With the legalization of marijuana, many people are beginning to explore more cannabis-related products for recreational or medicinal use. One cannabis-related product that is gaining popularity is known as dabs. Dabs contain a high level of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. As a result, dabs can be highly addictive for some people and may pose other side effects.
If you are overusing dabs, you may consider a marijuana addiction treatment program at Memphis Recovery Centers as the first step in your recovery. Our marijuana addiction treatment center provides comprehensive care for many types of addiction, including addiction to marijuana dabs. For more information, contact us at 901-272-7751.
What Are Dabs?
Dabs get their name because it only takes a tiny amount, or a dab, to produce a euphoric feeling or “high.” The distinctive quality of dabs is their high concentration of THC, the psychoactive chemical in marijuana that makes people feel high. For example, common marijuana flowers contain about twenty percent potency. In contrast, dabs contain approximately seventy percent THC potency.
How Do Dabs Work?
The dab itself is a somewhat sticky substance often called “wax” or “concentrate” that users don’t smoke in a typical fashion as they would with traditional marijuana. Instead, people inhale the vapors to smoke the dabs. Some of the equipment used for this process includes:
- Rigs – This is a special water-like pipe that has a heating element and a heated nail as part of the apparatus
- Vaporizers – There are also vaporizing pens or “dab” pens that are battery-operated. They heat the dabs for the user and allow users to inhale the vapor.
- Torches – These are usually required for heating the part of the rig that one puts the wax inside.
Dabs are more complex to use than traditional cannabis flower, vaporizers, or edible and oral tinctures.
What Are the Dangers of Dabbing?
Dabbing marijuana is dangerous in several ways. For one thing, it’s a relatively new practice, so people don’t know all the effects it may have. It is more than likely that scientists and doctors will later find out about long-term health consequences.
In addition, anytime you breathe in a foreign substance, especially one that is heated, you cause damage to your lungs. There are other severe risks with it due to the method of delivery. Use of marijuana dabs may result in the following:
- Changes in sensory perception
- Poor memory
- Higher blood pressure
- Elevated heart rate
- Increased symptoms of mental health disorders
- Panic attacks
All these issues create a need for anyone who abuses this substance to seek a marijuana addiction treatment program. While dabs are now part of many legal medical and recreational marijuana programs, if dabs are taking over someone’s life, it’s essential to seek help.
Is Someone I Care About Dabbing Too Much?
If you are asking yourself if you are dabbing too much, the answer is probably yes. You wouldn’t even ask the question if you didn’t think there might be a substance abuse issue with your dabbing.
However, it can be more challenging to identify an addiction to marijuana dabs in a friend or family member. If you are unsure if you or someone you care about is dabbing too much, consider the following:
- Has your loved one demonstrated increased anxiety or paranoia?
- Have there been more problems with insomnia or restless sleep?
- Is your loved one experiencing intense hallucinations?
- Is your friend or family member isolating themselves, especially by using dabs?
- Has your loved one recently experienced legal or financial issues due to dab use?
These signs of a dab addiction may give you the information you need to help your loved one seek treatment.
Long-Term Effects of Marijuana Abuse
Marijuana abuse in any form carries the risk of serious long-term effects, including:
- Altered brain development
- Cognitive impairment
- New or worsening depression or anxiety
- Paranoia
- Increased risk of respiratory illnesses
- Chronic psychotic disorders in predisposed people
- Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, which causes nausea and vomiting
- Increased risk of heart attack
- Developing hallucinations
While marijuana is generally considered a relatively safe and, in some states, legal, recreational drug, its long-term side effects can be dangerous and detrimental to mental and physical health. Marijuana abuse can even trigger psychotic episodes in people who may or may not know they are predisposed to them. It is essential to get help for someone struggling with marijuana or dab addiction.
Marijuana Addiction Treatment Program
Memphis Recovery Centers offers a marijuana addiction treatment program for people struggling with addiction and abusing marijuana or dabs. Our individualized approach to recovery is designed to help you find success in your journey to sobriety.
We understand that each person’s story is different, so we create personalized plans for our clients that may include the following:
- Group and individual therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Relapse prevention strategies
- Wellness activities like yoga, art classes, and nutrition counseling
- Medication management when needed
- Aftercare planning to help you stay on track after treatment is complete
Reach out to us today at Memphis Recovery Centers to learn more about our marijuana addiction treatment program and what it can do for you or your loved one.
Overcome Dab Addiction with Treatment at MRC
At Memphis Recovery Centers, we will help create an individualized plan for your addiction issue. Our team of professionals is compassionate and qualified in dealing with marijuana dab use.
Don’t be brought down or held back by marijuana addiction. You can find the help you need to overcome your addiction now that you understand more about dabs. Reach out to our quality drug rehab by calling us at 901-272-7751, and we’ll get you on the road to a healthier life.
