There are many myths surrounding marijuana. It is a drug that enjoys considerable social acceptance because it has become normalised in today’s society. It is important to be aware of the associated risks that arise from marijuana use. At CCAdicciones we debunk the 5 most common myths about marijuana:
1- It is a soft and harmless drug
It is common to hear that marijuana is a harmless drug because it comes from a substance of natural origin. This is one of the main myths about marijuana. It is taken for granted that, because it is extracted from a plant, it is not harmful to health, or at least not as much as if it were a substance created in a laboratory. First of all, the fact that it is natural does not mean it is not harmful. In nature there are toxic and deadly elements. This natural origin is no guarantee that it is good. In addition, nowadays, all drugs are mixed with other elements. So, a person may think they are smoking a joint and that everything they are ingesting is cannabis, but the reality in many cases is that tar and other substances that are not intended for human consumption are also added.
2- Marijuana does not cause addiction
Marijuana use can lead to addiction. As with other drugs, a person may start using and may or may not develop dependence, as it depends on different factors. However, if there is abuse and excessive marijuana use, it is possible to develop an addiction. A person may feel the desire and need to use marijuana when, for whatever reason, they cannot do so. This happens because they have developed a dependence on it.
3- It is not a gateway to other drugs
Many regular marijuana users do not even consider it a drug, and the same happens with alcohol. If it is internalised that cannabis is not a drug, or that it is a harmless drug, the person may use other types of drugs with more devastating side effects. It should also be noted that it is a gateway drug, again comparable to alcohol. For this very reason, it is no coincidence that the first drugs most young people try are alcohol and marijuana.
4- It does not cause side effects
The myth that marijuana does not cause side effects is essential to debunk. Marijuana has side effects on users’ health. Using it to relax and as a way to escape is not advisable, as it can lead to:
- Deterioration of lung tissue
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Risk of heart disease
- High heart rate and blood pressure
- Chronic mental disorders, such as schizophrenia
- Anxiety disorder
- Sadness
- Depression
- Memory loss
5- It does not affect daily life
Marijuana affects the daily life of the person who uses this drug and has negative effects in all areas: academic, work, relationships… A marijuana addict’s priority is to use cannabis, putting the rest of the elements of their life in a lower position. The order of priorities they establish will have consequences for their grades, performance at work, good communication and relationship with their family…
Marijuana treatment
To stop using marijuana, you need treatment. At CCAdicciones we have an inpatient centre in Roda de Berà (Tarragona), but we also have other centres throughout Spain. Our centres are made up of a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, support staff and therapists specialising in addiction. Our goal is to help the patient regain control of their life, be able to remove the drug from their life, and have the necessary tools to do so.
The 4 phases of treatment
A marijuana detox treatment consists of 4 distinct steps. The first step is detoxification. The patient needs to detox from the substance they have developed a dependence on in order to face the next steps. This is a complex phase because the person goes from regularly using a substance to stopping its use completely. For this reason, it is so important to detox alongside expert professionals, as the addict will be monitored at all times, especially during the first few hours.
Next comes rehabilitation from use. The purpose is to bring about a change in the patient’s perception of cannabis and to leave behind routines, customs and toxic habits linked to marijuana use. One of the keys to the success of our centres is achieving this change in mindset regarding the drug used. If the person detoxes correctly and The rehabilitation-from-use work is carried out through therapy, both individual and group. These are the main tools for tackling this process. After leaving the centre, these therapies must continue, although it is true that less frequently, in order to avoid relapse. There are also therapeutic activities designed for this purpose, aimed at bringing about a change in the patient’s mindset to move them away from toxic behaviour.
The next step after rehabilitation from use is rehabilitation. At this stage, patients’ attitudes and aptitudes are assessed and worked on. Addiction is an illness that worsens the physical and psychological capacities of the person suffering from this disorder. It is necessary to emphasise this point and work to recover these capacities, which are necessary to live a full life and remain abstinent. This process begins in the clinic once detoxification has been completed and continues once the patient returns to their environment.
Finally, reintegration. After the phases explained above, the time comes to reintegrate into society. Once the entire treatment has been completed, the patient must gradually return to their daily life. In this phase of returning to a life without addictions, but back in the patient’s environment, it does not happen autonomously; rather, the patient is supported by the CCAdicciones team. At all times, they are advised by the different professionals who work in the different outpatient centres.
Quit marijuana for good
If you need more information about myths about marijuana and require help to quit marijuana, do not hesitate to get in touch with us. You can call our mobile number, available 24 hours a day for whenever you need us most: 617 200 882. We are always at your disposal.
