems that we all face.
Instead of trying to find solutions to their problems through conventional means, cannabis abusers avoid the problems and “escape” by using the drug instead. When this type of behaviour becomes seemingly uncontrollable, the individual has become an addict.
What are the Effects/Consequences of Cannabis Consumption?
The effects and consequences of cannabis consumption can vary from person to person, however, there are many common results that are known to occur in the vast majority of users. These include:
The short-term effects of cannabis use typically are the same among all users of the drug. One of the most common things that will occur once someone smokes or ingests cannabis is that they will develop a feeling of disconnection with the world, they may laugh at things that would normally not be considered funny, they also may experience cottonmouth, and they also may have redness in the whites of their eyes. Other short-term effects can include an increase in the level of appetite as well as short-term memory loss while they are under the influence of the drug.
While one-time users or occasional users of cannabis rarely suffer from any long-term effects, regular and chronic users of the drug may exhibit noticeable long-term effects from using and abusing the substance. Loss of motivation to do anything other than be sedentary is perhaps one of the most common long-term effects of cannabis addiction. Some people may have trouble functioning without feeling that they need to smoke cannabis in order to do anything. Other effects can include increased isolation and discomfort with regard to social activities. Even further, many chronic users of cannabis may not prioritize even the most basic of hygiene practices.
The physical effects of cannabis consumption vary depending on the user but in most cases, there are some common qualities that can be observed across different groups. The most prevalent physical effects can be observed as red eyes, a tired or confused facial appearance, an aroma of cannabis, and also just a feeling of overall laziness.
The mental effects of cannabis consumption typically involve issues with short-term memory retention, finding normal things to be extremely interesting or funny, increased sensitivity to music and visual stimuli, and it may even cause speech impediment while you are under the influence.
The short-term effects of cannabis use typically are the same among all users of the drug. One of the most common things that will occur once someone smokes or ingests cannabis is that they will develop a feeling of disconnection with the world, they may laugh at things that would normally not be considered funny, they also may experience cottonmouth, and they also may have redness in the whites of their eyes. Other short-term effects can include an increase in the level of appetite as well as short-term memory loss while they are under the influence of the drug.
While one-time users or occasional users of cannabis rarely suffer from any long-term effects, regular and chronic users of the drug may exhibit noticeable long-term effects from using and abusing the substance. Loss of motivation to do anything other than be sedentary is perhaps one of the most common long-term effects of cannabis addiction. Some people may have trouble functioning without feeling that they need to smoke cannabis in order to do anything. Other effects can include increased isolation and discomfort with regard to social activities. Even further, many chronic users of cannabis may not prioritize even the most basic of hygiene practices.
The physical effects of cannabis consumption vary depending on the user but in most cases, there are some common qualities that can be observed across different groups. The most prevalent physical effects can be observed as red eyes, a tired or confused facial appearance, an aroma of cannabis, and also just a feeling of overall laziness.
The mental effects of cannabis consumption typically involve issues with short-term memory retention, finding normal things to be extremely interesting or funny, increased sensitivity to music and visual stimuli, and it may even cause speech impediment while you are under the influence.
The Most Common Signs and Symptoms
The most common signs and symptoms of cannabis addiction can range from mild to severe, all depending on the individual as well as their frequency of use. Of course, as with many illicit substances, there are also variations in the strength of the cannabis that is being administered, and this can have a strong influence on the impact that a user may feel as a result.
One of the most tell-tale signs that someone is addicted to cannabis is the lack of personal hygiene. If you notice a change in a male who used to be well-groomed, and they are no longer shaving on a regular basis, getting haircuts, taking showers, and even letting their clothes go unwashed, these are possible signs that the person has become addicted to cannabis.
Another sign that someone you know may be addicted to cannabis is that you have trouble maintaining their attention, or they seem to be forgetting things that just happened. Also, if you notice that they smell like smoked cannabis and have bloodshot eyes, that is a giveaway that they have recently used cannabis.
Knowing When Someone Needs Help
Knowing when someone needs help dealing with their cannabis addiction may be one of the most difficult things you may need to figure out. If you notice that someone’s cannabis use is getting in the way of their regular life or changes in their behaviour, these may be signs that they need help.
If someone you used to be in contact with regularly suddenly seems to be unavailable or unresponsive most of the time, this can be another sign that they have fallen into a state of cannabis addiction. Also, if you notice a marked deterioration in their attention to physical appearance and upkeep, they may be a victim of cannabis addiction.
It helps to talk to them and communicate that you care about them enough to want to help them defeat their addiction.
