In recent years, marijuana has gained increasing coverage in both the media and politics. However, that doesn’t mean the substance is safe for everyone. Though many states have legalized marijuana for either recreational or medical use, the substance has always had an addiction potential. And with the growing legalization of the substance, there’s been a recent rise in the number of people seeking treatment for cannabis abuse. Whether you currently use marijuana or you’re curious about the drug, you’ve likely wondered, what is THC? Below, you’ll find more information on the chemical substance.
What Is THC?
THC, formally known as tetrahydrocannabinol, is the active chemical compound in cannabis. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the psychoactive substance exerts several effects on your brain and body, which are similar to those produced by your bodies naturally produced chemicals. Though the effects of THC resemble the effects of your natural cannabinoids, modern cannabis has a far greater effect on your system. Cannabis with a high percentage of THC produces intense effects that your endogenous cannabinoids aren’t capable of producing.
Is THC Actually Addictive?
What is THC’s addiction potential? According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, approximately one in 10 marijuana users will develop either a physical or psychological dependence on THC. That number jumps to one in six users when individuals begin consuming cannabis during their adolescent years.
What is THC doing inside your brain? Because THC binds to multiple brain receptors, it produces feelings of contentment, relaxation, and euphoria. As such, cannabis users often seek out the drug to manage negative emotions and daily stressors. In susceptible individuals, prolonged THC consumption also causes the brain to associate the drug with positive emotions. Therefore, those users develop ongoing cravings for the drug.
The Marijuana Potency Problem
With the ongoing legalization of cannabis, many growers have begun producing plants with extremely high percentages of THC. Compared to the marijuana produced decades ago, modern plants may contain up to six times the amount of THC! Unfortunately, due to the high potency of many modern cannabis products, users often develop a chemical tolerance much more quickly.
More recently, hospitals across the country have seen a sharp rise in cannabis-related emergency room visits. Not surprisingly, experts believe this increase is likely related to the ever-increasing potency of the drug. Presently, researchers do not have enough science-backed information to determine the long-term effects of high THC exposure. This is especially true for individuals under the age of 25.
What Are Your Treatment Options at Serenity Light Recovery?
If you struggle with THC abuse, professional counseling and support can help you. In therapy, you’ll focus on learning how to manage your emotions and daily stressors without relying on substance use. And at Serenity Light Recovery, we know substance abuse treatment is never a one-size-fits-all approach.
That’s why we provide a wide variety of resources to help you create your own path toward a successful recovery. If you’re ready to kick your marijuana habit for good, some of the programs you may find helpful include:
- 12-step therapy program
- Intensive outpatient program
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Holistic recovery center
- Family therapy program
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Yoga and fitness programs
- Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
At our Angleton treatment center, we focus on delivering innovative treatment options that extend beyond traditional therapy services. We understand that substance abuse is a complex disease. However, when you have a variety of tools and resources at your fingertips, you can overcome it. Our compassionate team strives to empower you to make the choices that will lead you toward a healthy, happy, fulfilling future.
Do You Struggle With THC Abuse? Find Freedom at Serenity Light Recovery
If you routinely use marijuana and feel that you’ve become addicted to THC, don’t wait to reach out for the help you need. Addiction is a dangerous lifestyle you cannot afford to maintain, so for your own sake, and the sake of those you love, professional help is essential. At Serenity Light Recovery, we aim to provide a wide variety of individualized and group resources that will guide you toward long-term sobriety.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward a healthier, happier future for both yourself and those you love, please feel free to reach out to our team at (281) 431-6700 to learn more about your treatment options.
As our CEO, Heather’s main calling is to stay true to the vision of the organization, which is saving lives and striving to redefine statistics by raising the standard of care with evolving treatment methods. Heather studied psychology at LSU and both the main and Clear Lake campuses of the University of Houston, and she is a certified IASIS provider and CPI instructor. She’s been helping people in recovery since 2011. Heather’s motto to live by is “I am not what I’ve done; I am what I’ve overcome.”
