When cannabis use becomes a problem
Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a drug derived from the hemp plant. Cannabis is the collective name for hashish and weed. The resin and dried flower tops of the hemp plant contain the active substance THC. This substance gives a person a sense of relaxation or a "high" feeling after use, which is both psychologically and physically. In most cases, cannabis is smoked in a "joint" or "spliff", but it can also be processed in edibles such as space cake or tea. The THC content in cannabis has increased considerably compared to earlier days. Despite the fact that cannabis is categorised as soft drugs and legally available in the Netherlands, cannabis can be harmful both physically and mentally. It is also highly psychologically addictive, making it difficult or impossible to quit. This can eventually lead to cannabis addiction.
Marijuana addiction and abuse
After a period of excessive cannabis use, there is a fair chance of becoming psychologically, and possibly also physically, dependent on cannabis. Cannabis addiction can have a devastating impact, resulting in serious psychological and physical consequences. At Connection SGGZ, we offer professional support. We help our clients quit cannabis in a medically responsible and committed way. Our personal approach enables our clients to return to a full and meaningful life after treatment.
Effects:
- the whites of your eyes redden and become glassy
- extremely tired, lazy, sluggish, drowsy or actually very cheerful
- the urge to eat a lot, having the “munchies”
- your mouth turns dry
- short-term memory deteriorates, forgetfulness
- imagination and creativity often increase
Symptoms:
- no energy left for daily activities
- sleeping without first smoking a spliff is almost impossible
- work, school and relationships with friends and family are neglected
- performance at work or school declines
- the sense that you can no longer cope without cannabis
- most activities are combine with smoking weed
Risks:
- confusion and memory loss
- balance disorders and loss of concentration
- gloominess and depression
- sleeping disorders
- nervousness and irritability
- more likely to have other mental disorders such as schizophrenia and psychosis
Do I have a weed addiction?
It is sometimes difficult to tell whether a problem really exists. The severity of a cannabis addiction, whether it is weed or hash, depends on how often and how much is used and what the consequences are. Cannabis abuse occurs when cannabis has been used excessively a period of time, making it difficult or impossible to quit. The habit then continuously leads to the same problems or intensifies.
You either do not use cannabis or have tried it once or twice. If you do use, you do so consciously and in moderation. Worried about someone close to you? You are welcome to contact us as well.
You may use cannabis now and then, for example in social settings or to unwind, and you can comfortably go without it. This self-assessment can be a moment to pause and think about your use, because a cannabis problem often creeps in slowly. If you still have doubts about how much of a hold it has, or you are worried about someone else, we are here for you whatever your question.
Cannabis may seem harmless, as it is widely available and often treated as a soft drug. Using regularly, however, can affect your mood, motivation and how you function day to day, often before you notice it.
Sometimes there is more behind the use: stress, boredom, or wanting to escape difficult feelings. That is how a pattern can take hold that becomes harder to break.
Are you smoking weed more often, or feeling that you need it to feel okay? Do not wait for things to get worse. We will listen and give you the advice you need right now.
Has ‘wanting to use’ quietly turned into ‘having to use’? Does cannabis weigh on you every day? Only you know the answers.
Our cannabis self-assessment test is not here to judge. We know how hard it is to admit that you cannot go on like this. Asking for help can feel like a huge step. But we know from experience that this first step can be the start of a life without addiction. We can help you take it. You can reach us on 040-303 5023 or fill in the contact form at the bottom of the page. We will get back to you soon.
Maybe cannabis has become a fixed part of your day, and going a single day without feels out of reach. Maybe the use brings problems you can no longer ignore, or a sense of shame you carry quietly. Only you know how true that is.
With weed addiction, your own brain works against you: it convinces you there is no problem and does everything it can to pull you back to smoking. That is why willpower alone is often not enough to break the pattern, even when the harm to body and mind is serious.
Do you know, deep down, that this cannot continue? Then do not wait any longer. We listen, and we give you the advice you need right now.
The first step
Do you want to give up using cannabis? Once you register with us for cannabis addiction treatment, the most important step has been taken. Given that we understand addiction very well and have a lot of experience in rehabilitation, we find it important to work in a respectful manner and without prejudice. Through treatment at Connection SGGZ, recovery from addiction is indeed possible.