Do I Need to Go to Rehab?
If you find yourself using and abusing cannabis on a regular basis, and you feel that you cannot stop the regular use of this drug on your own, then it may be time that you seek help for yourself by going to a rehab centre.
If you seem to have lost the motivation to go to work on a daily basis, or even have become too lazy to complete even the most basic chores around the house, then these are signs that you have developed an addiction to cannabis.
Also, if you find yourself feeling that you need to smoke or use cannabis for no reason at all, or even as a form of escape from reality, then you should definitely reach out to a rehab programme so that you can get help and treatment. It is never a bad thing for you to take the initiative to improve your physical and mental health.
Choosing the Best Cannabis Rehab Programme
With regard to choosing the best cannabis rehab programme, it is all a matter of personal choice. The most important thing you can do is make the decision to go to rehab in the first place. You should do your best to find a centre that employs an approach that is appropriate for your level of addiction.
Some programs can be very intense, but this may be necessary if you are a chronic user. Other programmes may place more focus on giving you the tools to fight your addiction in a more personal way.
Types of Treatment
Below, you can find out about some of the different types of treatments that exist for cannabis addiction today:
1. Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment typically involves a setting that you will live in during the course of your rehabilitation from cannabis addiction. In this setting, you will generally live in a community that is staffed with therapists and medical professionals, and you will usually live among other people who are also fighting their cannabis addiction. This is one of the most intense and effective ways to combat cannabis addiction, as you are typically monitored and insulated from the outside world where you may be more prone to relapsing.
2. Detox
Detox treatment for cannabis addiction typically involves cessation of use combined with replacement with healthy alternatives. This can include exercising or juicing in place of using cannabis. This treatment method may also involve holistic therapies such as yoga and meditation.
3. Outpatient Rehab
Outpatient rehab may be a more comfortable option for those who are struggling with cannabis addiction. In this case, you have access to many f the same professionals as you would in an inpatient setting, however, they will travel to your place of residence to provide care and monitoring in your own familiar surroundings.
4. 12 Steps
12 step programmes have been around for quite some time, and they have been implemented to help users combat all types of addictions. 12 step programmes give you a pathway towards recovery and may in fact be a better option for those who exhibit characteristics of more mild addiction. This would be more akin to self-help than the other methods.
5. Therapy
Therapy can come in many forms, though counselling and hypnosis are some of the more popular types that exist. There are many other types of therapy, like acupuncture and massage, that show great results with fighting many types of addiction.
Cannabis Rehab Process
Below, you will find the three main phases of the cannabis rehab process.
Abstinence means to cease using cannabis altogether. While this may be the most difficult first step, it is also the most important thing you can do if you wish to recover from your cannabis addiction.
While the physical withdrawal symptoms of cannabis cessation may vary from person to person, there are a few that have proven to be very common for most people. Trouble falling asleep and staying asleep tends to be among the most widely reported physical symptom. You may also notice a reduction in appetite and an increase in your energy level once you stop using cannabis.
Mental withdrawal symptoms may also arise when you cease using cannabis. Most former users have reported increased irritability and anxiety in the initial few weeks after they have ceased their use of cannabis.
Cannabis can stay in your system for as little as a few days, for occasional users, and may remain in the system for up to a month in chronic users of the drug.
Abstinence means to cease using cannabis altogether. While this may be the most difficult first step, it is also the most important thing you can do if you wish to recover from your cannabis addiction.
While the physical withdrawal symptoms of cannabis cessation may vary from person to person, there are a few that have proven to be very common for most people. Trouble falling asleep and staying asleep tends to be among the most widely reported physical symptom. You may also notice a reduction in appetite and an increase in your energy level once you stop using cannabis.
Mental withdrawal symptoms may also arise when you cease using cannabis. Most former users have reported increased irritability and anxiety in the initial few weeks after they have ceased their use of cannabis.
Cannabis can stay in your system for as little as a few days, for occasional users, and may remain in the system for up to a month in chronic users of the drug.
Aftercare
Aftercare for those who have successfully ended their addiction to cannabis may vary depending on the needs of the individual. For most people, this may involve some sort of ongoing therapy or counselling, as well as sporadic drug screening. For others, it can be as simple as joining a fitness class, such as yoga or a spin class.
Ultimately, it all depends on the person, as everyone has their own individual needs. With the right aftercare, you can be assured that you have reduced the chances of relapsing.
Ready to get help?
At ADT, we offer high-quality rehabilitation & detoxification services tailored to your individual needs.
To discover your road to recovery, call us today on 0800 138 0722.
