RATE YOUR CANNABIS USE

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DEPENDENCE ON CANNABIS 

Many people can use cannabis without developing serious problems and seem to be able to stop easily when they choose.

However it is possible that cannabis use can result in dependency and lead to problems in the same way as alcohol and other drugs can cause problems. Some people would describe using cannabis on a regular even daily basis as causing them to live life in a fog, and for very heavy users this fog becomes so thick as to cut off a sharp appreciation of 'reality'. Lethargy and demotivation can set in and the days of 'vegging out' can turn into weeks, months and years.

After smoking for many months or years or smoking heavily you may find you need to smoke more than you used to, to get the same effect or even just to feel OK.

People using cannabis heavily often report difficulties in various areas of their life, such as money worries, relationship difficulties, struggling with work or study commitments, physical ill health – especially chest problems and psychological problems – depression, anxiety or paranoia.

The symptoms of dependence are

• Using more, or for longer than you intended
• A constant desire to use, or trying to give up and failing
• Spending a lot of time trying to get supplies, using and recovering
• Spending less time on important activities or giving them up altogether
• Needing more of  the drug to get the same effect
• Unpleasant symptoms when you stop

Complete the rate your cannabis use test to find out more about your cannabis use. Alternatively go to http://www.knowcannabis.org.uk/ and try the 'Take 5 mins to complete our cannabis use quiz'

Help is available locally within the university and is confidential.

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