Marijuana is one of the most commonly abused illegal drugs in the United States. Made from a dry, shredded greenish/brown mixture of flowers, stems, seeds and leaves of a plant called Cannabis sativa; marijuana can be smoked as a cigarette or in a pipe, and can also be brewed as tea or mixed into food. According to some marijuana rehab statistics, an estimated 150,000 individuals enter treatment for marijuana addiction each year. Additionally, it is also reported that nearly 45% of United States teenagers try marijuana prior to completing high school.
Yet despite this compelling data, some individuals may still be under the mistaken impression that marijuana addiction is not a serious problem. However, this perception couldn’t be further from the truth. Marijuana addicts suffer from several adverse consequences as a result of their dependence. These include both physical and emotional effects to the body and mind. Fortunately, marijuana addiction is treatable, and can be effectively managed and eventually overcome through various types of rehabilitation programs.
Signs of Abuse
Marijuana rehab can become a necessary course of action when individuals begin to display signs of abuse. It’s very important to watch out for the signs of marijuana abuse in friends, family and teenagers. This is particularly essential among young adults, which represent the group most susceptible to marijuana use. The following are some of the signs associated with marijuana abuse:
- Red/blood shot eyes
- Unkempt appearance/grooming
- Deteriorating memory
- Loss of interest in regular activities
- Dramatic changes in weight and/or sleeping patterns
Effects of Marijuana
Although some states do allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes and for pain management in terminally ill patients, there are still serious health risks involved. This is why marijuana is impractical for long-term use. Therefore, marijuana rehabilitation is also necessary to prevent some of the harmful effects which can result with continued usage. Marijuana affects an individual’s memory, judgment and perception. Habitual marijuana usage can result in short-term memory loss, which basically means users may be unable to recall the recent events that took place in their lives. Marijuana drug abuse can also impair the user’s ability to learn and process information. Other serious effects on both the body and mind include the following:
- Possible risk of lung infection and cancer
- Chest pains
- Increased heart rate
- Respiratory problems
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Panic/anxiety attacks
Choosing a Marijuana Rehab Center
The first step to conquering any addiction, including marijuana is admitting to the problem. The next step is enrolling in a quality marijuana rehab program. While an addict’s commitment to recover is an important aspect of successfully recovery, the type of marijuana rehab center chosen also plays a major role in making it happen. Potential patients can consider the following characteristics when choosing a marijuana rehabilitation center:
Quality Treatment Programs
It’s extremely important for the marijuana rehab center to have quality detox and on-site treatment options. Because most patients go through certain withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, anxiety, physical tension, mood swings etc; centers should have a set of trained staff and professionals that are experienced with drug abuse to help them better cope.
Success Rate
Unfortunately, most marijuana rehab statistics indicate that treatment programs do not have very high success rates. In fact, many have success rates as low as 20%; however some have much higher success rates. When looking for potential marijuana rehab centers, programs with higher rates of success should be sought after to increase the chance of long-term recovery. In addition to recommendations and word of mouth, the Internet can also be referenced for finding quality rehab centers in every state.
Experience with Drug Abuse
Because every drug is unique, patients can often experience better rehab results if they are treated by staff that has direct experience with their particular drug addiction, in this case marijuana.
[page updated March 2009]