Recent studies indicate that 30 out of 100 people who use marijuana are likely to develop some sort of marijuana disorder. But more significantly, it is also established through the same studies that 9 out of 100 people will become Marijuana addicts. Although marijuana is considered a harmless drug (compared to cocaine, heroin etc.) by many of its advocates worldwide, marijuana addiction can become a significant life hazard. Ironically, the fact that marijuana is considered ‘the lesser devil’ is what causes people to form a habit of marijuana use in the first place.
Marijuana addiction in youngsters
From Bob Marley to Richard Branson, the who’s who of the celebrity world has vouched for marijuana constantly. It has influenced a large segment of the population, especially youngsters, to take up marijuana early in life. Unfortunately, youngsters are 4 to 7 times more like to develop marijuana addiction than adults (as per the studies). Therefore, providing early addiction support to nip the problem in the bud has become extremely important.
Rising marijuana potency: a cause for alarm
Studies suggest that the THC content in marijuana has constantly been on the rise in the past few decades. From 4% in the 1990s, it rose to 15% in 2018. However, one of the biggest problems with Marijuana use is that researchers still don’t know how dangerous it can be to the body, especially with an increasing amount of THC.
Unaware of the recent studies, addicts are smoking marijuana without any care worldwide. They consider every type of marijuana available nowadays to be harmless, but the truth is that the increased THC content can be hazardous. Due to the rising dangers of marijuana, it is important to use the services of a drug rehabilitation clinic and provide addiction support to the people who have fallen into its trap.
What is marijuana addiction support?
Marijuana addiction support refers to various resources and services designed to help individuals struggling with marijuana addiction. These may include support groups, counselling, therapy, medical treatment, and educational programs. These resources and services aim to help users overcome their addiction and learn how to live a life free of marijuana use while also addressing any underlying psychological or emotional issues that may have contributed to their addiction. Marijuana addiction support can also involve family and friends, who can provide emotional support and encouragement to the user during their recovery journey.
Recovering from marijuana addiction
Addiction support is crucial for marijuana recovery. But it is important for the individual to take the initiative and follow the steps mentioned below:
- Acknowledge that you have a problem. Admitting that you have a problem is the first step towards recovery. It is important to accept that marijuana is causing harm to your life, and seeking help is necessary.
- Adopt healthy habits. Replace negative habits with other positive habits such as fitness, healthy eating, and socializing with people who share healthier habits.
- Invest some time in self-care. Engage in activities that promote relaxation and self-reflection. For example, meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or even a hobby can help manage stress and cravings and improve overall well-being.
- Avoid triggers and always stay committed to the recovery path. It’s important to be aware of triggers and learn to manage them effectively. Seek out ways to reduce contact with triggers, like avoiding social events where marijuana consumption is present.
If you fail to recover from marijuana addiction yourself, it is better to seek professional help. There are various support groups and rehabilitation centres that can assist in overcoming marijuana addiction. These programs offer various treatment options, including counselling, therapies, and more.
Final thoughts
Marijuana addiction has slowly become a social disease that is plaguing society. Eventually, addicts start to experience troubles in their lives and aren’t able to get back to their usual selves without quitting the habit. For the ones who want to recover, it is essential to remember that recovery is a journey that requires patience and perseverance. However, with the proper support and a positive attitude, one can recover from marijuana addiction, no matter how tough it may initially seem. If you find a loved one suffering from marijuana addiction, you should try to support them at the earliest. The faster the help arrives, the easier it is to recover.
Ellen Diamond, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
