Marijuana is probably the most debated drug out there, legal in some states and banned in others. Many people think that since marijuana is natural, it can’t be too harmful, but the reality is that many non-synthetic drugs grow right out of the ground but cause significant damage -much like weed does.
Because of the controversy surrounding marijuana and its dangers, quitting marijuana may be more challenging than other, more obviously dangerous drugs. However, there are many benefits to quitting weed completely, as will be discussed in this article.
What is Weed?
Marijuana, or weed as it is more informally known, is a natural substance derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. It is a psychoactive drug, which means that it alters the brain due to its active ingredient, THC (short for delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol).
Weed is usually smoked but may also be mixed with food or drink. The immediate after-effect of using marijuana is a pleasurable ‘high’- a euphoric sensation that causes people to take more of the drug when the effects wear off. After prolonged misuse of weed, the user may experience adverse effects on the brain and body.
Is Marijuana Addictive?
There is much discussion about whether or not marijuana is addictive. Although weed is definitely not as addictive as alcohol, cocaine, and other hard drugs, it has been proven that people can become dependent on weed, which can lead to addiction.
People who use weed experience a pleasurable high for a short amount of time. Once the effects wear off, they will likely take another dose to recreate the euphoric feelings. With time, the body develops tolerance to the drug, meaning that the dose must be increased to produce the same effects.
Eventually, the body becomes dependent on weed, meaning that it cannot function optimally without it. This is because failure to take the regular dose causes intense withdrawal symptoms that are uncomfortable at best and dangerous at worst. At this point, the user is trapped- they cannot stop taking the drug, so essentially, they are addicted.
Giving Up Weed- The Benefits
If you are playing around with weed, you may be wondering what the benefits of quitting pot completely are. Whether you use weed occasionally at parties or take a fix every day, you need to understand the benefits of stopping weed on order to feel motivated to quit.
Marijuana can be very harmful to people who misuse it all the time. The short-term effects of weed are mood swings, increased heart rate, impaired cognitive function, loss of balance, and altered perception of senses. The long-term effects of marijuana use include addiction, mental health disorders, respiratory issues, increased risk of cancer, and nausea and vomiting.
8 Quitting Weed Benefits
The benefits of quitting marijuana are numerous. Below are just some of the benefits you may experience if you choose to stop using weed:
- Improved mental health- Chronic weed users report feeling paranoid, restless, anxious, and depressed. Ironically, people self-medicate with marijuana to deal with their mental health issues, but it only exacerbates those conditions in the long run.
- Improved cognitive function- Weed hampers brain function, affecting decision-making, concentration, memory, and the ability to absorb new information. After stopping weed, these functions improve slowly but steadily.
- Improved physical health- Wee users often crave sugary, fatty, and high-calorie foods. Additionally, when on a weed high, users are unlikely to engage in physical exercise and care for their bodies. Having a clear mind is essential for proper self-care.
- Improved emotional health- Mood swings are part of an addict’s life. The highs and lows of drug use are exhausting, and leave users agitated, irritable, and jittery. Additionally, weed is often used to mask uncomfortable emotions which promptly return after the high wears off. Dropping weed allows users to face and work through every difficult emotion.
- Improved respiratory and cardiovascular health- Prolonged misuse of weed harms the lungs and heart. (Marijuana smoke fills the lungs with toxins and tar, leading to bronchitis and cancer. Heart rate increases when a person uses marijuana, which can cause stroke or heart attack.) One of the benefits to stop smoking weed is that the lungs and heart begin to heal.
- Financial savings- Although weed is not a drug that many people go bankrupt from, the expense of a constant supply of weed can add up over time. After quitting weed, you may notice that you’ll have more cash to go around.
- Improved sleep- Insomnia and restlessness are common for marijuana users. Weed interrupts sleep patterns, causing exhaustion. Quitting weed allows you to enjoy a deep, restful and restoring sleep.
- Improved productivity- Weed can make users feel sluggish and unmotivated. Combined with unhealthy eating habits and little sleep, marijuana users may be largely unproductive. Quitting weed results in raised energy and productivity levels.
How to Quit Weed
People who quit marijuana cold turkey often find that the withdrawal symptoms are too intense for sobriety to last. “White-knuckling sobriety” refers to when the addict desperately grasps sobriety with metaphorical white knuckles, as opposed to finding the tools and support needed to stay sober for the long term.
Regardless of all the benefits of quitting marijuana, it’s never a good idea to go at it alone. The best way to quit weed for good would be to attend an addiction rehab center. At Avenues Recovery, we have incredible staff who have helped thousands of people struggling with addiction achieve sobriety. Starting with medical detox, clients are safely weaned off marijuana until the withdrawal symptoms disappear.
Avenues Recovery Can Help You Attain The Benefits Of Quitting Weed
At Avenues Recovery, we are committed to helping you quit weed in the safest and most effective way possible. Our rehab centers offer personalized treatment plans that include one-on-one and group therapy to address the root causes of addiction. Our highly qualified staff provides the support and tools you need to begin your journey toward sobriety. We create a safe and nurturing environment where you can overcome your addiction and build the future you deserve. Reach out today to take the first step toward an addiction-free life.