The legalization of marijuana in multiple states has increased marijuana use among young adults in recent years. Medical and recreational marijuana use often leads people to believe that it is not a dangerous drug. While the drug has been legalized in many states at the state and local levels, it is still against federal law and regarded as a controlled substance.
Frequent marijuana use can cause addiction, leaving people to wonder about weed withdrawal symptoms and if they need to look for a Florida luxury rehab (or another local to them). While some argue that there are no weed withdrawal symptoms, they are not medical professionals, and they are just plain wrong. Marijuana addiction is an illness that causes withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopped and may require medical intervention.
What exactly is weed?
Weed is a cannabis plant that is normally smoked. It contains cannabidiol (CBD) and (THC) which are psychotropic substances that cause psychedelic effects when ingested. Weed is commonly smoked, vaped, or even eaten. Once ingested, the active substances in weed or marijuana bind to the receptors in the brain that regulate mood, memory, and perception. Many neurotransmitters in the brain are directly impacted including those that regulate hunger, recall, and attitude.
How does weed affect users?
When weed is ingested, the active ingredients bind to endocannabinoid receptors and activate them, triggering a rush of dopamine from the pleasure and reward center. This euphoric effect presents a high potential for abuse as users continue to chase the feeling. Over time, they may develop a tolerance requiring more of the drug to achieve the desired effect.
The human nervous system produces neurotransmitters like those found in THC. As the user ingests weed flooding the body with THC, the brain produces less and less of the natural neurotransmitters. When they stop using weed, the brain is left imbalanced looking for the flood of THC.
This imbalance causes the process of withdrawal symptoms as the brain slowly starts to produce its own neurotransmitters again. It can be a slow and tedious process causing physical, emotional, and metal symptoms. These symptoms are withdrawal symptoms. Users often require medical intervention consisting of a comprehensive treatment program to overcome weed addiction successfully and permanently.
Weed Withdrawal Symptoms
When users stop ingesting marijuana abruptly, it can cause a range of weed withdrawal symptoms. The number and severity of symptoms depends on how much weed was ingested and how long it was used for. Weed withdrawal symptoms can range from tiredness and irritability to depression, headache, and difficulty concentrating. Users may experience a lack of appetite, digestive issue, and even mood disorders while undergoing weed withdrawal symptoms.
Heavy marijuana users can exhibit memory impairment and reduced cognitive function even before they stop using. It also has a negative impact on brain development in adolescents and young adults. Regular marijuana use changes the brain structure which can impede verbal fluency and emotional health. Changes in brain structure and function may or may not be reversible after ceasing marijuana use. More research is needed in this area but it is evident that weed is a dangerous drug that impacts the user negatively.
Weed withdrawal symptoms are temporary
Weed withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable but they’re temporary and manageable. When a user stops ingesting marijuana, the brain is left with a chemical imbalance that needs to be corrected. This period of correction is what causes the physical weed withdrawal symptoms.
After the physical withdrawals have ceased, the user must deal with psychological withdrawal symptoms. The right treatment program and adequate support can help ease withdrawal symptoms and help users develop new coping skills to avoid using in the future.
Talk To A Professional About Your Weed Addiction Today
While marijuana is legal in many states and countries for medical and recreational use, it is still a controlled substance under federal law. Even though it does have legitimate medical uses, weed is still a drug with a high potential for abuse. Users can easily become physically dependent or addicted to the drug requiring more and more to feel the effects. If you or a loved one have been abusing weed or become addicted, it is important to discontinue use immediately despite the potential weed withdrawal symptoms. Medical intervention and the right treatment program can help you overcome cravings and develop coping skills to avoid using this dangerous drug.
