Why do we need medications to treat cannabis addiction?

Medical articles

Why do we need medications to treat cannabis addiction?

Medical articles

Reviewed by: Dr. Ahmed Al-Muzaffar, Consultant Psychiatrist

Are you looking for medications to treat cannabis addiction?

In the past, treatment was limited to psychological support only, but thanks to the tremendous developments in the field of psychology, many medications have emerged that may help your body and brain get rid of the effects of addiction.

So if you would like to know more information about the medications used to treat cannabis addiction, and what types they are, follow this article with me.

What are the medications to treat cannabis addiction?

These medications aim to effectively manage the withdrawal symptoms of cannabis addiction, in addition to dealing with the psychological problems associated with addiction, such as anxiety and depression.

Medications used to treat cannabis addiction include the following

Naltrexone, as the results of studies have shown that it contributes to reducing the craving for abuse.
Tryptizol, this medication is used to relieve الاكتئاب.
Gabapentin, as study results have proven its ability to reduce cannabis withdrawal symptoms.
Seroquel, which is used to treat psychological problems associated with addiction, such as psychosis and schizophrenia.

Why do we need medications to treat cannabis addiction?

A question may arise in your mind: Why do we need medications to treat cannabis addiction?

Managing withdrawal symptoms, e.g

الاكتئاب.
القلق.
Sleep disorders.
الألم.

Improve mood while detoxing.
Treating psychological problems associated with cannabis addiction.
Reducing cravings for drugs.
Restoring nervous balance.
Increased levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation in the brain.

Learn about: Beware of the symptoms of addiction to tranquilizers Don't ignore the risks

Types of cannabis addiction treatment medications and their uses

There are many medications that your doctor may recommend to you, as follows

Managing withdrawal symptoms.
Treating some psychological problems associated with addiction.
Improve the chance of recovery.

It includes medications that contribute to alleviating symptoms and increasing the chance of subsequent recovery

Benzodiazepines

These medications are used to treat anxiety and insomnia, which are common withdrawal symptoms associated with cannabis addiction.

Diazepam.
Lorazepam.
Clonazepam.

But these medications must be used with caution, and under the supervision of a doctor, because they may cause addiction.

Antidepressants

Stopping cannabis use may cause some psychological symptoms, such as:

الاكتئاب.
Low mood.
Difficulty concentrating.

So your doctor may advise you to take antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (such as fluoxetine and sertraline), which will help you increase your levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation in the brain.

These medications are used to treat depression, improve mood, and improve sleep quality.

Anticonvulsants

These medications may be used to treat cannabis addiction, because they contribute to alleviating symptoms, such as anxiety, agitation, and sleep disorders, by stabilizing nerve activity in the brain.

These medications include the following

Gabapentin.
Pregabaline.

N-acetylcysteine

It is a nutritional supplement, and has shown promising effectiveness in treating withdrawal symptoms associated with cannabis addiction, because it helps reduce cravings for use and improve mood.

It must be noted that these medications must be used to treat cannabis addiction under the supervision of a doctor, and as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which includes the following:

Psychotherapy.
Support groups (group therapy).
Lifestyle changes.
ممارسة التمارين الرياضية بانتظام.
Practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation.

The doctor must also choose the medications, determine the doses according to your needs, and subject them to careful monitoring, in order to reduce side effects and ensure the effectiveness of these medications.

Book your consultation now at Well-being center At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.

Factors affecting the choice of treatment

The doctor may choose the appropriate treatment for your condition according to many factors, such as:

Duration of abuse. The longer the duration of abuse, the greater the severity of the withdrawal symptoms.
Psychological problems associated with addiction.
Your desire for treatment, and your commitment to the treatment program.
If you are taking large doses of cannabis.
Your failure to attempt treatment before.

Possible side effects of cannabis addiction treatment medications

If your doctor advises you to take medications to treat cannabis addiction, you should know the possible side effects of those medications, including:

Antidepressants

Antidepressants may cause side effects, but most of them may go away after a couple of weeks as your body starts to get used to them. They include the following

Mood swings.
صعوبة النوم.
Dry mouth.
Blurred vision.
Headache.
Anorexia.
Indigestion, stomach pain.
Feeling dizzy.
Feeling very sleepy.
Decreased sexual desire.
Sweating more than usual.

Benzodiazepines

You may feel the following side effects, or not, as the reaction to the medication varies from one person to another.

Sleepiness.
Vertigo.
Inconsistency.
الإمساك.
Memory problems.
Dry mouth.
Blurred vision.
Muscle weakness.
Low blood pressure.
Increased saliva production.
Gastrointestinal disorders.
The shiver.
سلس البول.
الطفح الجلدي.
Jaundice.

Anticonvulsants

Side effects of anticonvulsants include:

الصداع.
Exhaustion.
الدوخة.
Weight gain or loss.
Mood swings.
Blurred vision.
الغثيان.
هشاشة العظام.

N-acetylcysteine

N-acetylcysteine is likely safe for most adults, but it may cause the following side effects

Dry mouth.
الغثيان.
القيء.
diarrhea

Learn about: How does Tramadol addiction begin? What are its physical and behavioral symptoms?

Other treatments used to treat cannabis addiction

Taking medications to treat cannabis addiction is part of a successful treatment plan, as treatment depends on integrating behavioral and psychological therapy, lifestyle changes with medications, in order to increase the chances of recovery and prevent relapse.

Other treatments include the following

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to identify negative thoughts and confront them, as this treatment helps you do the following

Identify the situations that led you to use.
Learn how to control your cravings for drugs.
How to prevent relapse.

Group therapy

He promises Group therapy An essential part of most addiction treatment programs, it provides a safe space for members to express themselves frankly and openly with their experiences of addiction.

This therapy will also help you become more aware of your feelings and behaviors and learn to empathize with others.

Family therapy

A supportive family environment plays an important role in the recovery process, as it will help you to:

Improving the functioning of family relationships.
Supporting the person in recovery.
Help to stop using narcotic substances.

تغييرات نمط الحياة

Lifestyle changes are essential for recovery from cannabis addiction because they will help you:

Follow healthy habits as an alternative to harmful habits.
Promoting physical and mental health.
Promote emotional stability.
Building self-confidence and self-esteem.
Learn to deal with stress and anxiety without resorting to addiction.

Frequently asked questions about cannabis addiction treatment

If your doctor advises you to take medications to treat cannabis addiction, you may have many questions in mind, such as:

What is the fastest treatment for cannabis addiction without relapse?

There is no effective and quick treatment, as successful addiction treatment aims to integrate a group of treatments, which include behavioral psychotherapy, group therapy, and medications without regard to the time required for recovery.

What medications help cleanse the body of cannabis?

There are no medications that help cleanse the body of cannabis, but they help manage withdrawal symptoms and treat the psychological problems associated with addiction.

What are the most popular addiction treatment pills?

Buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone are among the most popular medications for treating cannabis addiction, as these medications help prevent the euphoric effects of cannabis, relieve cravings for it, and restore normal body functions.