Some people belong to the school of thought that marijuana is a recreational drug with absolutely no trace of addiction. The fact that it is one of the easiest drugs to purchase counters this point to an extent. Also, the addictive potentials of the drug have been proven repeatedly. Statistically, a marijuana addict will share similar traits with other addicts of likely toxic substances. After all, there are countless marijuana addicts who fail to break the cycle after repeated trials.
Just like alcohol addicts, an attempt to stop the addiction often leads to withdrawal symptoms. There is a chance that the addict may be able to reduce or suppress the abuse of the drug for a short period after which a relapse occurs. The occurrence of relapse draws the addict back into the cycle of addiction. For this to be prevented there is a need for certain protocols or treatment of marijuana addiction.
Consequently, marijuana addiction treatment programs provide safe and effective treatment plans for addicts.
Marijuana dependence: signs and symptoms
Heavy drug users experience certain symptoms that are observed in marijuana addicts as well. A common one is the constant craving dir the drug when it is not within reach. This psychological dependence sends the addict on a wild goose chase to acquire marijuana by any means. In severe cases, an addict will bypass legal constraints to accomplish his mission. In fact, anxiety and depression will set in when the hunt is unsuccessful.
These negative consequences affect functionality in general, leaving the addict with dementia, inability to process emotions, and withdrawal. A combination of these symptoms often makes it more difficult to administer lasting treatments because of the intense damage that has been done.
Withdrawal and isolation
Often called a ‘social drug’, marijuana results in withdrawal from immediate surroundings. Severe cases are seen where the addict prefers to be in isolation all the time. Eventually, this affects his relationship with his closest circle especially family and friends.
Effect of marijuana on family
Marijuana addicts are notorious for their poor relationship with immediate family and friends. Their inclination towards the drug puts a strain upon family ties especially in cases where they don’t get support for their addiction. This leads to an extremely severe case of depression and isolation which can take a long time to mend.
If you’re addicted to marijuana, get help – you cannot save yourself alone.
Marijuana addicts are always urged to seek help from people especially when they are at their turning points. Most importantly, people around have a huge part to play when it comes to providing meaningful intervention for recovery.
Thus, marijuana is never a self-help project. All hands must be on deck for an easy transitioning of the addict to ‘default’ setting.
However, both family and friends can work hand in hand to end the addiction. Moral support and encouragement help to achieve a successful marijuana treatment. For addicts that are enrolled in drug treatment centers, it is best to pay routine visits to the facility to monitor the addict’s improvement.
