Dangers of Using Weed in Recovery: Impact on Mental Health

Being sober is not limited to staying away from alcohol or drugs. In fact, it means to change how your mind and emotions see these substances. So, during this time, what does using cannabis, or marijuana, or weed, mean? There have been many efforts in the U.S. to legalize weed, and it has indeed been made legal in many states. However, in recovery, you are not the only one who might be wondering: is smoking weed a relapse?

The impact of weed on recovery is personal - you need to know your limits. Some are very sensitive, and just one joint of weed can trigger a weed relapse. So, here are the questions you need to reflect on:

• Your past - did you become easily addicted to substances before?
• Why do you want to use weed - for medical reasons or to hide from difficult feelings?
• How long have you been in recovery?

Reflecting on these questions will tell you where you need to draw the line. It is a way of introspection and self-exploration so that you can focus on your weak points. Knowing these weak points means knowing you have them and beginning to transform your life in a way that is always going to keep you moving forward in recovery.

Using cannabis, especially early in sobriety, can lead to a weed relapse. This is because it is a psychoactive substance that changes how your brain functions. The legal status of any such substance is not a measure for how it impacts your sobriety. In fact, when you begin using weed, you are often bound to mix it with other substances like alcohol or other drugs for a stronger experience.

Studies have linked common triggers for using cannabis are anxiety, depression, or other life stressors. In fact, weed withdrawal symptoms, environments, and people who use cannabis can also be triggers. This is why substance use or weed addiction treatment can often entail a dual diagnosis treatment of both a substance use disorder and mental health condition for a wholesome recovery. It also teaches you to draw physical, emotional, and internal boundaries, which can mean cutting off toxic relationships from your life that enable substance use.

In conversations about substance use, weed addiction is often overlooked. The reasons for this are the myth of non-addictiveness, social recognition, and widespread legalization. However, cannabis use disorder is one of the many types of substance use disorders that can injure your health and well-being.

In the context of sobriety, its role is not as complicated. Yes, smoking weed can lead to a weed relapse and probably even polysubstance use. Your hard-earned sobriety can come undone with just one joint. However, this is not the case with everyone. Some are more sensitive, while others are not as sensitive.

Nevertheless, we urge you not to get caught up in the semantics over whether weed is addictive or not. It can be just like any other substance use disorder, so abstaining from weed use during sobriety is the best thing to do.

Sometimes, abstaining from weed is not as easy as it seems. So, here are some safer alternatives to cannabis during your recovery:

CBD:

CBD or cannabidiol has been recently gaining popularity - it is one of the active ingredients in cannabis apart from THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), but it does not alter your mind in the same way as the latter one does. It induces a sense of ease.

Herbal Alternatives:

Herbal blends are a good way to relax rather than using cannabis with a high content of THC. Common examples are Blue Lotus, Damiana, and Mullein.

Topicals:

Topicals are only for those who are looking for the therapeutic benefits of cannabis. They are available as creams and patches that can be applied to your skin.

Suppositories:

Cannabis suppositories can be used by inserting them into the vagina or rectum. While this might seem uneasy, using cannabis suppositories has some therapeutic benefits. However, some can have a high THC content, so it is always safe to check for the information before you use one.

Microdosed THC:

Microdoses of THC can just induce a mild sense of relaxation over the intense effects of high doses.

Please keep in mind, none of these safer alternatives are foolproof to a weed relapse. Therefore, it is for you to make an informed choice.

If you are wondering how to quit weed entirely so that you can stay weed-free in your recovery, then there are many substance use treatment options available for you. It can be treated in both inpatient and outpatient settings, where psychotherapeutic interventions like motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management, and 12-step recovery programs are used to ensure your recovery is holistic and personalized to your needs and goals. Medication management services can also be provided for you in case of weed withdrawal symptoms and other reasons.

At Design For Recovery, we believe in providing integrated care options for those seeking to recover from weed use. We provide substance-free, structured sober living homes where you can relax and recover from weed use alongside a clinically experienced staff and an understanding community. If you or a loved one is struggling with weed use, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are always here for you.