Cannabis Addiction
Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug in the UK and it is estimated that there are 3 million users whilst half of all 16 - 29 year olds have tried it at least once.
Cannabis was re-classified from Class C to Class B in Jan 2009 under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. This reflects the more prolific use of herbal cannabis (skunk) that is found to be 2 to 3 times stronger than that found 30 years ago. The maximum penalty for possession is 5 years imprisonment and for supplying is up to 14 years.
What are the effects of Cannabis?
The more pleasant effects include a sense of relaxation, happiness and sleepiness as well as a greater awareness of one's senses due to its hallucinogenic properties.
Unpleasant effects may include confusion, hallucinations, anxiety and paranoia. These effects are due to the compounds affecting receptors in the parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thought, concentration, sensory and time perception. In addition cannabis use like tobacco can cause lung disease and possibly cancer. It increase heart rate and blood pressure. Frequent use by men can reduce sperm count and in women can suppress ovulation.
Research into longer term, adverse effects have shown that a greater number of mistakes are made in the workplace by users. A French study found users twice as likely to be the cause of fatal car crashes than to be a victim of them. Regular use of cannabis appears to double the risk of developing a psychotic episode or long-term schizophrenia. Research also suggests a strong link between early cannabis use and later mental health problems in those with a genetic vulnerability.
Cannabis users may experience some of the features of dependence including increased tolerance to gain the same effect and in stopping may have withdrawal effects such as cravings, irritability, mood changes and sleep difficulties. The intensity of which will be related to the amount used and or time of usage.
How can Cygnet Health help?
Cannabis is not physically addictive and there is no medical detoxification required. Cannabis users may experience some of the features of dependence including increased tolerance to gain the same effect and in stopping may have withdrawal effects such as cravings. Irritability, mood changes and sleep difficulties. The intensity of which will be related to the amount used and or time of usage.
In therapy we look at the progression of the addiction, its consequences, how to begin to reverse the effects, coping skills and introduce you to an ongoing support network.
Locations
We provide treatment for cannabis addiction at the following Cygnet Health hospitals: