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Quitting smoking weed is now easier than ever with these handy tips and tricks. Although typically believed to be less addictive and less harmful than other types of substances, smoking weed, or cannabis, can have detrimental health effects, including dependency, addiction, and physical symptoms.
Although individuals have reported success is quitting smoking weed on their own, there are also treatment centres available to help along the way. Various treatment centres are available in most major North American cities. Do not hesitate to contact one today.
Weed Defined
Colloquially known as “weed,” pot, or hash, marijuana is made from the shredded and dried portions of the cannabis plant, such as seeds, stems, leaves, and flowers. It can be smoked or consumed in physical form in food and tea, as well as oils. Smoking weed is the quickest way to feel the effects, while drinking often produces a much slower and less intense high.
Some benefits of smoking weed are pain reduction and relaxation. However, it can also produce various negative side effects as well.
Pitfalls of Weed Addiction
Individuals addicted to smoking weed, include physical symptoms, as well as strained personal and professional relationships.
Physical Symptoms of Weed Addiction
Some examples of physical symptoms accompanying weed addiction include impaired judgement, red eyes, accelerated heartbeat, trouble with memory and concentration, hallucinations, panic, paranoia, increased depression symptoms, decreased reaction time, burning mouth, bronchitis, phlegmy cough, lung irritation, and increased risk of lung cancer. In addition, smoking weed can also lead to withdrawal symptoms for those trying to quit after long time use. It can also lead to a weakened immune system, which may make individuals more vulnerable to illness.
Negative Effects of the Body
In particular, smoking weed has a negative effect on the respiratory system. Ammonia and hydrogen cyanide, found in weed smoke, can irritate bronchial passages and lungs.
It can also affect the circulatory system, increasing the risk for a heart attack.
The central nervous system may be affected as well, impairing judgement and changing the way one processes information. Weed can also affect one’s balance, coordination, and reflexes.
Fourthly, smoking weed can affect the digestive system, causing unpleasant effects such as nausea and vomiting.
When to Quit Smoking Weed
It may be time to quit smoking weed when an individual notices that the addiction is affecting their lives in a negative way, including economically, physically, and socially.
For example, it may be time to quit if smoking weed is causing relationship problems. Alternatively, it may have begun to affect memory, mood, or concentration. This can negatively affect one’s academic or professional career.
Individuals may begin experiencing reduced interests in hobbies and things that they previously enjoyed, or decreased energy for self-care.
In addition, it is best to be mindful when smoking weed becomes a go-to method for managing forms of emotional stress, instead of confronting the problem.
Finally, many consider smoking weed a gateway to other forms of addiction, including cocaine.
Steps to Quitting Smoking Weed
Following a few simple steps can greatly simplify quitting smoking weed.
Firstly, it is important to understand why you want to quit smoking weed. Self-awareness of one’s reasons for quitting increases the chances of succeeding. Consider triggers as well. Are there certain situations that you find yourself smoking weed?
Secondly, one must decide on their approach. Some individuals benefit from slowly cutting back, while some must quit “cold turkey.” Cutting back can work well for some individuals. Consider making a list with your current weed intake, and set a realistic goal for cutting down. You may also set a timeline with a specific quit day, including a schedule of milestone days. For example, reduce your consumption every 3 to 5 days. Remember to be flexible and patient with yourself during this difficult process.
Quitting cold turkey can be difficult, but it is possible. Prepare yourself by looking at the ways smoking weed functions in your life. Do you smoke before bed or upon waking up? Try to figure out different aids for failing asleep, including soft music or a warm bath.
Consider getting rid of all weed-related paraphernalia, making a plan to deal with triggers, and varying one’s routine. It may be beneficial to pick up a new hobby to keep busy, such as yoga, hiking, reading, or learning a new language. Self-care is also very important during this time. Consider taking a warm bath, watching your favourite television show, or calling a trusted friend during triggering times. Find things that can distract you from the cravings.
Finally, it is crucial to enlist the support of loved ones in this difficult period. It can also help to let individuals in your life know and hold yourself accountable. The people that you surround yourself with can help you reach your goal of recovery.
Make sure that you eat a healthy and balanced diet during this time, including fibre and green leafy vegetables. Increase your water intake as well.
For individuals concerned with withdrawal symptoms, it is best to contact a treatment centre, which can help one detox safely.
Detox Methods and Withdrawal Symptoms
Some individuals will experience withdrawal symptoms, including headaches, anxiety, trouble sleeping, irritability and mood changes, decreased appetite, fevers, chills, sweats, and trouble sleeping.
Treatment Options
Following safe detox, individuals quitting smoking weed may benefit from a variety of treatment types, including Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Motivational enhancement therapy (MET) and Contingency Management.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – CBT focuses on managing and understanding unwanted or distressing thoughts and emotions, as well as developing coping skills. In particular, it will help individuals recognize signs of stress and abstain from smoking cannabis to calm down.
- Motivational enhancement therapy (MET) –MET involves confronting the reasons behind quitting smoking weed.
- Contingency Management – Contingency management focuses on reinforcing quitting behaviours, and rewards individuals for reaching their goals
Deciding that you want to quit smoking weed is now an easier process than ever.
