Smoking Weed Archives | 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab Centre

The continuous use of weed can lead to the development of problem use, which is called a marijuana use disorder. Statistics show that about 30% who smoke weed or ingest it in various forms have developed some degree of dependency. Out of these percentage, many are trying to stop using the substance. This begs the question of how to quit weed. Like every other controlled drug, leaving cannabis can be tough. However, learning how to stop smoking marijuana the right way can help you kick your habit.

In recent times, weed-smoking has become so widespread. This is primarily because of the benefits that marijuana offers its users. Cannabis has been found to help with several conditions, from improving insomnia to calming anxiety to reducing depression. But, this is not to say that there are no adverse effects of the substance. People who smoke weed regularly often end up with a dependence problem. If you fall into this category, it’s time you learned how to quit weed.

Although the percentage of people that get addicted to marijuana is relatively small compared to other drugs, it is still unsettling. Today, several facilities offer addiction treatment for weed. If you are struggling with your use of marijuana and you want to stop, then you are in the right place. In this article, we will give you some proven steps to help you stop smoking. But first, let us look at the addiction levels of cannabis and how it occurs.

Why Cannabis Is So Addictive

In times past, marijuana was probably not as addictive as it is now. In the early 1990s, the average Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content in cannabis samples was less than 4%. Today, this number has increased in various multiples, and it is quite unsettling. It is no wonder many people are struggling with how to quit weed. Due to the newly engineered strains of weed, most samples of marijuana deliver levels of THC of around 40%. Some specimens even exceed 80%!

Over time, smoking weed with these high levels of THC will critically influence the neural functioning of the brain’s endocannabinoid system. In other words, the brain begins to rely more on marijuana and becomes less sensitive to its endocannabinoid neurotransmitters. In essence, one begins to believe that it is impossible to carry out normal activities without weed. This is the reason many people experience withdrawal symptoms when marijuana is no longer in their system.

At this stage, dependence, which is the onset of addiction, has begun. Marijuana use disorder becomes an addiction when a person cannot stop smoking or ingesting weed, even though it is adversely affecting them. According to studies, about 9% of those who use marijuana will become dependent on it. Here are some common signs of cannabis dependence.

If you need to take increasing amounts of weed to achieve the same effect, you may be becoming dependent.
If you continue to take marijuana for longer than you intended or than you need to, dependence is already a danger.
Trying unsuccessfully to quit weed is a sign of addiction.
If you have chosen weed instead of attending important social, occupation or recreational activities, you may be dependent.
Finally, if you keep using marijuana despite incessant physical or psychological problems caused by persistent use.

If you have noticed any of the above signs in yourself, it is high time you learned how to quit weed. Read further to find out a few easy tips for quitting weed.

How to Quit Weed: Proven Tips to Help You

Marijuana may be less addictive and harmful than other substances, but dependence is still a real danger. Addiction treatment for weed can take different forms depending on the extent of dependency. However, the results stay the same – you stop smoking or using cannabis. In the next few paragraphs, we will give you some insight into how to quit weed. Here are some proven steps to stop smoking weed.

Related article: How to Stop Smoking Weed

Figure out why you want to stop

We are glad you have decided to get help for your cannabis-using habits. However, you must be able to identify the reason or reasons you want to quit. Your ‘why’ is a crucial piece of information that will anchor you. Quitting weed may not come easily.

But, your reason for stopping can be a source of inspiration and motivation for you when the going gets tough. This clarity on why you want to break your habits can help increase your chances of success.

Decide your method of approach

There are different ways you can approach addiction treatment for weed. Depending on your needs, your level of motivation and several other factors, you can then make a decision.

Remember, as long as you meet your goals, there is no perfect way to quit weed. However, learning the pros and cons of the different methods can help you make your decision. These are the different methods.

The ‘Cold Turkey’

This is when you just up and quit weed at once. That is, you pack up all your marijuana and other paraphernalia, you toss them, and you never look back. However, this method usually results in the highest levels of withdrawal symptoms. On the plus side, it also means that you will stop smoking faster.

Medical Aid

If you are worried about the intensity of withdrawal symptoms, then this may be the way to go. Note that there is no magical pill that will cure your weed dependence. However, there are some drugs that will help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. We recommend speaking to a doctor about this.

