Hashish Addiction Treatment

Hashish abuse has become a serious concern in the U.S., especially among youth. The National Institutes of Health report that roughly 6.5% of U.S. high school seniors have used the drug, but young people aren’t the only ones addicted.¹ Although cannabis-based drugs have become somewhat socially accepted, there remains a real problem of addiction.

What Is Hashish?

Commonly referred to as “hash,” hashish is a resin-based drug derived from cannabis (the marijuana plant). The yellow, brown or black resin is usually formed into a brick shape, and it may feel dry or oily in texture. With further processing, the resin can be separated out to produce hash oil.

Hash use typically produces effects like the following:

• Relaxed, happy feelings
• Increased appetite
• Lowered inhibitions
• Distorted senses
• Lack of coordination

The Difference Between Hash and Marijuana

Although the two drugs are closely related, hashish is distinctly different from marijuana. Marijuana consists of largely unprocessed plant parts, while hash production involves the extraction and collection of the plant’s resin compounds. As a result, the THC in hashish is much more concentrated than that of marijuana.

How Hashish Is Used

Like other cannabis-based drugs, hashish is most often smoked. Hash is heated in a pipe to create an inhalable vapor (hash oil may be vaped via e-cigarette). Hashish may also be incorporated into foods like brownies.

Is Hashish Addictive?

Due to its potent THC content, regular hashish use can lead to a serious addiction. Over time, the drug interrupts the normal chemistry of the brain, leaving it reliant on hashish to function normally. Another factor may be that THC is stored in body fat and released slowly over time, providing regular doses even without active use.

Signs of a Hash Addiction

To identify an addiction, watch for drug hashish side effects like these:

• Anxiety/depression
• Poor decision-making
• Difficulties at work or in relationships
• Recurring nausea/stomach issues
• Unexplained weight gain

Long-Term Hash Oil Effects

In addition to the ways in which addiction can affect mood, behavior and relationships, long-term hash use can do serious damage to a person’s health. Regular smoking can lead to respiratory problems like chronic bronchitis, pneumonia and irreversible lung damage. Cannabis drugs like hash have also been linked to a reduction in attention and learning skills, leading to a lower level of achievement and a higher level of delinquency among chronic users.

The Hashish Detox Process

At Yellowstone Recovery, detox is done under professional supervision. A treatment plan is first tailored to the patient’s needs, then the drug is withheld until it is no longer present in the body (highly addicted individuals may be slowly tapered off). To mitigate hash oil withdrawal symptoms like depression, anxiety, insomnia or nausea, doctors may also prescribe temporary medications.

During detox, patients are closely monitored by medical professionals at all times to ensure their safety and success.

How to Stop Smoking Hash: Get Help at Yellowstone Recovery

At Yellowstone Recovery, we use a combination of medically monitored detox and clinically backed therapeutic techniques to free clients from destructive hash addictions. Our compassionate, experienced addiction specialists work closely with clients and their loved ones to develop strong, individually tailored treatment plans for the best chances of long-term success.

Learn more about our residential treatment program by calling (888) 418-4188 today.

Sources:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4608364/