Stop Smoking Marijuana

Many people need help to stop smoking marijuana. Some are able to quit on their own while the greater majority need to attend rehab to stop smoking marijuana. Rehab helps the individual overcome their physical and psychological dependence on marijuana. Treatment programs solely directed at marijuana abuse are rare. This is partly because many who use marijuana do so in combination with other drugs, such as cocaine and alcohol. However, with more people seeking help to stop smoking marijuana, research has focused on ways to overcome problems with abuse of this drug. No medications are currently available to treat marijuana abuse.

Recent discoveries about the workings of THC receptors have raised the possibility that scientists may eventually develop a medication that will block THC's intoxicating effects. Such a medication might be used to prevent relapse and help people to stop smoking marijuana by reducing or eliminating its appeal. It is important to keep in mind that utilizing one drug (even if it is prescribed to you) to prevent abuse of another is simply switching addictions. True recovery means learning how to handle day to day life without turning to substances (legal or illegal).

Marijuana use impairs a person's ability to form memories, recall events, and shift attention from one thing to another. THC also disrupts coordination and balance by binding to receptors in the cerebellum and basal ganglia, parts of the brain that regulate balance, posture, coordination of movement, and reaction time. Through its effects on the brain and body, marijuana intoxication can cause accidents. Studies show that approximately 6 to 11 percent of fatal accident victims test positive for THC. In many of these cases, alcohol is detected as well.

In a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a moderate dose of marijuana alone was shown to impair driving performance. However, the effects of even a low dose of marijuana combined with alcohol were markedly greater than for either drug alone. Driving indices measured included reaction time, visual search frequency (driver checking side streets), and the ability to perceive and/or respond to changes in the relative velocity of other vehicles.

To stop smoking marijuana, the first step is detox. During marijuana detox, the individual will stop smoking marijuana while in the care of treatment professionals. These professionals are present because the withdrawal symptoms from marijuana use are actually quite strong and often include: headaches, irritability, mood swings, loss of appetite, depression, anxiety, and nausea. Generally speaking, the individual will go through these withdrawal symptoms for several days during the detox process. None of the symptoms are life-threatening on their own, but often can lead to relapses and breaking away from the rehab program.

Why wait any longer? Every day you wait to stop smoking marijuana is a day you could have spent truly living life to the fullest. Thousands recover from marijuana addiction every year. Don't be the next statistic. Make the decision today to start a new life and attend a marijuana rehab. This choice will make the difference between living a life of addiction and experiencing complete recovery.

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