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Learn how to stop smoking cannabis with this blog post. We will cover the best methods to quitting smoking cannabis and offer some tips to help you along the way.
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The Dangers of Smoking Cannabis
Cannabis is a plant that can be smoked to produce a relaxed feeling. It is also known as marijuana, weed, pot, dope, hash, herb, and many other names. Cannabis contains a chemical called THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) which is responsible for the ‘high’ that people feel when they smoke it. THC attaches to receptors in the brain and changes the way the brain works. These changes can be harmful.
Short-term effects of smoking cannabis
Smoking cannabis has a number of short-term effects, most of which disappear as soon as the drug leaves the brain. However, some effects may last for a longer period of time. Short-term effects of smoking cannabis include:
– impaired ability to remember and concentrate
– impaired ability to do simple maths
– distorted perception of time and space
– increased appetite
– red, bloodshot eyes
– slow reaction times
– anxiety and paranoia (in high doses)
Long-term effects of smoking cannabis
Cannabis smoking is associated with large airway inflammation, increased mucus production, and cellular changes that result in extensive lung damage. These are similar to changes seen in cigarette smokers, and regular cannabis smoking doubles the risk of developing chronic (long-term) bronchitis.
Cannabis smoke contains many of the same toxins and carcinogens as tobacco smoke. These include:
-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
-vinyl chloride
-cadmium
-arsenic
-formaldehyde
-hydrogen cyanide
These chemicals can damage the respiratory system and increase the risk of lung cancer.
Quitting Smoking Cannabis
Smoking cannabis has been shown to have a number of negative effects on your health, including an increased risk of lung cancer and other respiratory infections. If you’re looking to quit smoking cannabis, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success.
The withdrawal process
Cannabis withdrawal is a set of symptoms that occur when someone stops smoking after using the drug regularly for a long time. Withdrawal symptoms can include:
-Anxiety
-Depression
-Irritability
-Mood swings
-Sleep problems
-Loss of appetite
-Cravings for cannabis
Most people who experience withdrawal symptoms report that they peak within the first week after quitting and then gradually improve over the next few weeks. For some people, however, the symptoms may last for months.
Dealing with cravings
Cravings are intense urges to use that can feel impossible to control. Dealing with cravings is often one of the most difficult aspects of quitting smoking cannabis.
There are a few things that you can do to try and reduce the intensity and frequency of your cravings:
-Identify your triggers: Cravings are often triggered by certain people, places, or things. If you can identify what sets off your cravings, you can try to avoid those triggers or be prepared to deal with them if they come up.
-Distract yourself: When a craving hits, try to distract yourself with something else. Go for a walk, call a friend, or watch a movie. Doing something else can help take your mind off of smoking and make the craving more manageable.
-Ride it out: Cravings usually last for only a few minutes. If you can wait it out, the craving will eventually go away on its own. Deep breathing and relaxation techniques can help you get through the craving until it passes.
Managing stress and anxiety
Cannabis withdrawal can cause stress and anxiety. Managing stress and anxiety can help you through cannabis withdrawal.
There are many ways to manage stress and anxiety. Some people find that physical activity, relaxation techniques, or support groups help them. Others find that talking to a therapist or counselor can be helpful.
Some people also find that medications can help relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety. If you are thinking about using medications, talk to your healthcare provider first.
Resources for Quitting Smoking Cannabis
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably decided that you want to quit smoking cannabis. Congratulations! Quitting smoking is a great decision for your health, your wallet, and your lifestyle. This section will provide you with resources to help you quit smoking cannabis.
Support groups
If you’re trying to quit smoking cannabis, support groups can be a big help. These groups provide an essential element of recovery: social support.
A support group is a safe place to share your experiences and get empathy and feedback from other people who are going through the same thing. Everyone in the group understands what you’re going through because they’re going through it too.
Support groups are led by facilitators who are also in recovery. They’re there to make sure everyone feels comfortable and respected, and to keep the conversation focused on sobriety.
If you’re not sure where to find a support group, your doctor or therapist may be able to recommend one, or you can look online.
Online resources
There are a number of online resources that can help you quit smoking cannabis. Some of these include:
-The MarijuanaAnonymous.org website offers a 12-step program to help people quit smoking cannabis, as well as support and resources for family and friends.
-The Quit Marijuana Online program offers an 8-week course that includes email support, quitting tips, and access to a forum where you can chat with other people who are trying to quit.
-Cannabis Quitline is a telephone counseling service available in some states that provides one-on-one support from trained counselors.
Hotlines
If you’re not sure where to start, or if you need more support, there are hotlines that can help.
The National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC) in Australia provides free, confidential information and support to people concerned about their own or someone else’s cannabis use. You can call them on 1300 30 40 50.
In the US, the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s National Helpline provides free and confidential information on 24/7 for people struggling with their own drug use or someone else’s. You can call them on 1-800-662-4357.
Cannabis Complaints Hotline is a service offered by NSW Health for people concerned about the effects of cannabis use in their local community. You can call them on 1800 422 522.
