Marijuana Treatment

Marijuana has often been called a “gate way” drug that lead to “more serious” drugs.  But as more and more marijuana users lives are adversely affected by the drug, rehab solely for marijuana addiction is on the rise.  The withdrawal symptoms experienced by an individual quitting marijuana use are similar to those associated with quitting smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol or other using drugs.  Individuals who identify as having difficulty with quitting smoking marijuana typically report feeling aggressive, irritable and anxious.

Most marijuana addicts believe that they can stop their marijuana use without getting help.  Unfortunately, most attempts at ending marijuana addiction without professional help result in failure.  It is very difficulty to achieve long-term abstinence with out assistance.  Marijuana use is typically minimized and dismissed as not as serious of a problem compared to other drugs.  However, research has shown that long-term marijuana use results in significant changes in brain function that may continue long after the individual stops using marijuana.

Marijuana users have long argued that marijuana is not physically addictive, however the changes that the drug causes in brain function have behavioral consequences that include the obsession and compulsion to use marijuana despite adverse effects, which is the definition of addiction. Marijuana addiction treatment involving professional help can greatly improve an addict’s chance for lasting sobriety.

As tempting as it has been for individuals, especially teens, to minimize the harmful effects of marijuana, they can include:

• Difficulty with concentration
• Mood swings, memory loss, and coordination problems
• Hallucinations
• Depression and anxiety
• Paranoia
• Potential for aggression and hostility
• Damage to the pituitary gland
• Brain cell and synapse damage
• Addiction and abuse
• Increased heart rate and increased blood pressure
• Damage to the central nervous system
• Squinty looking, blood-shot eyes, dilated pupils
• Increased risk of cancer of larynx and esophagus
• Risk of developing emphysema and chronic bronchitis
• Increased risk for developing lung cancer

The first goal of rehab for marijuana is for the individual to stop using marijuana as physically safely as possible. Detox  is the first step in this process. Marijuana detox may involve uncomfortable psychological and emotional side effects but it is not physically dangerous.  After detox, therapies such as counseling, addiction treatment, psycho-education and 12 step group meetings can help an addict remain clean and sober.

Individual or family counseling with a therapist can help in uncovering underlying issues that support the addiction, raise self esteem and examine motivation to change.  Behavior and cognitive therapies can assist in developing new ways to cope with cravings to use marijuana, tackle daily life challenges, develop a relapse prevention plan, and offer suggestions on how to constructively deal with a relapse if one occurs. Counseling or life coaching in a treatment center can also involve an individual receiving input about job challenges, legal problems and relationships. Family therapy can provide family members and loved ones with addiction information and help them to develop better communication skills.

Alcoholism and drug addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that carries with it a danger of relapse and ongoing treatment.  Medication, therapy and attending 12 step group meetings are helpful treatment methods used to prevent a relapse and maintain a lifetime of sobriety.  Entering a treatment program is a vital step in dealing with marijuana addiction. Treatment programs generally include educational and psychotherapy sessions focused on establishing a solid foundation in sobriety and preventing relapse. The program usually consists of a combination of individual, group and family sessions. These treatment programs are available in various degrees of intensity from outpatient to residential and inpatient programs. Marijuana Anonymous is a 12 step support group that exists to support individuals with a desire to stop using marijuana.