Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Signs of Marijuana Addiction
• Method 2 of 2: Helping a person overcome marijuana addiction

Many people believe that the most dangerous and harmful aspect of smoking marijuana is that it is the “gateway” to the drug world, that is, marijuana leads to the use of stronger drugs and even more severe drug addiction. However, numerous studies have shown that marijuana itself can be addictive. People who are addicted to this drug experience all the withdrawal symptoms (when they try to quit marijuana), their academic or work performance declines, and interpersonal relationships collapse just like other, "hard" drugs. If you think someone is developing (or has already developed) a marijuana addiction, you can help that person understand that he or she is addicted and then help overcome it.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Signs of Marijuana Addiction

1. 1 Facts about marijuana and addiction. One of the biggest difficulties when trying to help someone overcome their marijuana addiction is that (contrary to popular belief) marijuana is addictive. Studies have shown that using marijuana can overload certain body systems, which in turn can cause changes in the brain and lead to addiction. It has been estimated that 9% of people who have ever used the drug, and 25-50% of people who use it daily, become addicted to marijuana.
   • Teens who use marijuana frequently have a significantly higher risk of IQ decline with age. According to research, on average, IQ falls by about 8 points with age.
   • In addition, studies of sixteen-year-olds showed that adolescents who used marijuana were four times more likely to develop depression than those who did not.
   • Rarely, but there are cases of abuse of medical marijuana or drugs containing cannabinoids (such as tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC). THC is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in marijuana. Because cannabinoids seriously affect the body, they affect all systems, from blood pressure regulation to appetite, memory and concentration. Cannabinoids can have serious health consequences, especially when overused.
2. 2 Pay attention to the withdrawal symptoms when a person quits smoking marijuana. Marijuana can cause withdrawal symptoms if a person stops using it. Withdrawal is the body's response to the absence of a drug in the system and is usually an indicator of physical dependence. Some of the symptoms of withdrawal are:
   • irritability;
   • mood swings;
   • insomnia;
   • decreased appetite;
   • craving to use a drug;
   • anxiety;
   • various forms of physical discomfort.
3. 3 Look for behavioral changes that indicate marijuana addiction. Other symptoms of marijuana addiction can be changes and reactions associated with drug use, not just withdrawal. Pay attention to what the person has been doing in the past year. You should think about if a person:
   • used more marijuana at one time than intended;
   • tried to quit using marijuana, but was unsuccessful;
   • have strong cravings or cravings for marijuana;
   • used marijuana, even if it worsened symptoms of depression or anxiety
   • was forced to use a large dose of marijuana to get the effect;
   • the use of marijuana interfered with the performance of personal, school or work duties;
   • continued to use marijuana, even if it was the subject of disputes and conflicts with relatives or friends;
   • skipped important events for the sake of using marijuana;
   • used marijuana in situations where it could be life-threatening, such as driving a car or operating machinery.

