If you’ve never heard of it, “smoking dabs” is the newest form of substance abuse related to marijuana. In just a few easy steps, you can create a THC-rich marijuana concentrate. You get an immediate high that would typically require a couple of joints to reach. But nobody wants to talk about the side effects of smoking dabs.
The Dabbing Craze
Smoking dabs used to be something that only die-hards attempted. It results in a THC concentration that floods the system with one inhale. When edibles and joints are too tame, dabs are the thing smokers turn to. With the gradual legalization of marijuana across the nation, this backroom practice is now becoming a popular activity.
Side Effects of Smoking Dabs
Amateurs try to make their own THC concentrate. There are plenty of YouTube videos that claim to teach you the art of dab making. Usually, it involves the use of dangerous chemicals. In fact, one of the most dangerous side effects of smoking dabs is the risk of explosions.
Next, there’s the problem with the THC itself. Because it’s impossible to tell what makers used to create the dabs, there’s a purity concern. You might be dealing with a THC-poor product that someone adulterates with a secondary substance. In contrast, you might receive a product that is purer than anything you’ve used before.
This leads to a concern about effectiveness. Cannabis abuse results in a gradual high. You have a level of control that lets you stop using when it doesn’t feel right. However, dabs don’t give you that option.
Marijuana addiction rehab center therapists routinely work with people who suddenly experienced rapid heartbeats. They developed anxiety, paranoia, or also panic attacks. Some even blacked out. Others call for help and implore those with them to call first responders.
You may also be developing a tolerance to marijuana. This is a precursor to addiction. Soon, dabs are the only ways of experiencing a high. It’s only a matter of time until you switch to something stronger.
There’s Help for Marijuana Users
Everyone’s telling you how harmless weed is. However, nobody wants to talk about the potential for chemical dependency. It’s there. And if you’re struggling with it, there is help.
Intensive outpatient rehab or partial hospitalization is an excellent way of receiving treatment. Nobody needs to know that you’re getting help. It’s completely confidential. Therapists adjust care approaches to meet your needs.
Examples include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy that gives you new coping skills to deal with stress and avoid trigger responses
- Group therapy that empowers you to talk about marijuana dependency
- Addiction education as a tool to help you understand how dabs and buds affect your mind and body
- Dialectical behavior therapy that gives you tools for dealing with overwhelming emotional baggage
- Talk therapy as a tool for setting goals and finding ways to embark on long-term recovery
Dual diagnosis treatment is another tool that therapists might use. It includes a diagnosis for an underlying mental health concern. Examples include trauma, anxiety, or depression. Unless you get a handle on the condition, you’ll risk relapse.
Even though nobody wants to say it out loud, there are several dangerous side effects of smoking dabs. It’s time to quit. Connect with Bayview Recovery therapists to find out how you can do so. Call 855.478.3650 today.
