Marcus Richards
Marijuana is gotten from the leaf and some other parts of the cannabis sativa plant. Sometimes it is taken alone, and at other times, it is combined with other plants and called hemp. Marijuana is popular across cultures and people, and it is known by several names like Marijuana, weed, grass, pot, cannabis, and several others.
Originally, the substance was used as a cure. But over time, users began to abuse the drug, and now it tops the chart on the list of most abused drugs in the world. And till present, its abuse keeps gaining social acceptance across people of different ages and culture.
However, it is important to note that Marijuana is consumed in different ways. The different method of consumption determines how long it takes for its consumer to get intoxicated. Some consumers add the substance to their food while preparing it. And this elongates the duration with which the intoxication occurs. It could take up to 30minutes to 2 hours to activate intoxication. However, when it is smoked, intoxication takes only few minutes or even almost immediately to occur. This is because it goes straight from the lungs to the blood stream. Marijuana could also be placed under the tongue and held in the mouth; there are large blood vessels in the mouth that can absorb the cannabis. This also doesn’t take so long, as it goes straight from the mouth to the blood stream.
The key effects and indications of Marijuana intoxication include: drowsiness, impaired memory, dry mouth, paranoia, bloodshot eyes, and euphoria. But, beyond the above-listed effects, there are many reasons why the consumption of the substance is discouraged. In subsequent paragraphs, we will discuss some long-term disadvantages of the constant use of Marijuana. But before we delve into that, we will take a look at the treatment procedure for marijuana addictions.
Treatment for Marijuana Addiction Patients
The Marijuana addiction recovery therapy can be likened to the recovery therapy of other abused drugs. Mostly, the recovery from the addiction of substances follow a close range of patterns. And like other drugs, the Marijuana addiction treatment does not always come in the form of a medication. Although there is proof that the administration of medications can help in the execution of a seamless recovery from addiction, researches are still underway.
Hence, science has not provided us with medicines that can aid the recovery of a marijuana addict through infusion. So, at present, no medicine is required for the treatment of Marijuana addiction. Hence, the only way to aid the recovery process of the marijuana addiction is through therapy. Below are some methods through which therapy can be administered:
- Motivational enhancement therapy (MET)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Motivational Incentives
The Motivational Enhancement Therapy
This type of therapy does not affect an overt change. Change is sort from within and reflected on the outside. What this means is that treatment does not target the addiction as the direct problem. Instead, there is an indirect effort at the addiction where the addict is challenged into effecting change from within. The therapist works on the mind, willpower, and thoughts of the addict, helping him understand why he should break off the addiction, how he can break off the addiction, the processes it entails, and the benefits he stands to gain.
The therapist presents the power to effect change in the hands of the addicts and through words, instances, and other methods, strengthens his willpower to effect change. In some cases, this therapy could last up to four sessions. Bear in mind that this therapy does not work on every patient. Certain factors will determine the compatibility of patients and the therapy option.
The Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive therapies generally tend to focus more on the root-cause of the behavioral disorder. It tends to look more into the journey of how the abnormal character came to be. And having identified the root-cause of this disorder, the therapy then focuses on the root behavior.
Fixing the root cause helps the addict get control of his self, will, and actions. He is aware of the gains and losses that come from continued addiction. And he ensures that he maintains the measures that have been put in place by the therapist against relapse.
This method may take longer than the motivational enhancement therapy, but it rarely fails. If the addict is consistent enough to go through with the procedure, the success rate is about 91%. The efficiency of the method is hid in its focus on the root cause. The underlying belief is that once the causal factors are out, its fruits (the behavior disorder) will find no place in the addict’s mind. And just like the motivation enhancement method; the addiction is once again not directly targeted.
Another upside to this method is the fact that its result is always evident in the other behavioral ills that arose from the root cause and accompanied the addiction. Sometimes, addicts may not even recognize these extra ills as a wrongdoing. But by reason of taking the root out, all its fruits fall off.
Motivational Incentives
This type of therapy not only helps to ensure that there is progress in the recovery from marijuana addiction; it also tracks the progress being recorded. Motivational Incentives is a form of treatment arrangement where progress is tracked. The process to sobriety is divided into different stages, and for every stage completed there will be a reward. This reward is what brings about the motivation required to complete the plan. As this plan progresses it is easy to track what works best to help the person stay away from the abused substance and so the plan can further tow in that line.
The Complications That Arise From Marijuana Consumption
Respiratory complications
The consumption of Marijuana naturally increases heartbeats, especially hours after consumption. This serves as a threat to existent respiratory health issues.
Threats to Mental Health
The continued consumption of Marijuana leads to a decline in the mental capacity of its consumer. It affects motivation, desires, cravings, and general interest.
Impaired Child Development
Women who consume Marijuana during pregnancy stand the chance of impairing the growth of their fetus. Especially the brain of the child. When such children are born, certain behavioral problems may be noticed in them.
Excessive Dependence on The Substance
This is a popular effect of drug abuse. Once marijuana is consumed consistently for a period of time, consumers develop a dependence which then leads to addiction.
