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Cannabis Detoxification

The process of detoxification from cannabis is one of the most important steps to recovery. Cannabis detox doesn’t seem like an issue to many people – because the drug doesn’t carry the same physical risks as substances like heroin and alcohol – but there are still definitive withdrawal symptoms. Drug rehabilitation centres don’t usually provide any form of medical treatment for cannabis withdrawal, but the psychological impact it can have leaves many individuals in need of counselling. If you or your loved one is going to stay off cannabis for good, the underlying factors which drove them to take the drug need to be addressed by a qualified therapist.

Cannabis usually comes as plant matter that users mix with tobacco before smoking, but the drug can also be eaten. The psychoactive component in cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which mimics the structure of the natural neurotransmitter anandamide. By doing this, it can bind to the cannabinoid receptors and interfere with ordinary functioning, which creates the relaxing and euphoric effects associated with the drug. Cannabinoid receptors are found in the problem-solving, short term memory, co-ordination and learning sections of the brain. This means that individuals under the influence of cannabis are impaired in these areas.

There has historically been some uncertainty as to whether cannabis is physically addictive at all. Although it doesn’t approach drugs such as crack or tobacco in its addictive potential, you can develop a psychological dependence on the drug. The body adapts to suit whatever chemicals it receives to better ensure its survival, and this is why withdrawal symptoms occur. After the individual stops smoking cannabis, the chemical crutch is taken away, and the brain is therefore imbalanced. Cannabis detoxification occurs during the brain’s period of re-adjustment.

The symptoms of cannabis withdrawal are largely psychological in nature. The most common ones are irritability, anxiety, mood swings, insomnia, changes in appetite and cravings. As with most drugs, cannabis withdrawal symptoms are roughly the opposite to the effects of the drug. Cannabis detox is important from a psychological point of view, but the main risk associated with it is that they could start to use the drug again. There is no need for physical detoxification treatments at all, but the symptoms still demand some attention. The anxiety associated with stopping cannabis use, for example, has been linked to the same biochemical which is prevalent when addicts stop taking most other drugs of abuse.

Cannabis detox treatment should therefore focus on the psychological elements of treatment. Things like one-to-one counselling sessions and self-help groups are effective, and anybody smoking cannabis shouldn’t make the mistake of thinking they don’t need help. People relapse every day because they don’t properly address the issues which cause them to smoke cannabis. However, the drug doesn’t place any special requirements on drug rehab centres, so almost all of them can help with cannabis detoxification.

If you or your loved one is addicted to cannabis, finding the right drug rehabilitation centre is one of the most important steps to recovery. Cannabis detox isn’t physically risky, but it’s arguably the most difficult period of recovery. You need a centre which employs a suitable therapeutic model (some users will respond badly to certain models) and which offers the right treatments. We have a detailed knowledge of the different centres located all across the country, and we’ll help you reach the right decision. If you have any questions about treatment, we’ll happily answer them for you, and we’ll explain the different models to you in simple terms. Our advice is completely free, so get in touch with us today!

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