Cannabis is the most widely used narcotic in the United Kingdom. The drug is known by many names, such as a Joint, Weed, Marijuana, Blunt, Hash and Grass, to name but a few.
The drug, containing the psychoactive ingredient Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is derived from hemp plants from India. Cannabis is a biological classification of flowering plants from the Cannabaceae family, comprised of several species, such as the Cannabis indica, Cannabis sativa and Cannabis ruderalis.
There are various types of cannabis, coming from different section of the plant. However, the strength and intensity of the strain depends on which part it originated from, and how much THC can be found in the plant, which covers a broad spectrum.
It is believed the cannabis strains with the greatest concentration of THC are the most abused, causing the highest number of cases of dependency and psychological problems. There are numerous strains of recreational cannabis grown unlawfully, designed to yield the greatest quantity of THC, which can be the most hazardous.
Many take cannabis for medical purposes, while others use it for its recreational, psychoactive properties. The three main types of psychoactive cannabis are marijuana, hash oil and hashish. How cannabis affects a person may vary, depending on the individual, the strain, its purity and amount of THC.
It should also be noted Cannabis is one of the most popular substances people experiment with when considering using drugs. Cannabis is also widely considered a gateway drug, which can lead people to experiment with harder drugs like heroin or cocaine.
Some people have the concept cannabis is not as dangerous as other drugs. But it is an incredibly addictive substance, with potentially negative effects on your wellbeing. If you smoke or ingest cannabis it can make you feel relaxed, euphoric or energised and fill you with giddiness and happiness.
However, the drug can also take a dark turn, especially if using a stronger, more powerful strain, with a larger concentration of THC like skunk, where you may experience possibly frightening psychoactive effects, comparable to LSD. People using cannabis for a long time may display a vast array of symptoms. The drug can increase your appetite, where you may feel over-riding pangs of hunger, often referred to as “getting the munchies”. But, frivolity aside. if you have developed a dependency, you could suffer numerous physical and psychological side effects, which can apply to every strain of cannabis.
For instance, friends and family may note a change in your personality and your personal hygiene may decline, along with a noticeable smell of cannabis lingering on your clothes.
You may experience decreased response, motor coordination, activity and performance, as well as psychological symptoms. Ranging from anxiety, depression, insomnia and a change in eating habits. Addicts may also have memory problems, seem withdrawn, distant and aloof and suffer hallucinations, amongst other side effects.
Cannabis abuse can bring on mental health problems, as THC increases the amount of dopamine in the brain, resulting in paranoia, anxiety and psychosis. Sometimes, mental health issues linked to cannabis can be resolved by stopping taking the drug altogether. But, unfortunately, in many cases, cannabis use may have led to long term mental problems, requiring ongoing treatment.
Cannabis can result in a rise in the production of the neurotransmitter called dopamine, which regulates sensations of happiness and reward in the body. People can become accustomed to having dopamine in their system and may wish to continue taking the drug, to keep feeling those sensations.
The brain can get used to having heightened quantities of dopamine, which is how you can develop a dependency. This could inevitably lead to you suffering symptoms of withdrawal when you stop taking cannabis.
However, if you wish to stop taking the drug and beat your addiction, there are a vast range of treatments available. Some may benefit from drug and alcohol services in their area, as well as community-based support.
People may also choose to move forward with a full rehabilitation programme at a regional residential clinic. By proceeding with cannabis detox, you can receive the finest inpatient care in a comfortable, secure rehab centre, away from any distractions, temptations or triggers which could impede your recovery.
You will be supervised by highly trained medical staff, doctors, nurses or counsellors. Many of whom may have personal experience of living with addiction. The medical professionals have the skills and knowledge to assist with detoxification and provide psychotherapy care and support, during your cannabis rehab. Using a bespoke cannabis detox, you will cease using the drug, as staff oversee the procedure. They will closely observe your condition, prescribing any medication you need to take the edge of the symptoms.
You may also benefit from a therapy-based programme, utilising both group and one on one counselling. Speaking with a qualified advisor can help you examine any possible causes, be it problems in your everyday life, such as relationship, work or money worries, or long-standing issues from the past, which may be contributing to your cannabis use.
By recognising what may be driving you to take the drug and dealing with it, you may find the answer to defeating your cannabis addiction.
Some say they only take cannabis recreationally, while others see it as an escape, but if you have fallen into dependency, rehab may be your only escape.