Cannabis addiction (marijuana and hashish)

What is cannabis addiction?

Cannabis addiction, in its forms of marijuana and hashish, is a dependence more common than people tend to think. Although it is socially regarded as a soft substance, continued use produces tolerance, withdrawal symptoms and a persistent desire to keep smoking.

The main psychoactive component, THC, acts on the brain's reward system. With daily use, the person begins to need cannabis in order to relax, sleep or cope with their routine, and finds it increasingly hard to enjoy things without smoking.

Recognising that cannabis has become a problem is difficult precisely because of its image as a harmless drug. Yet many people who use it every day feel they have lost control and do not know how to stop. Cannabis addiction can be treated, and it is possible to recover motivation and wellbeing.

Symptoms and warning signs

Cannabis dependence tends to set in gradually. These are some signs that use has become a problem:

• Smoking every day or several times a day.
• Needing cannabis to relax, sleep or feel good.
• Irritability, anxiety or insomnia when trying to stop.
• Loss of motivation, apathy and disinterest in activities that were once rewarding.
• Failed attempts to cut down or give up use.

When cannabis goes from being something occasional to a daily need, it is a good time to consider asking for help.

Causes of cannabis addiction

Cannabis addiction arises from the combination of biological, psychological and social factors. Many people start using in adolescence, in a social context, and over time use becomes a daily habit.

Cannabis is often used as an escape route to manage anxiety, boredom, stress or emotional distress. That role as a refuge is what keeps use going and makes it intensify. At Reconectar we analyse the part cannabis plays in each person's life so that we can treat the origin of the problem.

Consequences of cannabis use

Continued cannabis use affects several areas of life. Cognitively it impairs memory, concentration and the ability to learn. Emotionally it is associated with apathy, lack of motivation, anxiety and, in predisposed people, a greater risk of psychotic disorders.

Physically, smoking cannabis damages the airways and lungs. To this are added the social consequences: poor academic or work performance, distance from friends who do not use, and family conflict. A feeling of being stuck in life is one of the most common complaints.

Cannabis addiction treatment at Reconectar

At Reconectar we treat cannabis addiction with an outpatient approach that combines the Minnesota Model and cognitive therapy. The person recovers without hospitalisation, without giving up their daily life and with professional support throughout the process.

Treatment is individual and personalised. We work on the beliefs and emotions that sustain use, help to recover motivation and provide tools to manage anxiety and prevent relapse. The entire process takes place in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria with complete confidentiality.

The process includes

• A free initial assessment with no obligation.
• Individual sessions adapted to your situation.
• Recovery of motivation and interest in life.
• Strategies to prevent relapse and manage stress without smoking.

How to ask for help to quit cannabis

Giving up cannabis after years of smoking every day can seem impossible, but with the right support it is entirely achievable. There is no need to wait for the problem to get worse. If you feel that cannabis is holding you back, or you are worried about someone close to you, contacting us commits you to nothing: we listen to your case and guide you.