Isn’t Marijuana a Helpful Medical Drug?
While some states have legalized medical marijuana, it does not mean that the drug is completely safe. There are a variety of prescribed drugs that are addictive and can be misused, so the fact that a substance is used medically doesn’t mean it’s problem-free.
Another thing to keep in mind is that even if there is legalized marijuana in your area, using marijuana medically is something that needs a doctor’s supervision. Self-medicating with marijuana may cause you to overlook symptoms of more serious illnesses that need additional treatment. You also want to make sure the dose is appropriate so you can avoid long-term harm and the risk of drug abuse.
Symptoms of Marijuana Addiction
It can be difficult to identify marijuana addiction, as the symptoms may vary from person to person. However, some common signs and symptoms of marijuana dependence include:
- Uncontrollable cravings for marijuana
- Difficulty in controlling the amount or frequency of use
- Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from marijuana
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home due to marijuana use
- Using marijuana despite knowing its negative impact on health
- Withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and insomnia when attempting to stop using marijuana
What are the Effects of Marijuana Abuse?
While marijuana may have short-term effects such as relaxation, altered senses, and euphoria, long-term marijuana addiction can have significant effects on both mental and physical health. These health risks include:
- Respiratory issues: Marijuana smoke contributes to lung irritation and can lead to respiratory problems such as chronic coughing, bronchitis, and increased risk of lung infections.
- Memory and cognitive impairments: Marijuana smoking contributes to issues with memory, attention, and other cognitive functions.
- Increased risk of mental disorders: Long-term use of marijuana has been linked to an increased risk of developing mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis.
- Social and relationship problems: Cannabis use disorder can strain relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners due to changes in behavior and priorities.
- Effects on the central nervous system: Marijuana can affect brain development in adolescents, leading to impaired decision-making skills and a risk of addiction.
- Impaired Coordination: Marijuana use can affect coordination and reaction time, making it dangerous to operate heavy machinery or drive a vehicle.
- Immune system suppression: Marijuana abuse may suppress the immune systems of certain individuals, making them more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
- Temporary psychotic reaction: High doses of marijuana can cause temporary psychotic reactions in some individuals, characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia.
If marijuana use has negatively affected your day-to-day life, it’s a good sign that you should reach out to a center that offers marijuana abuse treatment. At Woburn Addiction Treatment, we can provide a proven treatment process that will help you break free from drug abuse.
Cannabis Addiction and Mental Health
Cannabis addiction may often co-occur with a mental disorder, creating a complex relationship that intensifies both conditions.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) describes depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as being among the common mental health conditions associated with drug abuse. Individuals with these conditions may turn to marijuana use as a form of self-medication, seeking temporary relief from their symptoms. However, over time, this can lead to dependency and addiction.
Conversely, regular and heavy cannabis use, particularly during adolescence when the brain is still developing, may increase the risk of developing psychiatric disorders. This especially holds for individuals with a family history of mental illnesses or those at risk due to environmental factors.
Co-occurring disorders require specific integrated treatment that addresses both mental health conditions and substance abuse. This gives you the best chance of marijuana abuse recovery that lasts.
Get The Care You Need and Deserve
Woburn Addiction Treatment is a leader in the addiction treatment field, with proven success in facilitating long-term recovery. Our team of top clinical & medical experts specializes in treating addiction coupled with mental illness, ensuring that each person receives individualized care. Call us – we’re available 24/day, 7 days/week.
Who is at Risk For Cannabis Addiction?
While anyone can develop an addiction to marijuana, certain risk factors can make it more likely. These include:
- Genetics: Research and clinical evidence suggest that genetics plays a role in vulnerability to addiction. Individuals with a family history of drug or alcohol abuse are at a higher risk.
- Age of first use: Early exposure to marijuana, particularly during adolescence when the brain is still developing, increases the risk of developing an addiction.
- Co-occurring mental health disorders: Individuals with preexisting mental health conditions are more likely to develop a cannabis addiction.
- Tobacco smokers: Studies show that individuals who smoke tobacco are more likely to develop a marijuana addiction.
- Individuals with a history of drug use: A history of substance abuse, particularly with other drugs, can increase one’s likelihood of developing a marijuana addiction.
