Marijuana Rehab Crippling Addiction

Shawn | Jul 28, 2010 |

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In the past, people have been quick to point out that marijuana addiction is not possible since there are no addictive properties in the chemical composition. However, that research did not take into account a variety of facts that scientists did not know when they cited such narrow findings about addiction and marijuana.

It is quickly becoming common knowledge that marijuana addiction is possible, likely and difficult to overcome. Many people who battle with it can quickly list the symptoms and effects of their addiction to anyone willing to listen.

Unlike cigarette smoking, where the chemical component called nicotine can be identified, isolated and studies, there is no chemical in marijuana. The active chemical that marijuana smokers use it for is called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It causes the high feeling that brings smokers back again and again. Many users through consistent use begin to depend on smoking for feelings of safety, comfort, relaxation, the ability to sleep and to be hungry. While a textbook addiction is not formed chemically, it is easy to see how one is formed as time progresses.

Psychologists have shown links between activities such as tanning and exercise and addiction. The definition of addiction the state of being enslaved to a habit. As with exercise, those who smoke marijuana can become enslaved to the habit to give them certain feelings. When it becomes time to break free, to change their behavior, they cannot accomplish the task. Returning for comfort is too overwhelming. Suddenly, the user realizes he or she is stuck.

That is when marijuana rehab becomes critical. A user will have to bring in outside help to battle the devastating effects of the addiction they have developed. It requires an openness about the use of the drug and a willingness to change the behavior. Marijuana rehab can be instituted by a user who has become concerned for his or her safety or as an intervention. In the case of a self-mandated rehab, some of the steps in rehab can be skipped over. When intervention was necessary, it will be the job of a professional or caring person to help the user to see the way their behavior has affected their life.

For unwilling participants, explaining the negative affect of the drug can seem impossible. Once it has become clear that the drug is a problem systems of accountability can be established and a plan can be followed to detoxify the mind, body and will from the enslavement. This is a process that requires educated individuals, as well as, friends and family participation. The user will need to be consistently encouraged, uplifted and checked up upon. Perfect sobriety is the goal, as one of the classic symptoms of addiction is a propensity to think in black and white terms, all or nothing. It may seem odd to others around them, but there is no recreational use of the drug (since it is illegal, that is perfectly acceptable). Rehab is a long road. Friends to light the way can mean more than other single aspect of the recovery.