Marijuana is mostly perceived as less addictive after several studies reveal how unlikely it is to cause an overdose. Even cases of withdrawal symptoms are less likely to be fatal compared to other substances. If this is the case, then why do some people struggle in quitting the use of marijuana?
It has been noted that excessive users of marijuana have run into addiction treatment an average of at least 6 times. That is a really concerning matter to think about. Relapse is a huge problem that comes with marijuana addiction. A lot of people greatly struggle in getting out of the loop of marijuana use and that speaks so much about its addictive factor.
Understanding the Nature of Marijuana
It is important to understand that marijuana is a foreign substance that creates certain chemical changes in the brain resulting in psychological dependence more than physical dependence. Psychological dependence means a person’s way of thinking and behavior are manipulated by the substance.
Although some users of marijuana may not find side effects from the substance and they continue to strongly express how they are capable of working effectively upon its use, it can be likely that in the long run, they will find themselves struggling from poor judgment and being prone to accidents, as well as keeping healthy relationships with people close to them.
And after figuring out these things are affecting their entire life negatively, they suffer even more with the desire to quit yet fail to make it happen. Marijuana is known to establish intense cravings during withdrawal. However, when medical care is used as an intervention, marijuana addiction can be overcome and relapse can be prevented.
The Key Points in Preventing Relapse for Marijuana
Relapse is the tendency to return to substance use after experiencing a certain length of sobriety. It can be triggered by several factors and nobody really knows when it could come one’s way. However, it is a fact that when a person has suffered from substance addiction, relapse can happen at any time.
Although relapse is a common thing with marijuana addiction, it should not be a typical excuse to prevent oneself from getting treated. Relapse can be prevented in multiple ways and it can start from the start of an inpatient or outpatient care and progress through an aftercare intervention.
The following are key points in preventing relapse for marijuana:
Identify Personal Triggers to Marijuana Addiction
This self-awareness process is essential to really determine what triggers one’s addiction. Some studies point out how places, people, and even certain scents can trigger addiction. Stress, trauma, and loss are also a few things to note. It is important to personally identify what sparks cravings – what feelings, things, and experiences trigger cravings.
By constantly taking note of these things, patterns can be identified and then behavioral therapists can help one establish ways to avoid or overcome these occasions. Treatment of marijuana addiction is highly essential since addiction specialists can help guide one to get through the darkest past experiences which have often been suppressed by marijuana use.
Treatment of marijuana addiction is a step to getting to know oneself, allowing past traumas to heal, and eventually building strong coping skills in overcoming the use of marijuana. Relapse after treatment can be prevented by dedicating oneself at the very start to one’s treatment plan.
Commit to Relapse Prevention Programs
There are a lot of aftercare programs that one can enroll in order to sustain the healthy habits formed during treatment and keep oneself away from the tendency for relapse. Marijuana Anonymous is one of the communities which offer a place where people who are addicted to marijuana meet together and help each other remain sober.
This fellowship is a great source of support especially when certain things in daily life become overwhelming. It is also a venue where one can learn from each other’s experiences and be able to share common realities which can be of help in understanding one’s current situation and eventually feel better.
The moral support provided in this community can boost a person’s motivation and commitment to remain sober. This community can show a person different ways that can help them stay on track. It is important to understand that fully overcoming addiction does not happen alone – it is backed on by several people who offer support when tough times hit.
Establish a Healthy Lifestyle
A stressful state can cause tendencies for relapse. In order to avoid getting stressed, it is important to keep a healthy physical and psychological disposition as a lifestyle. Enjoying a healthy diet and a good quality of sleep helps one keep a positive outlook in life. Exercising is also another way which boosts healthy hormones in the brain.
A lot of people also emphasize the essence of meditation in constantly reconnecting with oneself within. It is a healthy mental exercise that helps release stress and clear thinking. Another helpful tip to establishing a healthy lifestyle is to discover new hobbies and take on new adventures. This helps one not only grow as a person but also create mental wellness.
Seek Help When Necessary
Finally, every person is encouraged to seek help when necessary. When cravings persist intensely or trigger relapse becomes out of hand, there is nothing wrong with seeking help. Even individuals who have already fallen short of relapse are strongly encouraged to call for help at the earliest time possible.
While most people think that relapse is a reset in treatment, this is not totally the case since when a person goes through a relapse and seeks help, it can be an opportunity to reevaluate past treatment plans and work on a new set of ways to build a more effective one. At the end of the day, seeking help benefits oneself and the words of other people do not matter at all.
Overall, overcoming addiction to marijuana is a lifelong process that one must embrace in order to continuously enjoy a drug-free life.