Cannabis Rehab In Scotland

Am I Addicted to Cannabis?

The use of cannabis and its dangerously addicting effects have been downplayed by many in recent years. If you ask the average youth if they smoke cannabis regularly, there is strong evidence to suggest that the numbers that admit to this would be shocking. Unlike substances like cocaine, cannabis is widely used by teenagers and adults alike.

Cannabis, also known as marijuana or simply as ‘weed’ to others, is derived from the cannabis plant, which contains a psychoactive chemical called THC. This chemical, when ingested, causes feelings of jittery happiness, relaxation, and a peaceful calm. It’s these features of the plant that draw so many to the drug, and most often than not, get them hung on it.

Most people may claim that an individual knows when he/she has addiction problems, but it’s still important to outline them for reference purposes. Plus, when it comes to cannabis abuse, not many people like to admit that they have a problem quitting the drug. Here are the common signs you have a cannabis addiction;

• Finding it hard to stop using the drug, even when it’s noticeably affecting your life.
• Losing interest in tasks, projects, and activities that were once significantly important.
• Purchasing weed wrapping tools like rolling papers, water pipes, and the likes.
• Spending large amounts on the drug, sometimes money meant for something else, like rent.
• Continuing to use the drug even after a bad experience or adverse side effects.
• Going all out to get the drug even when it is ‘scarce.’
• Trying to stop, but feeling incapable.

If you notice any of these behaviours, please don’t feel afraid to contact our cannabis rehab centre, the effects may seem minimal now, but this drug does pose a lot of chronic mental and physical problems.

Side Effects of Cannabis Abuse

When cannabis is used over a certain period, unlike what many believe, there could be physical and mental health problems and risks. Even though these effects largely depend on the individual, people who started using from teen-age to their mid-thirties or forties are more likely to be affected.

However, the unstable reality with drugs like these is the strong effects they still have on people who were smoking, cooking, or baking for a short time.

You should also know that this drug could affect you in ways it didn’t affect the next person, which is why addiction to cannabis can be dangerous. Most people perceive that since their friend, brother, or group of people using the drug seem perfectly normal, then it’s okay to take the drug as well.

The truth about the matter is, most of the side effects cannot be observed from afar and are mostly a nagging personal experience for most who are addicted to the drug.

Scientific evidence also proves that cannabis has long-term effects on the brain and could cause possible changes to the central nervous system.

Treatment for Cannabis Addiction

The effects of cannabis substance disorders are no different from other alcohol and drug disorders; although they can be less severe. Most people who seek help with this type of addiction have probably been using it for 2-10 years, with all their efforts to stop proving abortive.

Cannabis intake, combined with other drug and alcohol use, might be even worse on the body, with some reports recording patients with psychiatric disorders after short or long-term use.

At our residential rehab, we employ the use of behavioural therapy, medications, and post-therapy programmes for a full recovery. Here are some of the possible treatment programmes available in cannabis rehab:

• Cognitive-behavioural therapy: This form of psychotherapy guides patients on strategies to avoid relapses by enhancing self-control and addressing the possible triggers that could make drug-use re-occur. These sessions also focus on discovering and correcting the root behaviours that cause drug abuse to curb and gain control over them.
• Contingency management: This therapeutic method focuses on the regular monitoring of patients and their behaviours. It seeks to manage addiction by providing rewards for ‘good behaviour’ and a possible withdrawal of these rewards when the patients refuse to put in the effort.
• Motivational enhancement therapy: This usually involves one-on-one therapy or group therapy directed at encouraging an ‘Internally motivated change.’ This also helps patients get through withdrawal symptoms, possible triggers, and fears from within. It’s a very therapeutic and self-motivated approach to overcoming addiction.
• Post-therapy care: The first few days after checking out of a cannabis rehab could feel both daunting and exhilarating. Post-therapy care, more commonly known as aftercare services includes professional support groups and regular appointments directed at helping every patient stay sober, long after their initial treatment.