Cannabis is one of the most popular illicit drugs in Australia. Individuals often report using cannabis to help them cope with poor sleep, physical pain or mental health difficulties. Unfortunately, cannabis use often exacerbates underlying mood and psychological problems. The impact of cannabis may lead to reduced motivation, thus making life’s demands more challenging to fulfil. It may also lead to social difficulties and predispose individuals to respiratory disease.
Some symptoms of cannabis addiction include:
- Requiring a greater amount of the substance over time.
- Inability to reduce the amount of cannabis one is using.
- Experiencing cravings and urges to use cannabis.
- Cannabis consumption leading to the inability to fulfil responsibilities at work or at home.
- Continuing to use cannabis in situations that may lead to physical danger.
- Reduced involvement in previously important or meaningful activities.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms,
Treatment
Treatment for cannabis use may involve inpatient treatment in a detox or rehabilitation facility. Ongoing individual treatment is often required and may incorporate motivational interviewing which explores reasons for behaviour change along with CBT which helps individuals learn about the connections between thoughts, feelings and behaviours to better understand and manage their triggers.
The trained clinicians at Bayside Psychotherapy may be able to assist you with your cannabis use. Addiction counselling methods could be of tremendous help!
Call us on (03) 9557 9113 to book your confidential appointment. Your call is completely confidential, and there’s absolutely no obligation.
You can also book an appointment by using our online booking form for online appointments. Or, if you prefer, you can use our booking form for an in-clinic session.
Together, we may be able to help tackle issues with our face to face or online counselling via Skype, Zoom or similar. Self-hypnosis may also work well when used in conjunction with counselling. You can download our Cannabis Addiction Self Hypnosis recording from our website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Symptoms of Cannabis Addiction?
Do you continue to smoke even though it causes social or relationship problems? Do you have an extreme desire to smoke cannabis, even at just the mere thought of it? Do you endure withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop?
Another common sign of a problem with marijuana addiction is developing a tolerance for marijuana. As cannabis use progresses into an addiction, the body gets accustomed to the feeling, which then requires the user to need more and more cannabis to get them the same high as when they started. If you begin to note some or many of these symptoms, it may be a sign that you have an addiction.
What Are the Side Effects of Cannabis Addiction?
Cannabis has mind-altering compounds, and when abused, can have notable long-term side effects that relate to the brain and the physical body. Studies have linked chronic cannabis smokers to erectile dysfunction disorder, as well as a higher probability of developing a constant cough.
One of the most known side effects of cannabis addiction is memory loss. When smoked or eaten, cannabis temporarily stops the brain from creating new memories and retaining further information. People who frequently use cannabis are more likely to develop false memories and experience memory issues down the road - more so for those who started smoking at a young age.
Can I Get Help for My Cannabis Addiction?
Various treatment options exist for overcoming substance addictions. Usually, it takes time to find something that works, but that’s our aim. Your willingness to participate and your underlying causes of the addiction is a significant factor in your recovery. We will regularly review your progress as we work together. If you are truly motivated, you have the potential to work through your marijuana addiction.
What Is Bayside Psychotherapy’s Treatment Philosophy?
Various treatment options exist for overcoming substance addictions. Usually, it takes time to find something that works, but that’s our aim. Your willingness to participate and your underlying causes of the addiction is a significant factor in your recovery. We will regularly review your progress as we work together. If you are truly motivated, you have the potential to work through your marijuana addiction.
What Is Bayside Psychotherapy’s Treatment Philosophy?
At Bayside Psychotherapy, we have several treatment options available but we focus on your specific needs and goals as we work together. This may include a combination of evidence-based therapies administered by an experienced clinician. Our team at Bayside Psychotherapy has a wide range of experience, including counselling, psychotherapy and hypnosis/NLP, which puts us in a great position that may help you find an approach that suits your needs, preferences and goals.
Enquire by calling (03) 9557 9113 or book an appointment online to attend our clinic for a face-to-face or online session via a secure connection. Your call is completely confidential, and there’s absolutely no obligation.
Self-hypnosis may also work well when used in conjunction with counselling. You can download our Cannabis Addiction Self Hypnosis recording from our website.
