Weed, which is more commonly known as marijuana or cannabis, has been legal for both medical and recreational purposes in 24 states and the District of Columbia (for people aged 21 and older) since March of this year. This change in legal status comes as data shows a significant increase in marijuana use among American adults. While some people report feeling better mentally after using weed, others may find that their mental health deteriorates. In this article, we explore the reasons why people choose to quit using marijuana and the potential benefits of quitting.
What are the mental health benefits of quitting marijuana?
Quitting marijuana can lead to improved mental health symptoms. For example, individuals who quit after regularly using the drug may experience fewer anxiety and intrusive thoughts, as well as improved memory and motivation. The use of marijuana can also lead to problems with relationships, school or work performance, financial situation, and overall health. Sleep disorders may last a few weeks or months after quitting.
How do I know if you're quitting weed?
Determining whether or not marijuana is the cause of poor mental health conditions can be challenging. If you notice that your poor mental health started around the time you began usingweed, or when you started taking it in greater quantities or frequencies, then it could be to blame. In addition, looking at the timing of symptoms can be a good indicator.
How can I quit smoking (marijuana) cold turkey?
Quitting cold turkey may produce more intense withdrawal symptoms. Creating a tapering schedule with an addiction professional may be better than trying to quit cold turkey. Surrounding yourself with a wide support network can help you stay on track and reduce your likelihood of relapsing.
When should I start thinking about quitting?
It's important to start evaluating your reasons for using and wanting to stop using marijuana when it begins to interfere with key areas of your life that used to bring you joy and satisfaction. This could include reducing the amount of time spent on hobbies, social activities, or work.
What are the potential long-term health benefits of quitting marijuana?
Quitting marijuana can help you achieve better sleep quality, protection against memory loss, and a healthier lifestyle. Long-term marijuana use has been associated with cognitive impairments, chronic bronchitis, respiratory irritation, addiction, and earlier onset of psychotic disorders in individuals prone to psychosis.
How can I help someone else stop smoking (marijuana)?
To help someone else quit smoking or ingesting marijuana, educate yourself on the subject, attend support group meetings like Codependents Anonymous (CODA) or Al-Anon, and communicate openly with the person who needs help.
Is there a rush of withdrawal when quitting?
Yes, when someone quiets, or severely limits, their marijuana use, they may enter a withdrawal phase. Symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, sleep problems, decreased appetite, and nausea are common due to the brain adapting to the absence of the drug. Close supervision and medications for certain symptom relief can help to make the withdrawal phase more comfortable.
What are some risks associated with persistent marijuana use?
Long-term use of marijuana is associated with cognitive and memory problems, respiratory and cardiovascular issues, addiction, and mental health disorders. Frequent use in adolescents can lead to significant cognitive deficits due to the developing brain's sensitivity to the drug's effects.
What are the psychological and cognitive issues associated with marijuana use?
Chronic marijuana users may experience cognitive impairments related to attention span, memory, decision-making, and learning. For adults, cognitive deficits may be irreversible if the drug was used regularly. The use of high-potency marijuana has also been linked to an increased risk of paranoia and acute psychotic features.
Are there addictive qualities to marijuana?
There is growing evidence that marijuana is addictive, and regular users may develop marijuana dependence. Over time, an individual may produce less of their own endocannabinoid neurotransmitters and become desensitized to the effects of them. This can lead to withdrawal symptoms when the drug consumption is slowed or halted.
What are the benefits of quitting marijuana?
Quitting marijuana can help regain control of your life, improve sleep quality, protect against memory loss, and achieve a healthier lifestyle. Withdrawing from the drug may also reduce the risk of developing addiction to other substances. Additionally, quitting marijuana can help prevent or delay the onset of mental health disorders, including paranoia and acute psychotic features.
How can you treat marijuana addiction?
Treatment for marijuana addiction typically includes behavioral therapy, counseling services, and medication. Support group participation and counseling can help individuals break their dependence on the drug and improve their mental health. Our Center offers a unique therapeutic model that simultaneously treats both mental health and substance abuse issues.
How does marijuana use affect the brain?
Frequent cannabis use can carry certain risks, including cognitive impairments, diminished coordination and reaction time, increased anxiety, paranoia, and acute psychotic features. The use of THC, the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis, affects the brain's reward system, which can lead to addiction. The endocannabinoid system regulates many aspects of our health, including mood, memory, and learning.