The relationship between humans and cannabis is ancient, stretching back thousands of years. Its roots lie deep within various civilizations, where it served a myriad of purposes – from religious rituals to rudimentary medicine.
Origins and Traditional Use
Early Studies and Societal Views on Cannabis
However, the 20th century brought a wave of prohibitionist sentiments. Propelled in part by sensationalist media and political agendas, cannabis became vilified, leading to its criminalization in many parts of the world. A significant narrative that emerged during this time was the association of cannabis with cognitive decline and the notion that it might “kill” brain cells. Much of this stemmed from early studies on animals, often with methodologies now considered questionable.
As the century progressed, this negative perception persisted, even as anecdotal evidence and underground cultures celebrated the plant’s therapeutic and creative properties. The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw a renewed interest in the scientific community to understand cannabis more thoroughly. This was driven by both its increasing societal acceptance and the need to debunk or validate long-standing claims about its effects on the brain.
Today, as we continue to explore the plant’s impact on the human brain, it’s essential to recognize the deep historical context from which our current perspectives emerge. By doing so, we can approach the topic with an informed, open-minded stance, appreciating both the plant’s rich history and the evolving scientific understanding of its effects.
History of Cannabis Use
The realm of scientific research on cannabis and its effects on brain health is vast, complex, and, at times, contradictory. Over the past few decades, as technology and methodologies have advanced, researchers have been better equipped to analyze the intricacies of the cannabis plant and its interactions with the human brain.
Short-term Effects of Cannabis Use on the Brain
Long-term Effects of Cannabis Use and its Impact on Brain Cells
While much has been learned, many aspects of cannabis and its relationship with brain health remain enigmatic. The increasing legalization and decriminalization of the plant worldwide will hopefully pave the way for more comprehensive and unbiased studies in the future.
Marijuana and IQ Loss
Still, more research is necessary to determine whether marijuana use causes long-term IQ losses and whether factors that weren’t measured in the earlier research (such as the increasing amounts of THC) are important. Likewise, drawing definite conclusions about long-term effects on the human brain from previous studies is often limited by the facts that many participants use multiple substances, and there is not enough information about their mental functioning before the study.
Research available at this time offers some observation of the short-term effects but it’s hard to draw a definite conclusion regarding long-term effects. This is because many studies track small samples of people over short periods. Hopefully, this will change in the near future. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) began the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study in 2015 which seeks to understand how tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and other drug use affects adolescent health and brain development.
Treating a Marijuana Addiction (Marijuana Use Disorder)
Marijuana use disorders (MUDs) are similar to other substance use disorders. The average adult getting treatment for MUD has used marijuana nearly every day for more than 10 years and has attempted to quit more than 6 times. Individuals with MUD, particularly adolescents, frequently also suffer from other psychiatric disorders (dual diagnosis). They may also be using or addicted to other substances such as alcohol or cocaine.
Behavioral Therapies
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)–This type of therapy teaches people methods to help them identify and correct problem behaviors. This helps strengthen self-control, stop drug use, and focus on other issues that often co-occur with them.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)–DBT is a form of CBT that focuses more on emotions and relationships. In DBT you learn acceptance and change.
- Motivational enhancement therapy–This is designed to produce rapid internal motivations for change. Instead of treating the individual, it activates their own internal reasons for change and taking part in treatment.
Medications for Marijuana Use Disorder
Other substances being studied include:
- A nutritional supplement
- Chemicals called FAAH inhibitors which can reduce withdrawal symptoms
- A substance that can interact with cannabinoid receptors to restrict THC’s rewarding effects
Treatment Programs
Available treatment programs include:
- Residential treatment: Residential treatment helps eliminate non-ideal settings and daily triggers. Living in a structured drug-free setting creates a situation where you can focus on getting well.
- Outpatient programs: For people with a stable home situation, an outpatient program may be all you need to overcome marijuana addiction. There are several levels of outpatient care and the frequency and duration may vary by treatment center:
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): the highest level of outpatient treatment, PHP compares to residential care except you are able to go home each night.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): At this level, you will attend sessions about 3 times per week for about 3 – 4 hours per day.
- Outpatient Program (OP): A standard outpatient program will require several hours of treatment per week. OPs are most effective when used as a step-down program from a higher level of care.
Allow Achieve Wellness & Recovery to Help You
Marijuana use is gradually becoming accepted just like alcohol use, so many people don’t think of marijuana as an addiction problem. But, just like alcohol, marijuana is no joke and it can become an addiction and ruin a life. There’s no reason to let that happen. Achieve Wellness and Recovery can offer a full continuum of care from residential treatment to sober living and aftercare.
Are you struggling with an addiction to marijuana? Do you have a loved one who is? You deserve the best treatment available and the best opportunity to succeed. Our experienced, fully licensed professionals are immediately available to talk to you or you may schedule an appointment. Contact us today.
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