The Two Stages of Withdrawal – Acute and Post-Acute
There are two stages of withdrawal process from marijuana addiction. The first stage has immediate acute symptoms and these are usually both physical and psychological. During stage two, former users experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms or PAWS.
These refer to a number of psychological symptoms which can last for weeks or months after the user has stopped taking the drug. This is one of many reasons why residential treatment is the most effective way to treat marijuana addiction.
Post-acute withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Cravings
- Difficulty sleeping
- Lack of motivation
- Inability to feel pleasure
- Anger or emotional outbursts
Seasons Bali – Internationally Accredited Marijuana Addiction Treatment
Seasons Bali’s experience shows that marijuana addiction responds well to effective treatment. This means addressing the physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual characteristics of the disease.
We do this through implementing a balanced daily schedule that addresses the wellness of the whole person. This includes everything from group sessions and one on one counselling to yoga, exercise sessions and meditation.
Ideally clients stay for 90 days but we also offer shorter programs for 30 and 60 days. Our staff monitor and evaluate clients throughout their stay so they can acknowledge successes and identify the things that need to be worked on. This really helps our clients grow in confidence, awareness and self-esteem.
The members of our Clinical Team are all in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction which means they have a depth of understanding that goes beyond the formal qualifications they hold. They are role models for our clients and understand the process because they have been through it.
Our clients say:
One of the best things about the program is the staff. It’s such a great team and they’re so inspirational.
Miguel, 2015
Seasons Bali is an idyllic place to recover from the isolation and chaos of marijuana addiction. Not only do clients have unlimited access to a dedicated team of addiction professionals but they also live within a magnificent tropical estate.
Located in the midst of sweeping rice fields, the rehab centre is a haven of peace and tranquillity. Every day a wonderful team of Balinese staff take care of your housekeeping needs and our chef serves a selection of delicious healthy meals made from premium local produce. Everything is set up to create a safe space where clients can focus entirely on recovery.
The island of Bali is well known for its amazing beaches and range of outdoor and wellness activities. These resources help to further support the philosophy of recovery we follow. Recovery from marijuana addiction is about learning how to enjoy life, work with people and try new things.
What is Marijuana?
Marijuana comes from the cannabis plant. The potency of this drug and its appearance can differ greatly but essentially this term is used to refer to the buds, leaves and stems of the cannabis.
Other forms include hashish and hash oil which are processed forms of the plant’s buds and leaves. These also includes a variety of types with the former usually appearing in resin-like blocks and the latter as a gooey substance.
The main active ingredient in cannabis is THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol. This chemical compound causes most of the drug’s effects and is the substance that induces dependence.
When someone smokes marijuana, THC rapidly floods the system and attaches to brain’s cannabinoid receptors. The highest density of cannabinoid receptors are found in the areas of the brain that control pleasure, memory, time perception and coordinated movement.
The natural EC system is finely tuned to react to incoming information but the invading THC overpowers it. It prevents the natural chemicals from doing their job properly and throws the whole system out of balance.
Marijuana is one of the most widely used drugs in the world and is commonly thought of as being harmless. It is usually smoked but can also be eaten.
Street Names for Marijuana
An extensive number of nicknames are used for marijuana and these sometimes echo the different forms it comes in and the ways it can be smoked.
- Pot
- Weed
- Grass
- Ganga
- Dope
- Herb
- Hash
- Mary Jane
- Buds
- Skunk
- Cannabis
- Reefer
- Joint
- Blunt
- Bong
History of Marijuana
The writing of Chinese emperor Shen Nung in 2737 BC refer to a cannabis product as a medication for rheumatism, gout, malaria, and absent-mindedness. The intoxicating effects were noted too but it was clearly valued as a medicinal substance. The use of marijuana was also well documented throughout India during this time.
In 1545 the Spanish brought marijuana to the Americas. The English introduced it in Jamestown in 1611 where it became a major commercial crop alongside tobacco and was grown as a source of fibre.
By 1890, hemp had been replaced by cotton as a major cash crop in southern states. Some patent medicines during this era contained marijuana but it was a small percentage compared those containing opium or cocaine.
It was during the 1920’s that marijuana began to catch on as a recreational drug. Some historians say its popularity in America was brought about by Prohibition and the emerging jazz scene.
The legality of this drug can vary greatly from country to country. For example, Holland is renowned for its tolerant approach while America classifies marijuana alongside heroin. It is also worth noting that in some states in America, doctors can prescribe medical marijuana for a number of conditions.
What are the Effects of Marijuana Addiction?
Marijuana is both physically and psychologically addictive and has a significant impact on short and long term brain chemistry.
There is also emerging evidence that are strong links between marijuana use and mental health issues such as psychosis, anxiety, depression and schizophrenia especially if an individual has a prior disposition towards these.
Every addict’s path into addiction varies. This is a complex disease with many underlying layers which coupled together with trauma, abuse, depression and anxiety make it difficult to diagnose and treat without effective residential addiction treatment.
People who become addicted to marijuana can experience the same negative consequences as those addicted to harder drugs. This can comprise of increased tolerance, physical or emotional dependence, and withdrawal symptoms.
Blog Link Understanding the Threat of Cannabis
Physical
- Suppression of the immune system
- Reduction of male sex hormones and possible impotency
- Growth disorders
- Respiratory difficulties
- Damage to the lungs if smoked
- Decreased memory and attention span
- Changes in the brain chemistry – short term
- Changes in the structure and function of the brain – long term
- Neglecting personal hygiene
- Disturbed sleep
- Unhealthy eating habits
- Cravings
- Tolerance
Psychological
- Psychosis
- Triggers
- Compulsion
- Obsession
- Lying to yourself/denial
Emotional
- Apathy /Exhaustion
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Memory loss
- Mood Swings
- Paranoia
- Fear
- Loneliness
Social
- Lack of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Lack of interest in work/school
- Lack of interest and ability in maintain relationships/friendships
- Damaged relationships with family members
- Isolation
- Lying to others
Spiritual
- Damaged self-esteem and self-worth
- Damaged relationship with self
- Lack of interest in life
- Inability to function without the drug
- Continued use despite negative consequences
The signs and symptoms of marijuana addiction get progressively worse over time and there will be no resolution until effective addiction treatment and aftercare are sought.
Marijuana Withdrawal
Marijuana withdrawal is accompanied by a number of unpleasant symptoms, which make it difficult to quit.
Symptoms of withdrawal from marijuana include:
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Decreased appetite
- Anxiety
- Craving
Unlike most other drugs, THC is stored in the fat cells and it takes longer to fully clear the body. This means that detoxing from marijuana can take a couple of months, rather than just the couple of days or weeks.
