Benefits of quitting weed
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Benefits of Quitting Weed
Cognitive and Mental Health Improvements
Quitting cannabis can lead to significant cognitive and mental health benefits. Many individuals report that cannabis use impairs their memory, concentration, and attention, which are critical for daily functioning. By quitting, users often experience improvements in these cognitive areas, leading to better overall mental clarity and productivity 1. Additionally, quitting cannabis can help individuals feel more in control of their lives and reduce anxiety about their health 1.
Increased Energy and Activity Levels
One of the most commonly reported benefits of quitting cannabis is an increase in energy and activity levels. Many former users find that they are more energetic and active throughout the day, which can contribute to a more fulfilling and productive lifestyle. This increase in energy is often accompanied by a reduction in feelings of tiredness and lethargy, making it easier to engage in physical activities and maintain a healthier lifestyle 1.
Respiratory Health Benefits
Cannabis smoking is associated with various respiratory issues, including chronic bronchitis, chronic cough, and sputum production. Quitting cannabis can lead to significant improvements in respiratory health, reducing symptoms of chronic bronchitis and decreasing the frequency of acute bronchitic episodes. This can result in better overall lung function and a decrease in healthcare utilization for respiratory illnesses 2.
Social and Self-Image Improvements
Concerns about the negative impact of cannabis on self- and social image are common reasons for quitting. Many individuals find that quitting cannabis improves their self-esteem and social interactions. This can lead to better relationships with family and friends and a more positive self-image 17. Social support from family and friends is also crucial in maintaining abstinence and preventing relapse 1.
Financial Savings
Quitting cannabis can lead to significant financial savings. The cost of purchasing cannabis can add up over time, and by quitting, individuals can save money that can be used for other important expenses or savings goals. This financial benefit is often a strong motivator for individuals to quit 1.
Reduced Co-Use of Other Substances
There is a strong relationship between cannabis and tobacco use, with many individuals using both substances simultaneously. Quitting cannabis can also help reduce tobacco use, as the two substances often reinforce each other. Simultaneously quitting both substances can lead to better overall health outcomes and reduce the likelihood of relapse for both cannabis and tobacco 36.
Conclusion
Quitting cannabis offers numerous benefits, including cognitive and mental health improvements, increased energy and activity levels, better respiratory health, improved social and self-image, financial savings, and reduced co-use of other substances. These benefits highlight the importance of supporting individuals in their efforts to quit cannabis and the potential positive impact on their overall well-being.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
[Motivations for cannabis cessation, coping and adaptation strategies, and perceived benefits: impact on cannabis use relapse and abstinence].
Motivations for quitting cannabis include cognitive disorders, being more energetic, controlling life, saving money, and less worried about health, with coping strategies varying by environmental and cognitive factors.
Observational StudyThe respiratory health benefits of quitting cannabis use
Quitting cannabis use can improve respiratory health, particularly chronic bronchitis symptoms and reduce healthcare utilisation for acute respiratory illness.
Rigorous JournalA review of co-morbid tobacco and cannabis use disorders: possible mechanisms to explain high rates of co-use.
Simultaneously quitting both tobacco and cannabis may yield benefits at both psychological and neurobiological levels, with common administration routes potentially facilitating co-morbid use.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedStrategies for quitting among non-treatment-seeking marijuana smokers.
Changing one's environment is the most effective strategy for quitting marijuana, while seeking professional help is the least helpful.
Observational StudyOn-line personalized feedback intervention for negative affect and cannabis: A pilot randomized controlled trial.
Online personalized feedback intervention combining negative affect management and cannabis use strategies may benefit some cannabis users with moderate to high social anxiety.
RCTCONSORT-EHEALTH Checklist V1.6.2 Report
Web-based interventions can increase short-term readiness to quit tobacco and cannabis simultaneously, but personalized techniques are no more effective than psychoeducation.
RCT
Large Human TrialHighly CitedQuitting among non-treatment-seeking marijuana users: reasons and changes in other substance use.
Quitting marijuana use is primarily motivated by concerns about health and self-image, and is often associated with increased use of legal substances like alcohol, tobacco, and sleeping aids.
Observational StudyHighly CitedCannabis use during a voluntary quit attempt: an analysis from ecological momentary assessment.
Cannabis withdrawal, negative affect, and peer use play significant roles in cannabis use among self-quitters, with negative affect being the most common reason for use.
Observational StudyProspective and Daily Effects of Cannabis Use on Smoking Outcomes during a Self-Guided Quit Attempt.
Daily use of cannabis by both quitters and their partners is a risk factor for poor smoking outcomes during self-guided quit attempts.
Observational StudyAttempts to stop or reduce marijuana use in non-treatment seekers.
Initial intentions to quit or reduce marijuana use are poor predictors of outcomes, most users make multiple short-lived attempts to change, reduction is as common as abstinence, and other drug use does not worsen with marijuana reduction or abstinence.
Observational StudyHighly Cited