The Healthy Way

Thursday, September 28, 2006

How to spot a pot addict

Q: My husband has had a very stressful life and now he is addicted to weed. Any time he is stressed or mad he needs to smoke to calm down. I thought that something was wrong with his nerves because when he goes for a little while without smoking he gets mad at everything and screams and swears. Please, I really need to help him. I can't see him struggling with this all of the time. He is a very smart guy and he wants to help himself but doesn't know what to do. What would you recommend?

A: Sounds like your husband has developed a dependence on cannabis use. When you're chemically dependent on marijuana, it means you crave it and you need to use more and more to get the same effect. You may have withdrawal symptoms, such as depressed feelings, trouble sleeping or nausea, when you stop using it.

Because marijuana is a lot stronger now than it used to be, people are also more likely to abuse it and become dependent on it than they were in the past.

Some of the common side effects of using marijuana are: Trouble remembering things, sleepiness, anxiety, paranoia and altered time perception

Some of the common physical effects of marijuana: Tremors (shaking), nausea, headache, coordination becoming worse, breathing problems, increased appetite, reduced blood flow to the brain and changes in the reproductive organs.

Like tobacco, marijuana contains many chemicals that can hurt the lungs and cause cancer. One marijuana cigarette can cause more damage to the lungs than several tobacco cigarettes.

The major active chemical in marijuana is delta- 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes the mind-altering effects of marijuana intoxication. The amount of THC (which is also the psychoactive ingredient in hashish) determines the potency and, therefore, the effects of marijuana.

THC in marijuana is strongly absorbed by fatty tissues in various organs. Generally, traces of THC can be detected by standard urine testing methods several days after a smoking session. In heavy chronic users, traces can sometimes be detected for weeks after they have stopped using marijuana. Chronic THC exposure may hasten the age-related loss of brain cells.

With more people seeking help to control marijuana abuse, research has focused on ways to overcome problems with abuse of this drug. Some natural support supplements that I often use in my practice to help people overcome chemical addiction would include a complete B- Complex supplement in high doses as well as heavy detox of liver, kidneys, lymphatic system, lungs and fatty tissues. Relora plex from Douglas labs may be a good supplement to start with because it helps calm down anxiety and gives a boost of some B vitamins. A homeopathic drainage support for lungs, liver, kidney and lymphatics would also be included for someone with addiction. Psychotherapy should not be overlooked for your husband as well.

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Dr. Elena Krasnov is a registered Naturopathic Doctor and Clinic Director of the Toronto Naturopathic Clinic. Submit your questions online here