Marijuana Addiction Treatment Program

Marijuana Addiction Information

Marijuana offers users a relaxing high that alters the senses, perception of time, increases hunger and can affect motor skills. The legality of the drug does not sit well with some doctors and US citizens. The drug began as a staple of counter-culture in the 1960s with “hippies.” Later, marijuana users were called “stoners.” Today, many people across all cultures and economic status smoke or ingest weed, and in some states, it’s legal. However, there is still the need to provide a marijuana addiction treatment program for those in need. By heading to a marijuana addiction rehab center, you can get your life back on track.

The concern over the legality of the drug has a lot to do with the fear of the drug and widespread addiction. Learn more about the drug, signs of abuse, and when it’s time to begin a marijuana addiction treatment program.

What is Marijuana?

Cannabis is also known as marijuana, pot, weed, and hundreds of other names. It is a psychoactive drug and medication. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a potent chemical that causes mind-altering sensations. Marijuana is usually smoked and eaten. Recently, it’s popular to “dab.” Dabbing is the smoking of cannabis resins. These come in the form of oils or wax. Pot is the most widely used recreational drug in the world. Although it has been used for spiritual and religious purposes, it is used by the general population. According to the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime, between 128 and 232 million people used cannabis in 2013.

• Sublingually (on the tongue) – Due to the concentration of blood vessels under the tongue, this is an optimal area for absorption of marijuana. The drug is usually administered via a dropper. In this case, the pot is made into an oil or tincture. This concentrated liquid may or may not contain THC. For medical purposes, the THC may be removed in order for the user to get the other benefits of the cannabinoids. In terms of safety, this method is safer for people who need to avoid lung damage caused by smoking.

With the variety of methods a person can use marijuana, it’s no wonder it’s such a trendy drug, but does that mean more people are becoming addicted?

A Misused Drug Due to Popularity

Marijuana use has become extremely commonplace. Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and the District of Columbia all allow for medical and recreational use of the drug. This new cultural acceptance may be a boon to businesses all over the US, but for those who have substance abuse issues, it can increase the temptation to use and abuse marijuana. Although a chemical addiction to marijuana is less common than other drugs, it’s an easy drug to abuse. Misuse is really a problem when it comes to marijuana.

According to NIDA, “Recent data suggest that 30 percent of those who use marijuana may have some degree of marijuana use disorder. People who begin using marijuana before the age of 18 are four to seven times more likely to develop a marijuana use disorder than adults. People who use marijuana frequently often report irritability, mood and sleep difficulties, decreased appetite, cravings, restlessness, and/or various forms of physical discomfort that peak within the first week after quitting and last up to two weeks. Marijuana dependence occurs when the brain adapts to large amounts of the drug by reducing production of and sensitivity to its own endocannabinoid neurotransmitters.”

Marijuana Dependence Symptoms

Long-term substance abuse and addiction will permanently change the brain. The National Institute on Drug Abuse says, “This is why a person who abuses drugs eventually feels flat, lifeless, and depressed, and is unable to enjoy things that were previously pleasurable. Now, the person needs to keep taking drugs again and again just to try and bring his or her dopamine function back up to normal – which only makes the problem worse, like a vicious cycle. Also, the person will often need to take larger amounts of the drug to produce the familiar dopamine high – an effect known as tolerance.” Marijuana can do similar things to the brain, especially to adolescents.

According to Narconon, marijuana users also experience drug withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include:

• “Anger, tension, irritability, restlessness, depression
• Chills, stomach pains, shaking, sweating
• Decreased appetite, sleep difficulties, bad dreams, nausea

These symptoms are not normally severe but they may need help resisting the cravings that probably will last for weeks or months.”

For teens, using pot can be even more dangerous in the long-term.

• Using Other Drugs – Although to call marijuana a “gateway” drug may not be entirely accurate, many who chose to smoke pot are more likely to do other drugs. It’s hypothesized that this is because a brain exposed too early to addictive behaviors can make other drugs more appealing. By doing one drug, a teen is more likely be exposed to other drugs.

The hope is to use medical marijuana to treat a variety of medical disorders. NIDA claims there may be another reason medical marijuana can be helpful. Preliminary studies suggest medical marijuana legalization is helping to decrease prescription opioid use and overdose deaths. Again, the studies are only preliminary. NIDA claims that a study is crucial to look more closely at not just marijuana legality, but the number of opioid prescriptions, self-reports of opioid misuse, and treatment admissions for opioid addicts. So, it’s too soon to know for certain if the legalization of medical marijuana is saving the lives of opioid addicts.

Weed may also affect blood sugar levels. If you are taking blood sugar medication or believe you may be at risk for diabetes, be sure to check with your doctor. It may also cause low blood pressure in some people.

Although there is no recorded instance of someone dying from marijuana overdose alone, drug interactions can increase this risk. If you are planning to use pot with medical issues, be sure to check with a healthcare professional. If you are struggling with marijuana addiction, you can talk to our team of rehab professionals to get started on a treatment plan.

Help through a Marijuana Addiction Treatment Program

Marijuana dependence is a serious problem that requires a marijuana addiction treatment program. Inpatient and outpatient options at a marijuana addiction rehab center are available in addition to the following:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – This helps addicts overcome their bud abuse by teaching them to avoid triggers that lead to a pattern of addiction. The negative thoughts and behaviors that lead to drug abuse need attention and treatment. Prevent cravings by staying away from those triggers. Stress coping skills and thoughtfulness help patients avoid destructive behaviors.
• Therapeutic communities – These are sober communities that limit the number of triggers an addiction patient may face. It’s a long-term solution for those with drug addictions, but it is also useful for people who suffer from co-occurring mental health disorders. Patients and therapists often live in the same community for around-the-clock support.

For a patient that abuses multiple drugs, the marijuana addiction treatment program should include those. All drug and alcohol abuse need attention in order to stop using pot.

You Need a Marijuana Addiction Rehab Center

The AspenRidge Recovery Fort Collins facility is ready to help you start finding the right treatment for your marijuana addiction. Our programs offer you a variety of flexible options to get you back on track. Through a combination of outpatient and inpatient care, your life doesn’t have to come to a sudden halt.

Marijuana addiction can lead to risky behavior. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Our experienced, licensed team will get you the therapies you need to treat your addiction and any other co-occurring disorder you may be dealing with. Contact us today by calling (866) 957-6941.

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