More areas are now legalizing marijuana for medical and amusing purposes, changing the cultural and legal reality around it. However, we should not overlook the fact that using marijuana always presents risks. This can result in misuse accompanied by unwanted side effects including potential overdose in extreme cases. This article looks at the effects of marijuana, signs of overdose, and the treatment provided at Recovery Bay Center.
Cannabis Plant and Its Constituents
Marijuana is obtained from Cannabis sativa plants and contains more than 100 different types of cannabinoids. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of the most studied cannabinoids.
THC induces a sense of euphoria, however, CBD does not. CBD is frequently selected for its possible health advantages as it doesn’t induce a sensation of intoxication. But as time has passed, the strength of THC in marijuana has skyrocketed leading to more intense effects as well as dangers.
Marijuana Overdose: Symptoms and Risks
Death from consuming too much marijuana is rare. However, consuming high doses, particularly from edibles or concentrates, can lead to severe reactions known as “greening out.”
These reactions can be intense and uncomfortable. Symptoms of an overdose on marijuana include:
Nausea and Vomiting: This can result in acute gastrointestinal distress leading to great discomfort. Some users go through cycles of vomiting; by which, they experience recurrent episodes of severe nausea and vomiting.
Incoordination and Dizziness: Users may have problems walking or standing due to intense dizziness. These cases often happen to older people with existing health problems that can result in accidental falls and injuries.
Faster Heartbeat: A fast pulse and feeling of heart fluttering can be dangerous for people with heart problems. According to some studies, marijuana use might increase the possibilities for heart attacks particularly in the elderly.
Extreme Anxiety and Panic Attacks: Psychological manifestations include intense anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, and sometimes short-term psychosis. Such situations can be both disturbing and confusing as many require prompt attention.
Hallucinations: When someone sees or hears things that aren’t real. This can make them feel like it changes their perception of reality. Rare symptoms may occur when someone takes high doses of a substance.
Short-Term Marijuana Effects
The effects of cannabis differ from person to person. They also rely on the type of strain, the amount used, and how it is consumed. Cannabis intake can be achieved via smoking, vaporizing, or ingesting through food items. Commonly experienced short term side effects include:
Perceived Changes: Distorted sense of time, heightened colors and amplified sounds. Using marijuana can make most people feel happy and relaxed. However, some individuals may experience feelings of anxiety, paranoia, or panic attacks. This is especially common among new users or those using a strong type of marijuana.
Cognitive Disorders: A short-term memory deficit is possible. It may affect the ability to learn and concentrate. The tasks requiring attention and concentration become difficult.
Motor Skill Deterioration: Coordination is affected and reaction time is slow, which may increase the risk of accidents. This is particularly concerning for activities such as driving or operating machinery.
Physical Effects: Marijuana users often have dry mouth, also known as cotton mouth, and red eyes. This is because of decrease in saliva production and dilation of blood vessels. People typically refer to an increase in food cravings as “the munchies.”
Long-Term Marijuana Effects
Teens who start using marijuana at a young age and use it for a long time face more serious consequences. This can include negative impacts on their physical and mental health, as well as their overall well-being. Additionally, long-term marijuana use during adolescence can also affect their academic performance and social relationships. Teens need to be aware of the potential risks associated with early and prolonged marijuana use.
Decreased Intelligence: Prolonged intake alters brain development ultimately reducing IQ levels alongside cognitive functioning. Studies show that starting marijuana use at a young age can lead to lower cognitive abilities later in life.
Mental Health Issues: Increased likelihood of developing mental illness such as depression, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia particularly for genetically predisposed individuals. Different factors influence the multifaceted nexus between cannabis use and mental health issues.
Respiratory Problems: Chronic bronchitis and other respiratory problems similar to those caused by tobacco smoking are some of the effects associated with marijuana smoking. Regular users may experience persistent coughing, phlegm production, and an increased risk for lung infections.
Dependence and Withdrawal: Addictions can develop in long-term users. Some signs of withdrawal include irritability, sleep difficulties, yearnings, and restlessness upon reduction or cessation of use. Even though these symptoms are milder compared to other substances’ associated ones, they can still pose a challenge.
