Cannabis is one of the most widely misused substances in the UK, and yet many myths still persist about the dangers of this substance. Also commonly referred to as 'marijuana' or 'weed', this drug is derived from the cannabis plant, and yes, it is addictive. Over time, your brain adapts to the chemicals within the drug, to the point where you need more of the drug in order to achieve the same high.
If you regularly use cannabis and experience withdrawal symptoms and cravings for the drug when you're not using it, this could be a sign you've developed a cannabis addiction.
When you choose Priory for treating cannabis addiction, you'll benefit from the many levels of support that we provide. We will ensure that you're placed within a setting that will help you to achieve the most beneficial outcomes possible.
Treatment for cannabis addiction can take place as part of our 28-day addiction treatment programme, which will be tailored to you and structured within National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
What's included in our treatment programme?
Detoxification - a closely monitored environment where you can come off cannabis while receiving support from our medical staff. We will support you to manage your withdrawal symptoms and keep associated feelings of anxiety under control.
Residential rehabilitation - inpatient treatment services offer 24-hour care and support for patients who need more intensive care.
Day care - used as a step-down from residential treatment or a step-up from outpatient care, this flexible option is used to promote continued recovery.
Outpatient therapy – the least intensive treatment option available, this level of care involves patients attending a Priory hospital or clinic, usually for a set number of hourly sessions, which take place on a weekly basis.
Patients at Priory will also have access to a wide variety of treatments, including one-to-one and group therapy. One-to-one therapy provides a private space to process your challenges, explore past issues that may have contributed to your addiction, and develop coping skills for the future.
Group therapy is an excellent way of combating the sense of isolation that many people struggle with when they have an addiction. In groups, patients can share their stories and learn from others who've gone through similar experiences.
We also offer a range of addiction therapy groups at Priory, which may include:
We also offer a free and confidential addiction assessment within an understanding environment. This helps you to understand the extent of your cannabis addiction and how you can regain control of your life.
According to Priory expert, Dr Niall Campbell, cannabis misuse is on the rise, especially amongst teens, and it's strongly linked to increasing cases of drug-induced psychosis.
“I am seeing an increasing number of young adults with paranoid psychoses – a schizophrenia-like illness and depression, which developed from marijuana use,” he said.
Read more about how cannabis and psychosis are linked.
The calming, relaxed state that cannabis produces can be enticing if you struggle with untreated mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, or if you struggle in social or professional situations. If you need to consume cannabis to function or avoid discomfort, it's likely that you've developed an unhealthy dependence on the drug that needs professional help.
The chances of developing an addiction varies from person-to-person and some people can use the drug without developing dependence. Factors such as the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC - the psychoactive compound of cannabis), that's consumed when taking cannabis can determine the intensity of the high. Different strains of cannabis contain higher amounts of THC than others, with particularly strong types of cannabis believed to contribute towards a greater likelihood of you developing an addiction. Different strains of cannabis can also stay in the body for longer, so the symptoms people experience can vary.
Misusing cannabis leads to an addiction in roughly 1 in 11 people who are exposed to the drug (according to the National Institutes of Health). If you begin using cannabis in your teens, the chances of you becoming addicted rise to about 1 in 6, or 17%. Also, the long-term damage to your mental health increases as you need more cannabis to achieve the same effects.
Other factors that can play a role in whether you develop an addiction to cannabis include:
