Just like any substance abuse, weed smoking has also been linked to numerous mental disorders because of the abuse. The main culprit, THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. This is one of the most toxic chemicals contained in marijuana. Over the decades, this substance in weed has been found to be increasing in levels. This prompts us even more to push for actions to help mitigate the effects of this abuse by helping young people quit smoking weed.
As the age of substance abusers in the adolescent sector is increasing, the longtime effects of proper functioning of the brain, cognitive behaviors necessary for brain development have been seen to contribute heavily to a younger generation of juvenile delinquents with traumatic experiences and undeveloped emotional well-being. The medical studies on substance abuse, particularly marijuana abuse, has rather become more complicated and complex. A study from the National Institute on Drug Abuse revealed that with the numerous drug treatments administered to treat addiction to marijuana, approved medications for treatment are yet to be released regarding the treatment of mental disorders associated with weed abuse. Taking medications is not even the best approach to treat the problem especially the withdrawal symptoms after a person has quit smoking weed.
Most of the drugs used in substance abuse programs for marijuana users function only in the withdrawal symptom stage. Others have been found to be helpful in diminishing the “positive” and “pleasant” effects of smoking weed. None so far has proved to have significant effects in helping people quit smoking weed. Two of them are Baclofen and Vistaril. Generally, Baclofen is used as a muscle relaxant used to treat symptoms of multiple sclerosis. This drug has been used, in some treatment programs, to target marijuana withdrawal symptoms and help reduce cravings. No significant findings were released though as to its efficacy by administering it to a wider target population. Vistaril on the other hand is used as a sedative for anxiety and tension and is used as anti-histamine. In relation to this, it is used to suppress anxiety associated with the withdrawal symptoms.
Even with the advancement of science and medicine, no single drug can treat weed addiction. For some, it is easy to quit smoking weed. For some, it is difficult. Like any other types of substance abuse or addiction to any form of vice, the cure the person himself. Nothing beats a determined and focused individual. Professional help is of course essential and if drugs that have been tested to mitigate the withdrawal symptoms of quitting are working, there must be a constant strong support system from the family and friends of the individual to ensure that treatment towards healing is holistic and effective. Professional help from a doctor or counselor can only go as far as evaluate the effects of quitting but not prescribe any definitive drug that could cure or effectively help people quit. A detox program might as well be an effective way to flush remaining toxins in the body while in the early stages of healing after the day the person decided to quit. This would make sure that any remaining vestiges of THC in the body will not trigger any cravings again.
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