Addiction to drug substances is a prevailing problem in today’s society. Governments around the world struggle to rid of this societal ill. As defined, addiction is the compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance such as that of alcohol and drugs. Like in the use of any other addictive substance, a person under the influence of weed would have a difficult time of quitting. Loved ones of these individuals are often left with questions such as “How to tell someone to quit smoking weed? How to convince a person?” Indeed telling someone to quit smoking weed is a hard feat but it is not totally impossible.
Weed, also known as marijuana and Cannabis, is a dried derivative of the Cannabis sativa plant. The plant can be found in Central and South Asia. It is intended to be used as a medicine and psychoactive drug. It can be used in several ways such as smoking, ingesting, vaporizing and as an extract.
The following are some of the effects of continued use of marijuana:
1) That ‘high’ feeling
Users of marijuana will feel ‘high’ after the initial use. It contains an active ingredient called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which gives that high feeling. The body absorbs the THC instantly and affects the nervous and immune system. This ‘high’ feeling usually lasts for three to four hours.
2) Dizziness
Because the nervous system is one of the first systems marijuana affects, the user also often gets dizzy after intake of marijuana.
3) Shallow breathing
4) Dilated pupils
5) Red eyes
6) Dry mouth
7) Increased appetite
8) Slower reaction time
This side effect is also connected to the fact that marijuana mainly affects the nervous system. This is one of the many reasons why smoking weed is prohibited as it may cause accidents.
9) Loss of brain power
Studies have shown that continued use of marijuana during teenage years may lead to loss of IQ points. Subjects of the studies were marijuana users throughout their teenage years. Their IQ were measured as teenagers then in their mid-adulthood. It was shown that the subjects lost an average of 4 to 6 IQ points. It also affects the speech faculties of an individual.
10) Mood changes
Aside from the physical and mental effect, marijuana use also affects one’s personality. Those under the influence of such often have no sense of time, paranoia, anxiety, forgetfulness and depression.
The aforementioned signs and symptoms are the answer to the questions “How to tell someone to quit smoking weed? How to convince a person?” Laying down the adverse effects of the substance to the addict is an effective way of convincing him to stop.
For those who wish to help their addicted loved ones, it is advisable to support them during their ‘detox’ stage. Withdrawal from marijuana is not as intense as withdrawal from other drugs. However, they still need the support, nonetheless. Those withdrawing from weed may experience mood changes, nausea, stomach pains, insomnia, anxiety and depression. According to experts, the marijuana withdrawal symptoms usually last for 15 days. It is therefore important that loved ones be there at all times. It is also advisable to closely monitor the progress of the addict to prevent future relapse.
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