Recovering from Marijuana Addiction Is Possible
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), one in ten people who use marijuana become addicted to the drug. Most people assume marijuana is not an addictive substance, but more research suggests that people can and do develop cannabis use disorder and marijuana use disorder. There are, however, treatment programs dedicated to helping people who have marijuana addictions.
What Is Marijuana?
Marijuana is a mixture of the dried-out leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds of the cannabis plant. There are over 400 chemicals present in marijuana, but the substance that causes intoxication is THC, which stands for tetrahydrocannabinol. THC-based drugs have mind-altering effects.
How Strong Is Marijuana?
The potency of marijuana has increased in recent years. The marijuana extracts that people use to make edibles can contain between 40% and 90% THC, according to Marijuana Fact Check. The amount of THC in marijuana varies greatly between strains of the cannabis plant, and this variation will impact the effects it has on the body.
How Do People Use Marijuana?
Although smoking marijuana in joints or with a bong is one of the most common ways of using this drug, dabbing and using the oil in baking and cooking are also popular. It is also possible to vape the drug.
Signs and Symptoms of Marijuana Addiction
There are various symptoms of marijuana addiction. These include:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Dry mouth
- Increased appetite
- Lack of motivation
- Weight gain
- Paranoid or nervous behavior
- Temporary psychotic reaction
- Impaired coordination
- Memory impairment
- Anxiety
- Distorted perception
- Sleepiness
- Slowed reaction time
Perhaps the most crucial symptom of marijuana use disorder is the continuous use of marijuana despite the negative effects the substance is having on the person’s life.
Dangers of Marijuana Abuse
Marijuana addiction has many risks that can impact the health of different systems of the body. Marijuana is also a gateway drug, which means that it can lead to the use of other drugs.
Brain Health
Marijuana abuse can lead to brain health concerns. According to SAMHSA, marijuana addiction can cause permanent IQ loss of as many as eight points if the person starts using it at a young age. These IQ points do not come back, even if the person gets treatment for marijuana addiction.
Mental Health
Marijuana use can also impact mental health. Abuse of marijuana can increase the risk of developing mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies, and even psychotic episodes. Substance abuse treatment works best when co-occurring mental illness is also addressed.
Driving Impairment
Marijuana addiction can cause slower reaction times, decreased coordination, lane weaving, and other issues on the road.
Pregnancy Complications
Marijuana smoking contributes to issues during pregnancy, such as brain development, fetal growth restrictions, stillbirths, and premature births. Mothers can also pass THC through breast milk to the baby, leading to more developmental impairment.
Marijuana Withdrawal
Someone who has a substance use disorder involving chronic marijuana use can experience marijuana withdrawal symptoms. These can include:
- Diminished appetite
- Irritability
- Mood changes
- Loss of focus
- Headaches
- Drug craving
- Cold sweats
- Chills
- Increased depression
- Stomach issues
Habit-forming substances like marijuana can cause mild to severe withdrawal symptoms. Your body has to learn to function without THC, and that process can be difficult to undergo on your own.
Marijuana Addiction Treatment Options
There are a few addiction treatment options for people who have a marijuana addiction. The most effective way of getting help is to turn to addiction treatment programs.
At Harmony Healing Center, you can get access to motivational enhancement therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, aftercare services, and much more.
Marijuana Detox
The first step in setting yourself free from marijuana abuse is the detoxification process. At treatment centers like Harmony Healing Center, you can get medications to help ease withdrawal symptoms.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Combining supportive medications with appropriate types of therapies is known as medication-assisted treatment, and it can help patients get and stay sober. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can help ease your symptoms while also curbing cravings so that you can focus on therapy and other aspects of the treatment programs.
Outpatient Treatment
We offer a wide range of supportive outpatient services that are available at different levels of care. General outpatient services include:
- Support groups
- Individual and group therapy
- Case management
- Medical and mental health services
- Life skills planning
- Access to 24-hour crisis management
- Monitoring of substance use
There are additional services that can be included in the treatment process, such as nutritional assistance, career guidance, a daycare center, and more.
Intensive Outpatient Programs
Intensive outpatient programs for drug abuse offer a high level of support for those with marijuana addiction. Treatment lasts three to five hours a day for several days a week. These programs are similar to inpatient ones, but they allow individuals to return home each night.
Partial Hospitalization Programs
The partial hospitalization program is the most intense marijuana addiction treatment option available at Harmony Healing Center. This is an appropriate program for people who need detox and have a severe addiction that requires close monitoring.
Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) allow patients to receive monitoring for their physical and mental health. The level of care is higher than in an IOP, but patients still sleep at home when each day ends.
Our partial hospitalization program includes:
- Support groups
- Group or family therapy
- Individual therapy
- Medication management
- Relapse prevention
Marijuana addiction requires an approach involving many therapeutic modalities to help people learn coping skills that can prevent relapses.
Benefits of Partial Hospitalization Programs
This is the right treatment option for people who want to get results in a short period of time. These intensive programs allow patients to dedicate themselves to their recovery while also being able to put into practice new skills at home.
Benefits of Intensive Outpatient Programs
Intensive outpatient programs allow patients to get the therapy and guidance they need when dealing with a marijuana addiction while still participating in their daily lives. An IOP is a good transition from a partial hospitalization program.
Recover at Harmony Healing Center
If you need a marijuana addiction treatment program, you can turn to Harmony Healing Center. All you need to do to begin is fill out a quick form so you can learn all about the treatment options you have available. You can get help for marijuana addiction or other substance use disorders by reaching out right now.
