Marijuana Addiction Treatment at Clearbrook
While most people agree that marijuana is a gateway drug, not all agree that it’s addictive. But marijuana is addictive and as with any other drug, active addiction can become increasingly problematic to one’s happiness and wellbeing. At our Northeast addictions treatment centers, we offer a marijuana addiction treatment that can help individuals struggling with this form of substance abuse reach sobriety.
Is Marijuana Addictive?
While marijuana may not appear as dangerous as other drugs, it’s still addictive. Marijuana addiction is clinically defined as a cannabis use disorder. In 2016, a study conducted by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reported that nearly 6 million people in the United States struggled with marijuana use disorder in that year.1 Marijuana use is especially common among adolescents and young adults. Research shows that many adolescents who engage in marijuana use often show problems in cognitive performance, brain development, and brain functioning.2 Long-term cannabis use eventually leads to dependency, making the person feel as if they can’t function without smoking weed. Users who become addicted to cannabis may require a marijuana addiction treatment to fully recover.
Warnings Signs of Marijuana Abuse
As the person’s marijuana abuse progresses, they may begin to show signs of addiction, including:
- Lethargy
- Bloodshot/Red Eyes
- Lack of Coordination
- Overeating
- Lack of Focus
- Unmotivated in Daily Activities
- Glass pipes
- Rolling Papers
- Cut Open Cigars
- Empty Baggies
- The Marijuana Smell
- Incense/Candles/Air Fresheners
If you know someone who is showing these signs of cannabis abuse, you should get them help immediately.
Dangers of Marijuana Use
As with any drug, short-term and long-term marijuana abuse can both result in addiction and cause severe symptoms. These symptoms may dissipate after use stops, but some, such as mental impairment, can persist even after a user has quit using. Adverse effects of heavy marijuana use and addiction include:3
- Short-term memory impairment
- Difficulty with learning
- Altered judgment
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
- Altered brain development (especially when used in early adolescence)
- Increased risk of psychosis disorders
The more intense the use, the more prevalent the dangers. A person who began using marijuana in their adolescence is at great risk of suffering from complications with brain development and function.3 If you fall into this category, you can avoid future health risks by receiving marijuana abuse treatment.
Clearbrook’s Marijuana Rehab Program
When a patient is first admitted into our marijuana addiction program, they will undergo a physical evaluation conducted by our medical staff. This is done to ensure the patient is safe during their marijuana addiction treatment. Any sudden attempts to stop using can result in uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms including agitation, anxiety, loss of appetite, insomnia, and cravings. Our medically monitored detox at Clearbrook Massachusetts and Clearbrook Pennsylvania safely and effectively address these symptoms.
Once a patient completes detoxification, they will then follow a customized treatment program, which focuses on one-on-one therapy, small groups, relapse prevention education, and family education. During a patient’s stay, our clinical team will work closely with them and their support system to devise the appropriate aftercare plan that best suits their needs. This step is crucial in the early recovery process. A well-thought-out aftercare program will increase the client’s chances of long-lasting sobriety.
Our dedicated and knowledgeable staff is available 24 hours a day to answer your questions regarding our marijuana addiction treatment program and how we can best serve you.
If you or a loved one is battling substance abuse, help is available. Contact us today for more information about our cannabis addiction treatment and our other rehab programs.
Sources:
- NIH- Marijuana use disorder is common and often untreated
- NCBI- Effects of Cannabis on the Adolescent Brain
- NCBI- Adverse Health Effects of Marijuana Use
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