Can You Reverse the Effects of Long-term Marijuana Use?

With the stigma reduced surrounding marijuana usage, skeptics still raise the question. Can you reverse the effects of long-term marijuana use? As of June 2022, thirty-seven states in the US have passed medical marijuana laws, and nineteen states have legalized recreational cannabis. Although the belief remains that marijuana is not addictive, the proof is in its use. Studies are proving that long-term marijuana use can be damaging to mental health. 

The jury is still out about the long-term effects, but some studies maintain that long-term cannabis use can affect midlife cognition. For example, a New Zealand study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry has one of the few long-term studies of people who used cannabis long-term on brain function. While the results proved a slight decline in cognition, learning and processing speed also seemed affected. Again, the question remains: can you reverse the effects of long-term marijuana use?

Signs and Symptoms of Long-term Marijuana Use

Altering sensory and time perception, marijuana usage produces a feeling of euphoria and relaxation. Yet, at the same time, others experience the extreme opposite sensations. Marijuana usage can incite fear, paranoia, and anxiety for some users. With increased potency through new growing and harvesting methods, some are surprised by their intense reactions. Can you reverse the effects of long-term marijuana use on the body and mind? 

Physical Signs and Symptoms Can Include:

• Problems with coordination
• Slower reaction timing
• Increased risk of injury and accidents
• Increased probability of heart attack and stroke
• Sexual dysfunction
• Chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and respiratory infections
• Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome CHS

Can you reverse the effects of long-term marijuana use when it affects the body with CHS? Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome has the symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. CHS left untreated can lead to kidney failure and problems with electrolyte imbalance. And yes, you can reverse some of the effects of being appropriately managed, but extreme cases can also result in death. 

Long-term marijuana use can also be dangerous because of its effects on mental health. Can you reverse the effects of long-term marijuana use on mental health?

The New Zealand study brought attention to the fact that long-term users had a smaller hippocampus. This region of the brain is responsible for memory and learning. 

Long-term Effects of Marijuana Use on Mental Health and The Brain Can Include Any of The Following:

• Brain development alterations
• Impairment of cognitive functions, such as memory and attention
• Depression and anxiety disorders
• Behavioral problems such as antisocial and isolation tendencies
• Risk of psychotic disorders
• Hallucinations

The younger population is more vulnerable to the effects of THC. With brains still developing, there is the danger of THC affecting the density of the neural fibers in some brain regions, affecting thought processes. Can you reverse the effects of long-term marijuana use on thinking processes? Researchers have found that using marijuana less, perhaps only once a week recreationally, has no proven effect on thinking. So reducing use may be the answer to the effects on cognition. 

You can undoubtedly treat depression and anxiety through therapy, but can you reverse the effects of long-term marijuana use? While the link between mental illness and marijuana long-term use is still being studied, it is suggested that users may incite the onset of depression or anxiety with long-term use. Other researchers, however, argue that marijuana use results from depression and anxiety. 

Can You Reverse the Effects of Long-term Marijuana Use? 

Other problems with long-term marijuana use include a lack of motivation, brain fog, and difficulties with learning or focus. Can you reverse the effects of long-term marijuana use? Generally, you can reverse symptoms from long-term use. However, keeping this in mind, using marijuana with higher potency can increase the risk of symptoms that may pose significant damage.  

There are some ways to reverse the long-term cognitive deterioration and other symptoms experienced from marijuana use. Recognizing the problems that need to be addressed is the first step. You could try any of the following to address the signs or symptoms you are concerned about:

• If you experience cannabis withdrawal symptoms causing discomfort, try to slowly taper the usage and potency of THC in the marijuana. 
• Consult a treatment professional or physician. A physician or treatment professional can offer support to withdraw through medications. 
• Stay encouraged when trying to taper off. Behavior modification is complex, and cannabis can stay in the body from two to four weeks after the last usage. So be patient, and don’t be hard on yourself. 
• Consult with a mental health professional to provide cognitive assessment so you can monitor your results. 
• Exercise, a nutritious diet, mindfulness, meditation, and therapy are all tools for improving mental health and long-term cognition. 

Find Help for Reversing the Long-term Effects of Marijuana Use in Georgia

Suppose you or a loved one has an addiction or has been using marijuana long-term and have noticed difficulties with thinking or physical problems. In that case, Retreat of Atlanta can assist you in treatment. Our experienced treatment professionals can help with assessment and suggest medical and mental health programs to help reverse your current issues with long-term marijuana usage. Contact us today to begin your personal recovery journey.