Method 2 of 2: Helping a person overcome marijuana addiction

1. 1 Know what to expect. Prepare to hear a thousand excuses and refusal to quit drug use. The person is most likely already accustomed to using marijuana and does not consider it a problem, while remaining confident that he can stop using it at any time. Prepare for this serious conversation by listing the behavioral changes that you care about.
2. 2 Talk. You and all friends, as well as family members, should voice your concerns while striving to support the patient rather than condemn him. Help the person see the changes in their behavior caused by the drug use, help them remember what the person was like in the past.
   • Your loved one may have had some goals before using marijuana. Remind him of these goals so that he can see his future brighter and brighter.
3. 3 Support the person, but do not encourage the use of marijuana. Support such as help with grocery shopping or cash aid will only strengthen the addiction. Give your loved one strict boundaries. Let him know that you will always be ready to help, but not in cases where help is related to the use of marijuana. Here are some examples of boundaries you should set:
   • let your loved one know that you are ready to support and calm him down, but no longer allow him to keep the drug at home;
   • tell a loved one that you care about him and love him, but you will no longer be able to give him money;
   • tell the person that you will no longer listen to any excuses or save them from any consequences of using the drug;
   • tell your loved one that you care about them, but you won't be able to help with any drug-related situations.
4. 4 Try to avoid additional conflicts. If you try to punish a marijuana addict, preach or instill something in him, manipulate him in some way to stop using marijuana (for example, inducing guilt), then this will lead to even more conflict. Perhaps, such a close person will decide that you are “against” him and will stop turning to you for help altogether. You should also avoid:
   • controversy over the use of marijuana;
   • attempts to hide or throw away the drug.
5. 5 Determine if the person is ready for treatment. Most often, adults who have used the drug for ten years or more and those who have tried to quit six or more times seek treatment for marijuana addiction. The most important thing in this situation is that the person wants to quit the drug. You are not able to control a person around the clock, so you completely depend on his desire to overcome his addiction.
6. 6 Help find the right treatment. Treatment for marijuana addiction takes place individually or in groups. Probably, finding a method that suits your loved one will be done by trial and error. For the treatment of marijuana addiction and other drug dependence disorders, use:
   • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is used to teach strategies for identifying and correcting thoughts and behavior, to increase self-control, quit drug use, and other issues and problems that may arise on the path to recovery from addiction.
   • Contingency management. This approach uses private tracking and analysis of behavioral goals and modifies behavior through positive goal changes.
   • Motivational therapy.This therapy is aimed at changing the intrinsic motivation of the addict, so that they can quit the drug.
   • Consulting a doctor during the period of struggle with addiction can be useful, as it helps a person to deal with various problems that arise at this stage.
   • There are currently no drugs (no prescription or over-the-counter) available to treat marijuana addiction. However, a doctor may prescribe medications to treat co-occurring problems such as anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders that may occur during drug dependence treatment.
7. 7 Consider getting treatment in a specialized facility. Treatment facilities that help drug addicts provide a more resilient and secure environment for those struggling to overcome addiction. Constant screening and examination of patients in such facilities can be beneficial for those who desperately want to quit smoking marijuana, but cannot do so due to weak willpower.
   • About 17% of people undergoing drug addiction treatment in specialized institutions are trying to overcome their addiction to marijuana.
8. 8 Consider group treatment. Marijuana addiction support groups can help keep you motivated, learn to control your thoughts, develop addiction coping skills, and learn how to maintain balance in life and take care of yourself.
9. 9 Watch for signs of relapse. Despite all the efforts on your part and on the part of everyone who supports the person with a marijuana addiction, relapses are always possible. If you are afraid that a loved one will "break loose" again, pay attention to the following signs:
   • changes in appetite, sleep, or weight;
   • red and / or glassy eyes;
   • changes in appearance and personal hygiene;
   • unusual (unpleasant) body, breath, and clothing odor;
   • low productivity or academic performance;
   • suspicious requests for money or theft of money from family members or friends;
   • unusual or suspicious behavior;
   • change in social circle or activity;
   • change in motivation or energy level;
   • changes in behavior or communication style;
   • mood changes, frequent and sudden irritability or outbursts of anger.
10. 10 Be patient. If someone you love has a relapse, you may feel like the whole process starts all over again. The best thing you can do in this case is to be patient. Try to give your loved one all the same love and support as before, no matter how hard it may be. Continue to support any efforts to combat addiction and offer help in finding a cure.
11. 11 Don't blame yourself. You can offer the person your support and love, you can encourage all attempts to combat addiction, but remember - you cannot influence the choice of another person in any way. It is impossible to control his behavior or decisions. Let your loved one take full responsibility for himself, and this will bring him closer to recovery. As hard as it is, never allow yourself:
    • take responsibility for that person;
    • feel guilty for the choice and actions of this person.
12. 12 Take care of yourself. Don't let the problems of your loved one become your main concern, which makes you forget about yourself or your own needs. Make sure there are people willing to support you during difficult times and that you have someone to talk to when times are difficult. Remember to take care of yourself, relax, and de-stress.