Marijuana
Also known as weed, pot or reefer,
marijuana is made from the extracts
of the Cannabis sativa or hemp plant.
Officially classified as a mind-altering
or psychoactive narcotic, the active
ingredient in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol
(THC). A widely used drug throughout
North America, upwards of 150,000
individuals enter treatment for
a proclaimed addiction to marijuana.
Marijuana addiction is defined when
the person makes a firm decision
to stop smoking only to relapse
following intense cravings for the
drug.
 Withdrawal Symptoms
The
withdrawal symptoms from marijuana begin within twenty-four
hours and can last up to a full month as the drug is flushed
from the body. Symptoms include:
- irritability
- anxiety
- physical tension
- decreases in appetite and mood
- short-term memory loss
- irregular sleep patterns
- loss of motivation
- depression
Treatment
The most effective treatment for marijuana addiction is
cognitive-behavioral therapies that helps the addict change
their way of thinking, their expectancies from drug use, their
learned behaviors, and helps them better cope with life’s
daily stressors. Treatment also includes developing strategies
to stay off of drugs by engaging in a healthier and more productive
lifestyle. |