Many people think that the most damaging aspect of marijuana use is the fact that it can be a "stepping stone" to the use of more dangerous and harder-to-quit drugs. However, the latest research has shown that marijuana can be addictive on its own. Drug addicts may experience withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit, show a decline in performance at work or school, impair interpersonal relationships due to this habit, as well as many other behaviors typically associated with "harder" drugs. If you think someone you know is developing (or has already developed) a disorder due to marijuana use, you can help them by learning to identify addiction and helping them overcome it.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Recognizing the Symptoms of Marijuana Addiction
Step 1. Learn hard facts about marijuana and addiction
One of the biggest obstacles to helping someone with a marijuana addiction is to prove that (despite popular belief) the use of this drug is truly addictive. Research has shown that overuse of marijuana tends to over-stimulate certain body systems that lead to brain changes and which in turn are addictive. It is estimated that 9% of people who use marijuana will become addicted, as well as 25-50% of daily users.
- Adolescents who use marijuana frequently are at risk of lowering their IQ scores over the course of their lives; of studies have found that these people's scores decrease by about 8 points on average.
- Additionally, a 16-year cross-sectional study found that marijuana users are four times more likely to develop depression than those who don't.
- While not as common, the abuse of medical marijuana or cannabinoid-containing drugs (such as THC) can sometimes occur. THC is just one of over 100 additional cannabinoids found in cannabis. Since these substances have a great effect on the body - from regulating pleasure, appetite, to memory and concentration - they can have serious health effects when abused.
Step 2. Look for withdrawal symptoms in the person when they stop using marijuana
This drug can create withdrawal symptoms when the regular user stops using it. These are manifestations of the body reacting to the lack of the substance and are usually a clear sign that there is in fact a physical addiction. Some of the main withdrawal symptoms are:
- Irritability.
- Mood swings.
- Sleep disorders.
- Decreased appetite.
- Unstoppable craving for marijuana, food, or other substances.
- Restlessness.
- Various forms of physical discomfort.
Step 3. Check for behavioral changes that indicate a disorder due to marijuana use
Addiction symptoms can also affect a person's behavior regarding the use of marijuana, and are not just a physical reaction to the lack of this substance. Check if, in the past year, the person:
- He used a lot more marijuana than he should have on one occasion.
- He tried to stop consuming it but failed.
- He felt a strong desire or an irrepressible urge to use it.
- She consumed marijuana even though it caused or aggravated symptoms of depression or anxiety.
- He had to increase the amount to get the same effects.
- She has failed in her personal, work, or school responsibilities due to drugs.
- Continue to use marijuana, even if it has caused fights or arguments with family or friends.
- She stopped participating in activities that were previously important to her in order to be able to consume marijuana.
- He has consumed marijuana in situations or circumstances where it could be dangerous, such as driving a car or using machinery.
Part 2 of 2: Helping the Person Overcome Addiction
Step 1. Know what to expect
Be prepared for your friend to make excuses and deny everything. Most likely he has gotten used to using marijuana and does not understand that it is a problem. You can prepare for the conversation by listing specific behaviors that worry you or changes you have noticed in him.
Step 2. Talk about it openly
You, as well as other friends and family, should speak to him to express your concerns in a way that is supportive and not judgmental. Showing the person the changes the drug has caused in their life will help them remember how they used to be.
Maybe your friend previously had goals he has given up on since he started using marijuana as a way to cope with problems. Reminding him of even one of these old ambitions could help him see a brighter and more purposeful future
Step 3. Support the subject, but avoid helping him with things he should do alone
If you engage in supportive behaviors - such as buying food for him or simply giving him money - the only thing you get is to allow him to persevere in his addiction. Rather, you have to set healthy limits on it; make sure he knows that you will be willing to support him when he is ready to deal with the problem, but that you do not want to continue to provide him with support to help him maintain his current behavior. Some examples of healthy limits are:
- Make it clear to the person in question that you are willing to give them support and help, but that drug use will no longer be allowed in the home (if they are a family member).
- Tell him that you want to take care of him and that you love him, but that you will no longer be willing to give him money.
