Do I Need THC Detox?
THC is the more common name for tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is the main ingredient in marijuana that causes many of the drug’s notorious psychological effects. You can consume THC through marijuana, but it can also be ingested as a prescription drug. Take a closer look to see if you could benefit from a THC detox.
Accepting the Reality of THC Addiction
Many people mistakenly believe that THC, and marijuana, are not addictive. However, that simply isn’t the case. You can absolutely become dependent on and even addicted to THC.
Compared to heroin or cocaine, an addiction to THC doesn’t appear severe. Physically, that might be the case. If you’re addicted to THC, there won’t be as many physical symptoms. Withdrawal from THC won’t be as physiologically stressful as it might be for other drugs.
However, THC can still become a crutch for many individuals. People might end each day with marijuana. The drug can be used as a means of relaxation or stress relief. Once you cease consumption of THC, side effects may begin to kick in.
The mere existence of these side effects shows that addiction is a real issue. Another issue is that withdrawing from THC use can increase pain sensitivity. If you’re struggling with pain management, this can be severe. Like any drug, a profound psychological withdrawal brings home the point that there is indeed an addiction.
In certain states, medical and recreational marijuana consumption is legal. THC on its own can also be manufactured and sold to patients going through cancer treatment.
Despite this, THC can still be addictive. Many people think that since it is legal in certain areas, the drug must be harmless. Clearly, that is not true!
Side Effects of THC Consumption
Individuals can consume THC in a number of ways. You can smoke marijuana, ingest THC or take prescription medications containing THC. However you consume THC, you’ll experience side effects.
Many side effects can be considered desirable, at least to the individuals that consume THC voluntarily. For instance, it can increase appetite, a good thing for patients having chemotherapy or suffering from AIDS.
However, plenty of THC’s side effects are less than desirable. Many people experience short-term memory loss after consuming THC. The drug can also cause anxiety and even paranoia in some users.
THC can also lower your reaction time. That means whether you’re driving, working or studying, your physical response will slow down dramatically. This can put you at risk, especially if you’re driving, walking or biking outside.
When you consume THC, you’ll also increase your heart rate for one or two hours on average. For some individuals, that can lead to an increased chance of a heart attack. Some research shows that THC consumption can also cause dizziness and shallow breathing.
Smoking is one of the most common ways to consume marijuana, and therefore THC. Of course, inhaling smoke also causes health problems. Side effects can range from coughing all the way to an increased likelihood of developing lung cancer.
Symptoms of an Addiction to THC
There are plenty of ways to tell if you’re addicted to THC. First, consider whether you rely on marijuana on a regular basis. If you use it daily, then addiction is probably a real possibility.
Tolerance is another way to tell if you’re addicted to THC. If your tolerance is gradually increasing over time, it means your body requires more and more THC in order to feel the same effects. That’s a clear sign that your body and your brain are becoming dependent on the drug.
The inability to stop use is another important warning sign. If you don’t think you’re addicted to marijuana, stop consumption. If you’re addicted, trying to stop will feel difficult. You might think about the drug constantly, and you could have a hard time focusing on anything else.
You should also think about why you’re relying on the drug. If you use it as a means of escape, or you can’t relax without it, it could be cause for concern.
Finally, consider whether THC consumption has caused any problems in your life. This could include being late for work, fewer social activities with friends and family or financial problems. If you’re still using THC despite these negative life consequences, then addiction is probably an issue you’ll need to address.
Deciding to Make a Positive Change
If you’re reading this, then you’re probably already on the right track. Confronting an addiction of any kind can be tough. The media often downplays the severity of THC use and abuse, so a big part of the process is simply acknowledging that there is a problem.
Next, it’s important to make the decision to get help. Although it is possible to overcome a THC addiction solo, it is much easier if you’ve got assistance. Professional help through detox and beyond will make a big difference in the overall success and longevity of your recovery.
What You Can Expect From a THC Detox
Many people want to prepare for a THC detox. Knowing what to expect can make the process seem a little less overwhelming.
A THC detox can be an inpatient or an outpatient program. While both have similar goals and treatment methods, an inpatient program offers 24/7 medical support and care. Plus, there is an extra level of accountability that you can use to increase your chance of lifelong sobriety.
During a detox, you’ll stop THC consumption entirely. This can lead to a withdrawal period for many patients. During withdrawal, you might struggle with symptoms that include a reduced appetite, insomnia, anxiety or even paranoia. While these withdrawal symptoms might seem mild, they can still be difficult.
Once detox is over, you’ll learn ways to prevent an addiction from taking hold again. You can learn coping mechanisms, get to the root cause of your addiction and prepare for the risk of relapse.
With this guide, you can determine whether you need a THC detox. A detox can be the best way to overcome an addiction and start experiencing a healthier, happier and more fulfilling life.