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COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 continues to ravage the planet with evermore cases and deaths. America leads the world in both cases and coronavirus-related deaths; the latter is usually the result of respiratory complications. Some 672,303 Americans have tested positive, and 33,898 have perished; our numbers are significantly higher than the previous epicenter Italy, which has 172,434 cases and 22,745 fatalities.

cannabis use disorderOn top of following the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), people in recovery could benefit from quitting smoking. Tobacco products are deadly on their own. However, they also compromise your immune system and weaken the lungs. People with healthier lungs are more likely to survive the coronavirus, compared to those with respiratory conditions.

If you are a member of the addiction recovery community who smokes cigarettes, then please consider using this time to give up the habit. At Hope By The Sea, we understand that smoking cessation is extremely challenging. The vice is one of the last mind-altering substances for men and women in recovery to stop.

There are several steps you can take to aid you in the endeavor and start letting your lungs heal. Nicotine patches and gums can be helpful. If those prove to be ineffective, then consider reaching out to your physician to discuss the drug Chantix (varenicline). Using the medication in combination with utilizing your support system can lead to successful outcomes.

While these are stressful times, stay at home mandates might actually be beneficial to your cause. At home, you will not come into contact with other smokers who may tempt you to light up again.

Cannabis Use Disorder Recovery

Smoking cigarettes is not the only thing that can jeopardize the health of a person’s lungs. Naturally, the preferred way of using marijuana is smoking it through a pipe or inside a rolling paper. Prolonged cannabis use can significantly decrease lung function.

Some celebrities who admit to using cannabis have stated that they are only using edibles in light of the pandemic. They hope the decision will help their lungs heal and make them better able to recover if they contract COVID-19.

Ideally, daily cannabis users would decide to give up THC altogether. Protracted marijuana use can lead to a cannabis use disorder, cognitive issues, and lung problems. Many of those who attempt to abstain encounter challenges. People who try to give up marijuana are often surprised to learn that they experience withdrawal symptoms.

A new study found that almost 50 percent of individuals who regularly or heavily use cannabis will go through withdrawal when they try to quit, HealthDay reports. The research appears in JAMA Network Open.

“The results suggest that withdrawal is likely or possible for a large majority of users, particularly heavy users,” said Emily Feinstein, executive vice president of the Center on Addiction, in New York City. She adds that “People should be prepared to experience withdrawal if they are going to stop using marijuana, and ideally consult a health care provider to help manage the symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse.”

Seeking professional assistance can significantly improve one’s chances of recovering from cannabis use disorder. While many people consider marijuana a benign drug, millions of men and women seek treatment for cannabis addiction every year.

California Cannabis Use Disorder Treatment

Please contact Hope By The Sea if you would like to recover from marijuana addiction. Our team of specialists can help you detox and adopt a program of lasting recovery. We offer many unique treatment tracks to cater to the individual needs of each client. Hope Starts Here!