For many people, marijuana is considered a harmless drug. Long-term use of weed exposes both your body and mind to some significant changes.
We focus our services on helping people who struggle with marijuana addiction. We create personal care plans that target each person’s unique challenges. We try to help people overcome dependence and regain control of their lives.
Effects of Marijuana
Although it might seem safe occasionally, using it often over a long time can lead to health problems. It doesn’t just affect the lungs; it can also harm the brain, heart, and mental health, especially when starting at a young age. Here are some critical long-term effects of marijuana use:
Respiratory Issues
Regular smoking inflames the lungs and gives rise to coughing problems, chronic bronchitis, and a risk of pneumonia. Marijuana smoke comprises plenty of toxic chemicals that will affect your health once you get exposed for a more extended period. In the case of long-term users, respiratory problems may develop, which will degrade further if not treated.
Impaired Brain Development and Memory Issues
Using it at a young age, especially when the brain is still growing, can cause problems when learning and controlling impulses. These effects can continue into adulthood, and some adults might also face issues like memory loss or lower IQ from using marijuana for a long time.
Mental Health and Disorders
The long-term effects of marijuana include various mental disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety, particularly in genetically predisposed people. Thus, a person who has been using the drug daily since his or her teen years and has continued to use it for three successive years increases his or her risk of developing schizophrenia by six to seven times if he or she is genetically prone to the disorder. It improves symptoms in those who already have some form of mental problems and also impedes recovery prospects.
Physical Dependence and Addiction
Marijuana addiction can take hold and make it hard for someone to function without it. Generally speaking, when trying to quit, people become irritable, crave the drug, and become anxious—very tough feelings to control and manage. The beginning of regular use, especially when they start young, tends to increase the risk of developing a substance use disorder. For this reason, intervention as early as possible with supporting treatment plays a significant role for those in need.
Increased Risk of Using Other Substances
Using it for a long time can cause you to crave drugs like alcohol or nicotine. For some, marijuana might open the door to trying more potent drugs, which could lead to more significant problems with substance use later on.
Heart Health Risks
People who use marijuana regularly tend also to smoke cigarettes and might face greater risks of heart problems like heart attacks or strokes. Keeping track of heart health is essential when working on overcoming marijuana addiction.
High-Potency THC: What We Don’t Know
In recent years, marijuana’s potency has increased significantly, with THC levels often surpassing 15%, compared to less than 4% twenty years ago. This heightened potency brings unknown risks, as researchers have yet to determine the full effects of high-THC marijuana on the developing brain and body. However, early research suggests that higher THC levels may increase the risk of addiction, cognitive impairments, and psychiatric issues.
Beating Long-Term Marijuana Use
We provide personalized treatment plans to tackle marijuana addiction. Our programs use different therapies, create a supportive atmosphere, and involve a caring team to help clients stop using marijuana for the long term. Here’s how our method can help.
Personalized Recovery Plans
Our journey starts with a deep dive into your unique history, needs, and aspirations. From there, we’ll create a personalized care plan incorporating therapeutic options like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization, Reprocessing, and holistic therapies such as yoga and meditation. This way, one is certain that all dimensions of a person’s well-being will be catered for in the process.
Therapeutic Approaches Available
At 12 South Recovery, we understand that recovery can be difficult. That’s why we offer various therapies to address the different effects of long-term marijuana use.
- One-on-One and Group Therapy: Clients engage in meaningful sessions with licensed therapists and peers who understand their journeys. This supportive environment fosters resilience and boosts confidence.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): helps people learn and change negative thoughts and behaviors. It gives them better ways to handle cravings and stress. This approach is beneficial for breaking free from marijuana dependence.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): is especially helpful for people who have experienced trauma. It helps them deal with past events that might have led to their substance use.
- Relapse Prevention and Holistic Therapies: We offer a variety of holistic treatments like mindfulness exercises, yoga, and art therapy to help improve well-being. These activities encourage self-awareness and allow clients to find new ways to cope.
Dual Diagnosis Support
If you’re struggling with marijuana addiction alongside mental health issues, our dual diagnosis treatment is designed to support you through this journey, addressing both aspects of your health. We’re here to provide personalized care that aims to minimize the risk of relapse while guiding you toward long-term recovery.
A Strong Alumni Network
We also offer a welcoming community where you can connect with others who understand your experience. Here, you’ll find encouragement, valuable resources, and the ongoing support you deserve to maintain your recovery. With our alumni network, you’ll build lasting connections and gain the accountability and sense of belonging that can genuinely make a difference in your life.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
If you or someone you care about is facing the challenges of long-term marijuana use, remember that it’s never too late to ask for help. At 12 South Recovery, we’re here to provide caring, expert support to help you take back control of your life and tackle addiction. Our team is committed to walking alongside you through every stage of the recovery process, tailoring our approach to meet your specific needs.
Reach out to us today to learn how 12 South Recovery can help you overcome marijuana addiction and create a healthier, more satisfying future. Let’s work together on your journey to recovery!
