CBT For Cannabis Misuse
Cannabis produces a chemical known as Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC which is responsible for the main effects that cannabis has on a person’s mood, memory, sleep and appetite.
It’s widely reported that cannabis can provide a relaxing experience, but if the user is prone to anxiety or panic attacks, marijuana could increase their symptoms rather than induce calm.
Cannabis can have other detrimental effects on a person’s mental and physical wellbeing when used regularly. The drug can make a person uninterested and demotivated in relationships, education or work and can affect the ability to concentrate.
As with all addictive substances, a person can develop a tolerance to marijuana, which means more of the drug is needed to get the same effect. Long-term cannabis use increases their risk of developing a mental health issues such as psychosis, hallucinations and delusions, which can make everyday life a challenge.
How CBT can help overcome cannabis misuse
A qualified cognitive behavioural therapist can teach cannabis users to recognise their unhelpful patterns of thought and reactions, with the aim of modifying and replacing them with more realistic or positive ways of thinking.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment that focuses on how a person’s thoughts and feeling impacts how they behave. By identifying negative thoughts and behaviours, an individual can understand the impact of their feelings and develop techniques to exchange them for more helpful, positive ones.
CBT can help to define disciplines to enhance self-control by anticipating the triggers that stimulate cannabis use and helping clients recognise them and develop effective coping strategies.
A trusted CBT therapist for cannabis abuse
Jamie Dempsey is a qualified and accredited CBT practitioner with the British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychologies (BABCP).
He has successfully worked with a diverse range of different clients experiencing issues with cannabis misuse, providing the professional support they need to reduce their dependency on marijuana, allowing them to move beyond their problems and open the door to a more productive and fulfilling life.