Rehab

This approach to addiction treatment for weed is advisable for people who have been smoking joints for a very long time. If you are a long-time or heavy smoker, then you may need rehab to get the best results. However, you will need to invest a lot of time and money to get better in rehab.

Get rid of your smoking ‘gear.’

Next on how to stop smoking marijuana, get rid of your cannabis equipment. Regardless of your approach to stop smoking weed, you must get rid of every object that reminds you of marijuana.

Your cannabis stash, vapes, rolling papers, everything must go. You may either trash them or give them out, but you need to ensure that they are not within reach. This will help you prevent slip-ups during the withdrawal phase.

Change your routine

Depending on the time you used to engage in smoking weed primarily, you may need to switch up your routine. Changing your behaviours in the slightest can go a long way in helping you quit weed. For instance, if you have a habit of smoking when you wake in the morning, try going for a jog or a walk at that time.

Get a new hobby

Our next tip on how to quit weed is for you to pick a healthier habit. Often, the fastest way to get rid of a habit is to replace it with something else. This is especially vital if you use marijuana when you are bored. In the long run, hobbies will help you stay off weed. Also, you may consider revisiting old hobbies or taking up new ones. Regardless, the trick is to find something new that you genuinely enjoy.

Enlist support from loved ones

Finally, your friends and family can be an essential source of support in helping you quit weed. They can help provide distractions or even join you in engaging in healthier habits. More importantly, they can encourage you when withdrawals or cravings get tough.

In Conclusion

While some people can use cannabis without any issue, several people struggle with dependency and addiction. However, tips on how to stop smoking marijuana can only help you so much. In addition to learning how to quit weed, you need to commit to the process. Contact 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab & Treatment Centre for addiction treatment programs.

Marijuana is the most popularly used illegal drug in Canada, and Canadian youth possess some of the highest user numbers (28%) compared to other developed countries. It has been reported that the chronic use of marijuana can have dangerous effects within the body, affecting both the physical and mental aspects of the body and impeding brain function.

Users who want to know how to stop smoking weed are in luck, since there are many approaches to reducing dependency. A combination of efforts may be necessary to quit the habit for good, so if one approach doesn’t help, be sure to try a few other methods or blending a few of them.

How to Stop Smoking Weed

Recognition

As it is commonly said, admitting you have a problem is the first step in fixing the problem. Many people cannot seem to quit marijuana because they don’t believe they’ve lost control. However, if you begin to feel lost without your latest fix, or you become anxious when your sources dwindle, there is a good chance that weed has started taking hold of your daily life.

You can stop smoking weed by first admitting that you cannot function with the drug, and that you want to begin taking your life back. Be wary that quitting any kind of addiction is never easy, but if you’re prepared to do what it takes then you’ll be on the fast-track to newfound independence.

Give Yourself a Date

It is ideal to set some goals if you want to stop smoking weed; otherwise, it becomes incredibly easy to put off the day you should be smoke-free. Try to pick a date that is realistic for you—if you can quit by the end of the month, then write that goal down and make sure you see it every day.

If a month is too fast, don’t push yourself. By not giving yourself enough time, you increase your chances of relapsing.

Focus on your date, and slowly begin to wean yourself off of the usual amount of weed that you smoke. As the days go on, you should be using less and less until your last day requires no weed at all. This will take some organization; try to put up a visual calendar that reminds you of what you’re working towards.

Find New Hobbies

When you’re figuring out how to stop smoking weed, you’re probably going to be thinking about it a lot. As your weaning off of weed, try finding other hobbies that can take up your time such as painting, bowling with friends or rock climbing.

You might become pleasantly surprised at how much you enjoy these new pastimes, and you may even begin to see friends and family more often.

Quitting Cold Turkey

If you’re going to stop smoking weed the day you decide to quit, your road may be a little tougher. The first thing you’ll need to do is throw everything out, including the weed you have left and every accessory you use with it. This includes the contact information for your dealer.

Withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, irritability and mood swings. Keep your support system in the know about what you’re doing, so they can support your progress and keep you away from temptations. Call 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab & Treatment Centre for addiction treatment programs.