Although considered by many as a harmless, non-addictive drug there is some evidence for the contrary. When compare to heroin, cocaine or alcohol, cannabis definitely does not seem harmful, however, from the perspective of someone trying to kick the habit, there are definite and obvious withdrawal symptoms that point towards it being addictive.
Once a person stops smoking marijuana, there are some very common and unpleasant symptoms that start immediately. While cannabis makes a person feel relaxed and unstressed the opposite happens, people often experience acute anxiety.
Most marijuana users identify with the ‘munchies’ of feeling hungry even if they have just eaten. When a person stops using they often experience the opposite reaction and have a complete lack of appetite.
Marijuana is also known to have a major damping effect on the users ability to enter the dream state when they are asleep. Heavy users may go for many yeas a without experiencing dreaming. One of the most unpleasant withdrawal symptoms is the return of their dream. For the first few days these dreams may return in the form of vivid nightmares and cold sweat.
A fair percentage of people report flu like symptoms (sweats, chills, nausea) and gastric disturbances (diarrhea). Most of the symptoms of marijuana withdrawal start almost immediately, but thankfully only last a few days.
A lot of evidence is currently accumulating around cannabis and the long term effects that cannabis may distort the sleep architecture of a person who smokes regularly.
Mr Dylan Kerr
Addictions Counselor
Bachelors in Clinical Counseling (Hons)
Advanced Certified Addictions Therapist
Member of the British Association for Behaviour and Cognitive Psychotherapist
Member of the Federation of Drug and Alcohol Practitioners
HeDip Health-care
HeDip Psychology of Addiction
Dip Counselling
Diploma in Arts Therapy
Diploma in Transactional Analysis
CSAT III
Dylan Kerr is a Certified Substance Abuse Therapist who is qualified in Counseling, Psychology of addiction from Leeds University and Healthcare from Birmingham City University.
Dylan Kerr has been a senior Therapist at the River Rehab, Lead Therapist at Lanna Rehab in Chiang Mai and Head Counselor of Hope Rehab in Siracha. As well as working in Thailand for 7 years, Dylan has also been the on-tour counsellor for the the Rock band ‘The Libertines’. Dylan is now resident counsellor at an Asian rehab.
Dylan has experience of working within the music industry supporting acts in therapeutic needs.
As well as working around the world Dylan has over 13 years experience delivering substance use disorder treatment at various agencies around the UK. He is skilled in motivational interviewing, CBT, RET and guidance around 12 step philosophies.
Dylan has worked with a broad client base and establish the rapport needed to effect change and sustainable progression.
Dylan wishes to start this blog to help educate people on his observations within this field and debate the nature of work in the addictions field.
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