- Tell him that you will no longer want to hear excuses and that you will no longer try to save him from the potential consequences of drug use.
- Tell him that although you care about his person, you will not be willing to give up everything to go to his aid, for drug related reasons.
Step 4. Avoid approaching him with attitudes that can cause further conflict
If you try to punish him, lecture him or manipulate him (for example with guilt) to make him stop, then you will create even more tension between you. The addict may also believe that you are "against" him and stop seeking your help altogether. Here are some attitudes you should avoid:
- Arguing with the person about using drugs.
- Try to hide and throw away his stash of marijuana.
Step 5. Find out if he is ready for treatment
On average, people seeking treatment to detox from marijuana (or other disorders related to marijuana use) are adults who have taken this drug for ten years or more and have tried to quit at least six times. The most important thing, however, is the willingness to quit; you can't control anyone 24 hours a day, so you have to rely on the will of the subject.
Step 6. Help him find a therapy that fits his situation
Addicts can benefit from both individual and group treatment. The search may proceed by trial and error until the most suitable therapy is found. Popular detox plans for marijuana and other drug addiction include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TCC): this approach teaches the addict strategies to identify and correct thoughts and behaviors related to drug use, so as to improve self-control, stop taking drugs and manage any problems that may occur.
- Contingency Management: After determining a “target behavior”, we try to achieve it through positive reinforcement and close monitoring.
- Motivational therapy: this approach aims to produce changes in the subject's thinking in order to increase his motivation to quit.
- During this time, going to sessions with a therapist helps the person deal with the problems that have led them to use drugs and, in the first place, set up a difficulty management system.
- There are no drugs on the market that the therapist (on the advice of the psychiatrist) can prescribe to treat marijuana addiction. However, the doctor may recommend medicines to help the person manage anxiety, depression or sleep disorders while battling addiction.
Step 7. Look for facilities that can help the addict
These clinics or counseling centers are able to offer much stronger and more constant help in a controlled environment, so that the person can overcome his addiction. The constant monitoring and supervision that these centers offer can be the solution for those who are desperately trying to quit but lack the willpower to overcome drug addiction.
Marijuana addicts represent 17% of the people who are being treated at these centers
Step 8. Consider group treatment options
Marijuana addiction support groups try to help participants stay motivated, learn to manage, cope with thoughts and feelings, know their balance and take care of themselves.
Step 9. Look for signs of relapse
Despite all your efforts and those of the other members of the support group, there is always the risk that your friend may have a relapse. If you think she may miss a step and go back to taking drugs, check for the following symptoms:
- Changes in appetite, sleep or weight changes.
- Red and / or glassy eyes.
- Changes in appearance or personal hygiene.
- Unusual (bad) odors of the body, breath or clothing.
- Reduced performance at school or at work.
- Suspicious requests for money or theft of money from family or friends.
- Unusual or suspicious behavior.
- Changes in friendships or activities.
- Changes in motivation or energies.
- Changes in interpersonal relationships or in attitude.
- Changes in mood, frequent or sudden irritability or outbursts of anger.
Step 10. Have patience
If the addict has relapses, especially if they are total rather than sporadic and momentary, you may feel heartbroken and dejected thinking that you have to start the whole process all over again. The best thing you can do for him in this situation is to be patient. Try to be as strong as possible and show him the same love and support as before. Continue to deny him the ability to use drugs and offer the same help as you always have in finding treatment.
Step 11. Don't feel guilty
You can offer support, love and encouragement to your loved one, but remember that you can never change him; you cannot control his behavior or his decisions. Letting your friend take on his responsibilities helps him get closer to recovery. Being steadfast throughout the process can be painful, but you should never allow yourself:
- To take on his responsibilities.
- Feeling guilty about the choices you make or the actions your friend takes.
Step 12. Take care of yourself
Don't let their problem become your primary concern, to the point where you forget or reject your own needs. Make sure you have people around who can support you and help you in this difficult time and also look for people to talk to and confide in other areas when things get complicated. Continue to take care of yourself and take time to relieve tension and relax.