Treatment for Marijuana Abuse at Recovery Bay Center
Broad Assessment and Diagnosis
At Recovery Bay center, a team of healthcare professionals conducts a thorough evaluation as the first step. This assessment will look at how much marijuana you use, as well as your mental and physical health. Additionally, it will evaluate your overall physical well-being. This wide-ranging diagnosis assists in developing an individualized approach to treatment that suits specific needs.
Doctors ask patients questions about their drug history, mental state, family background, and medical history using different questionnaires. To evaluate for any other health conditions which may influence treatment such as physical examination or even laboratory testing.
Detox Process
Although marijuana withdrawal is generally not lethal, it can be quite unpleasant. Detox process at Recovery Bay Center revolves around managing withdrawal symptoms like;
Insomnia: Medical experts might prescribe drugs or adopt behaviors which facilitate good sleep. Developing healthy bedtime routines and considering cognitive-behavioral therapy may improve your sleep patterns. This can assist you in returning to a consistent sleep schedule. Good habits can promote better sleep.
Mood swings and Irritability: These are the two symptoms that are associated with bipolar disorder. Therapeutic strategies, such as the use of mindfulness or stress management techniques, can manage these mood fluctuations.
Cravings: Advice and assistance are given to help prevent relapse. Many patients find cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques useful in managing cravings and acquiring skills for self-preservation.
Individualized Treatment Plans
Recovery Bay Center believes that individualized treatment plans are the cornerstone of their approach:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): It helps patients realize and change patterns of thinking leading to drug dependence. This program identifies negative thoughts or actions and replaces them with positive ones.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET): Designed to enhance motivation and commitment towards quitting marijuana use. Therapy includes sessions where therapists help people who want to quit using marijuana but also don’t want to quit.
Group Therapy: A method used in addiction counseling whereby individuals addicted to a particular substance meet regularly as a group under guidance from a counselor so that they can talk about their experiences.
Family Therapy: the inclusion of family members in the process of repairing relations and establishing a network that will give support to an addict at home. Family therapy sessions encompass communication, boundaries setting, and identifying addiction dynamics so as to construct a better environment for family life.
Holistic Approaches
Recovery Bay Center also offers holistic treatments for treating the whole person instead of only addressing the addiction. They include:
Yoga and Meditation: Exercises help in anxiety control and recollection. Regular attendance can lead to improved mental clarity, reduced stress levels, and overall better being.
Acupuncture: Reducing tension and ensuring good general body health. According to some studies, acupuncture could be beneficial in minimizing withdrawal symptoms as well as cravings.
Nutritional Counseling: Teaches patients about eating right for recovery and overall wellness. With an unbalanced diet someone feels miserable all day long and low on energy while recovered addicts have feelings like they are sitting on a rollercoaster ride with no brakes.
Long-Term Support and Aftercare
Recovery is a lifelong commitment; therefore, Recovery Bay Center has implemented extensive aftercare programs so that sobriety can be maintained:
Continued Therapy: Regular counseling sessions offer constant emotional and mental help. These sessions help solve any emerging issues, provide mechanisms for dealing with stress, and reinforce the progress achieved during treatment.
Support Groups: Participation in support groups creates a feeling of belonging as well as shared experiences. Such initiatives as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provide an organized venue for ongoing encouragement.
Relapse Prevention Plans: Elaborate planning identifies potential triggers and strengthens coping techniques. Patients learn to recognize early warning signs and take appropriate measures to stay sober.
Outpatient Services: Flexible outpatient services are provided to patients returning back to their normal lives. These may involve regular therapist visits, group therapies, and continuous access to holistic approaches like yoga exercises or acupuncture.
Life Skills Training
The Recovery Bay Center offers life skills training that further supports long term recovery including:
Job Readiness Programs: Assisting patients develop resumes, prepare for job interviews, and develop workplace skills.
Educational Opportunities: Supporting educational objectives such as obtaining a GED or entering college courses.
Financial Counseling: This involves offering advice on responsible management of money, budgeting, and thinking ahead.
Conclusion
Knowing the risks related to marijuana and identifying signs of misuse is important. While there are good reasons for using marijuana in a medical context, it’s not without its own hazards. Therefore, proper assessment and treatment are crucial for those who have dependency problems.
At Recovery Bay Center, we make personalized treatment plans. These plans include medical, psychological, and holistic approaches. Our goal is to provide comprehensive care for long-term recovery. Contact us now at 833.991.2955 to get your personalized treatment plan.
