Breaking free from addiction is a challenge, but choosing yourself and recovery is the best option for your future. Recovering and maintaining abstinence is a great achievement and is possible.
In today's blog post, we will look at some top tips on overcoming a cannabis addiction, how you can identify whether you have a problem and what you should do if you do.
Cannabis is a psychoactive drug derived from the Cannabis plant. It is used recreationally and medically. The psychoactive component in cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the "high" that you may experience.
THC binds to receptors in the brain, altering mood, perception, and behaviour. You may experience euphoria and relaxation, however, some users have reported feeling anxiety and paranoia.
Regular use of cannabis can lead to you having a dependence on the drug, and experiencing withdrawals whilst the drug isn't in your system.
Some of the symptoms commonly experienced with a cannabis addiction include:
You should begin a cannabis detox to overcome your addiction. This includes stopping the use of the drug and implementing ways of coping with withdrawals until you no longer have them.
Don't worry - withdrawal symptoms never usually last longer than 10 days but in rarer cases they can last up to 4 weeks.
It is important that you are detoxing in a safe way, so reach out to an addiction specialist so that they can help you with a detox plan, and support you through.
Also, reach out to family and friends - it is important to have those close to you around you so that they can help you on your journey. You don't have to do this alone!
Once you have taken the brave step to begin your recovery journey, and you have stopped the use of cannabis, your body will need to adjust to coping without cannabis.
Some of the withdrawal symptoms you may experience include:
If you feel you are experiencing any of these symptoms while cannabis is not in your system, then you should reach out to an addiction specialist for help.
Recovery is different for everyone and everybody has their own ways of coping with withdrawals, so consider trying out different techniques and find out what works best for you.
Let's take a look at some of the techniques you can try to make dealing with withdrawals that little bit easier:
Eating a healthy balanced diet and fueling your body with all the necessary nutrients it needs will not only give you more energy but will also help your body to heal from any damage your addiction could have caused.
When you eat well, you feel good within - and this can help to give you a clear mind and put you in a better mood. Staying hydrated is also really important and may help to alleviate headaches.
Engaging in light exercise or trying a new sport will help to keep your body moving during withdrawals, and also will help you to sleep better if you have trouble sleeping.
Staying active will keep your body healthy and will keep your mind off cravings, you can exercise with family and friends or on your own either way it will make you feel good.
When you exercise your brain releases endorphins, which is known as a feel-good hormone, and will work towards alleviating stress and anxiety - and overall uplift your mood.
Knowing what you will be doing each day and having a day packed with activities can help to keep your mind off withdrawals.
When you are just sitting at home all day left with your thoughts of cravings and withdrawals, you are more likely to give up on your recovery, so having a strong day-to-day plan will help.
Also making sure you are socialising with friends and family so that they can help you to stay accountable and on track with your journey.
Find a new hobby and try new things to help to keep yourself entertained and to make the most out of your day.
Talking to others who are also suffering from a cannabis addiction and are going through withdrawals will help you to stay on track with your journey.
Getting to know people who relate to you and are going through the same thing can make you feel less alone.
Whilst it's great to talk to family and friends about what you are going through, they may not relate. Getting advice from people who do relate can make a whole lot of difference.
Here at Rehubs, we have daily group sessions, where you can share your story and talk about what you have been doing to recover, you will be able to be there for others and hold each other accountable.
Nobody should have to go through recovery alone, so reach out to Rehubs and be a part of a community of people trying to recover and become the best version of themselves, helping to motivate them and yourself.
Recovering from a cannabis addiction requires strength and dedication, and is not something you should go through alone.
Here at Rehubs, we are here to support you every step of the way throughout your journey whilst you heal from your addiction in the same and familiar comfort of your own home.
Our dedicated addictions specialists will be just a call away and you will have regular 1-1 meetings to record how you are getting on, and daily group sessions to support you and motivate you along your journey.
You don't have to do this alone, we are here. Complete your consultation form today and an addictions specialist will be in touch shortly. You can do this.