Many people think that marijuana's potential to be a gateway drug leads to the use of more dangerous and addictive drugs.Increased research shows that marijuana can lead to dependency.Those addicted to the drug can experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop using, experience declines in their achievements at work or school, and many other things associated with harder drugs.If you know someone who is developing a marijuana use disorder, you can help them overcome it by learning how to identify the addiction.
Step 1: Understand the facts about marijuana and dependency.
Despite popular belief, marijuana use can lead to addiction, which is one of the biggest hurdles to helping someone with a marijuana dependency.Research shows that over use of marijuana can cause brain changes which can lead to addiction.25-50 percent of daily users will become dependent if they use marijuana, according to an estimate.Research shows that adolescents who use marijuana frequently are more likely to have their IQ decreased later in life.Marijuana users are four times more likely to develop depression than non- users according to a longitudinal study.Medical marijuana and drugs containing cannabinoids can be abused.There are over 100 cannabinoids in the marijuana plant.Because cannabinoids have a large effect on the body, they can have serious health effects when abused.
Step 2: When a person stops using marijuana, look for symptoms of withdrawal.
If frequent users stop using marijuana there can be withdrawal symptoms.When the drug is no longer in the system, the body will stop using it, and this is known as withdrawal.Irritability is one of the withdrawal symptoms.
Step 3: There are behavioral changes that indicate a marijuana use disorder.
There are other symptoms of dependency that can affect the behavior of people who use marijuana.In the past year, the person used more marijuana in one sitting than they intended, tried to stop using it, but had strong cravings or desire to use marijuana, even though it caused or worsened symptoms of depression or anxiety, and had to increase usage to achieve the same effects.
Step 4: You should know what to expect.
Prepare yourself for denial from your loved one.He or she has adapted to marijuana use and doesn't see that it's an issue.It is possible to prepare for the conversation by listing behaviors that worry you or that have changed for your loved one.
Step 5: Speak up
In a way that is supportive and nonjudgmental, you and other friends and family should talk to the person about your concerns.Help the person see how the drug has changed their life by helping them remember how they were in the past.It's possible that your loved one gave up on goals when they turned to marijuana as a way to cope.It is possible to help your loved one see a brighter future by reminding him of his past goals.
Step 6: Without enabling, support the person.
Enabling behaviors, such as buying the person groceries or simply handing over money, only help perpetuate the addiction.Establish healthy boundaries with a loved one.Make sure the person knows that you will support them when they are ready to address their issue, but will not help them to continue their current behavior.Allowing your loved one to know that you are available for support and comfort, but that drug use will no longer be allowed in your home, is one example of healthy boundaries.Informing your loved one that while you care about them, you won't be able to come to their aid for drug related reasons.
Step 7: Avoid approaches that could cause more conflict.
Attempting to punish, preach at, or manipulate the person will only lead to further conflict.It is possible that the loved one will decide that you are against them and stop trying to help them.Attempting to hide throw away the person's marijuana stash is one of the behaviors to avoid.
Step 8: The person should be ready for treatment.
Adults who have used marijuana for ten years or more are more likely to seek treatment for marijuana addiction.The person needs to want to stop using.It is not possible to monitor anyone for 24 hours a day, so you have to rely on the person to stop using.
Step 9: Assist with finding a therapy that the person will respond to.
Individual or group therapies can be used to treat marijuana use disorder.The process may be one of trial and error to find out what works for your loved one.Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is used to teach strategies to identify and correct thoughts and behaviors to enhance self-control, stop drug use, and handle other issues that may occur.Contingency management uses monitoring and positive reinforcement to modify behavior.Motivational enhancement therapy aims to produce changes internally driven by the addict's own motivation to stop using.During this time, seeing a therapist may help the person confront the issues that caused them to use marijuana in the first place.There are no drugs on the market for the addiction counselor to prescribe to treat marijuana addiction.It is possible for a physician to prescribe medication for peripheral issues to help the person with anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders if he or she beats the dependency.
Step 10: Look at treatment facilities.
Drug addiction treatment facilities can provide a more consistent environment for the person to beat their addiction.Those who want to quit but can't because of dependency are suited for the constant monitoring and supervision of these facilities.Marijuana addiction accounts for up to 17 percent of those in treatment facilities.
Step 11: Group treatment options can be looked into.
Marijuana addiction support groups seek to help attendees learn about balance and self-care, manage thoughts and feelings, and maintain motivation.
Step 12: There are signs of a relapse.
Relapse is a possibility despite the best efforts of you and the rest of the person's support system.Keep an eye out for the following signs if you think the person has relapsed into using again.
Step 13: You have to be patient.
You may feel as though you're starting the process from the beginning again if the person relapses, especially fully as opposed to temporarily.If you have patience, you can help the person in this situation.Try to show the same love and support that you did before.Give the same assistance with finding treatment if you refuse to enable the addiction.
Step 14: Don't self-blame.
You can support, love, and encourage your loved one, but remember that you can't change them.You can't control his or her decisions.Your loved one will be closer to recovery if you let them accept responsibility.Being assertive through the process can be painful, but you should always try to take the person's responsibilities.
Step 15: Don't forget to take care of yourself.
Don't forget or refuse your own needs if your loved one's issue becomes your main concern.When things get tough, seek out people you can talk to and make sure you have people to support you.Allow time for relaxation and stress relief as you continue to care for yourself.