If you have a loved one struggling with Cannabis dependency here are a few ideas that might be helpful
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Take care of yourself: friction of this nature can be incredibly stressful and emotionally draining for family members, so it's important to prioritize your own self-care. This could include seeing a therapist or joining a support group for families of addicts, taking time for yourself to relax and recharge, or reaching out to friends for support. Remember that you are not alone, and there are resources available to help you through this challenging time.
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Stay calm and approach the situation with compassion: It's important to remember that addiction and dependency are complex and difficult issues, and your loved one is likely struggling with a lot of emotions and challenges. If possible avoid reacting with anger or frustration, as this can create more tension and may push them further away.
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Educate yourself: Learn as much as you can about Cannabis addiction and dependency, its effects on the brain, and the treatment options available. This will help you understand what they are going through and how you can best support them.
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Encourage open communication: they may feel ashamed or embarrassed about their situation, so it's important to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where they can speak openly about their struggles. Encourage them to express their feelings and concerns, and listen to them without interruption or judgment.
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Set boundaries and consequences: While it's important to be compassionate, it's also important to set clear boundaries and consequences for disruptive and unreasonable behaviour. This could include limiting access to money or technology, or setting specific rules about their drug use. Be consistent with your boundaries and consequences, and make sure the reasons behind them are understood.
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Be patient and supportive: Recovery from addiction is a long and challenging process. Be patient and offer your support throughout the journey. Celebrate successes, no matter how small, and help them learn from their setbacks.
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Seek professional help: Addiction is a serious issue, and it's essential to seek help from professionals who have experience in dealing with substance abuse. Consider reaching out to a therapist or counsellor who specializes in addiction, or a local support group for families of addicts.
Understanding Denial
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Denial is a common psychological defence mechanism that people use to avoid or reduce feelings of anxiety, guilt, or shame. In the context of high or inappropriate levels of cannabis use, denial can refer to the tendency of individuals with dependency issues to minimize or deny the extent of their use, as well as the negative consequences that result from it.
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People who struggle with overusing cannabis or using it when it is plainly harmful to their wellbeing may shield themselves with denial as a way to avoid confronting the reality of their situation.
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They may convince themselves that they can quit anytime they want, that their cannabis use is not a problem, or that they can handle the consequences of their behaviour.
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Denial can be a significant barrier to effective treatment for any sort of substance misuse or negative behaviours. Without acknowledging the problem, individuals are unlikely to seek help or to make the changes necessary to deal with the underlying issues that are preventing greater happiness and opportunities.
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In many cases, denial is a symptom of the issue itself. The effects of drugs or alcohol on the brain can lead individuals to minimize or deny the extent of their use, even when faced with evidence to the contrary.
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Breaking through denial is often an essential step in this process, as it allows individuals to acknowledge the reality of their addiction and take the necessary steps to overcome it.
Copyright: note from Clearhead: This was found on a computer and we were not sure where it was saved from.
Thank you to whoever wrote these words and hopefully for the permission to reproduce them here.