Marijuana Addiction Treatment
Substance abuse treatment for marijuana involves a combination of individual and group therapy and perhaps family counseling. You’ll start by talking to your doctor to get an official diagnosis of cannabis use disorder and a determination of what kind of treatment you need.
The right addiction treatment center can provide marijuana detox services along with an inpatient program, outpatient treatment, and aftercare support to help you establish long-term recovery.
Do You Need Detox For Marijuana?
Smoking marijuana regularly can cause physical withdrawal symptoms as well as psychological ones when attempting to quit. It doesn’t affect everyone, but it does impact a significant number of those who abuse marijuana. Withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Irritability, mood swings, and anxiety
- Insomnia or sleep disturbances
- Decreased appetite or weight loss
- Strong cravings for marijuana
- Restlessness and physical discomfort
If you struggle with withdrawal symptoms when stopping marijuana use, detox could be an important first step in your treatment plan.
Inpatient Treatment For Substance Abuse
An inpatient treatment program involves staying at a rehabilitation center for a specific period. You’ll get 24/7 support as well as therapy using evidence-based treatment like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The staff will help you understand the roots of addiction and help you address the risk factors of relapse.
Inpatient treatment is generally for those who abuse marijuana for a significant period of time or use a lot of the drug each day. When substance use significantly impacts a person’s life and they don’t have a place to live that supports recovery, inpatient rehab centers might be the best option. Inpatient care is also a good option for those with co-occurring disorders.
Cannabis use disorder treatment options include individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a commonly used therapeutic approach for marijuana abuse. Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) may also be used to help individuals build motivation for change and engage in treatment.
We are a leading provider of high-quality care at the Woburn Addiction Treatment Center. We give you the tools you need to maintain lifelong recovery.
Outpatient Treatment for Cannabis Use Disorder
Outpatient treatment options include a few different programs, and you live at home or in sober living when you are not in treatment. A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a full or partial-day program that provides the most intensive level of outpatient care. It can help prevent continued abuse of marijuana and provides many of the same services as inpatient care.
Many rehab centers also offer intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). IOPs also have individual therapy and family therapy. The effects of marijuana use can impact your family members and other personal relationships. With family counseling, you can restore those relationships and help other family members and friends be a core part of your support system for ongoing recovery.
Aftercare Services Can Help Prevent Relapse
Completing a marijuana treatment program is an important step, but maintaining lifelong recovery requires ongoing support. Rehab centers that offer addictive substance treatment often have additional support once you graduate. Aftercare services may include continued therapy, support groups, peer support, and sober living arrangements. These resources can provide you with the tools and support you need to maintain your sobriety long-term.
Marijuana Anonymous (MA)
12-step programs can be an important part of aftercare. Marijuana Anonymous (MA) is a 12-step program that provides support to individuals struggling with marijuana addiction. It follows the same principles as Alcoholics Anonymous, focusing on complete abstinence from drugs and personal accountability for recovery. MA offers regular meetings, sponsorships, and online resources for those seeking help.
MA emphasizes community and peer support, highlighting the importance of sharing experiences and learning from others who are also on the path to recovery. Members know they are not alone and can draw strength from a community that understands their struggles.
Additionally, MA provides literature on marijuana addiction, offering further insight and tips to handle cravings and avoid triggers. There are virtual meetings for individuals who cannot physically attend or prefer the privacy of online communication.
Addiction Treatment for Chronic Marijuana Use and Addiction
If you or a loved one is struggling with marijuana use disorder, it’s time to seek treatment. At Woburn Addiction Treatment, our team of addiction specialists is dedicated to helping individuals overcome their drug addiction and achieve lasting recovery.
Our substance use disorder treatment programs are tailored to meet each individual’s unique needs and address any co-occurring mental health disorders that may be present.
Reach out to us today so we can provide more information about our marijuana addiction treatment approaches and help you or your loved one take the first step towards a healthier, drug-free life. Recovery is possible with the right support and guidance. Don’t wait any longer – start your journey to recovery now.
Sources:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Principles of drug addiction treatment: a research-based guide (third edition).
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022, September 27). Learn About Marijuana Risks.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019, December 24). Cannabis (marijuana) drugfacts.
