Treatment for Marijuana Addiction

Society is much more accepting of marijuana use today. Many states have even legalized weed for recreational use. But like any mind-altering substance, marijuana can be addictive.

Newer research shows heavy users can also become physically dependent on marijuana. This means they experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it.¹ Up to 30% of people who use marijuana may have some degree of marijuana use disorder.

Dangers of Marijuana Abuse

The main mind-altering chemical in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly called THC. It behaves much like the cannabinoid chemicals the body makes naturally. THC affects a person’s memory, pleasure, movements, thinking, concentration, coordination, and sensory and time perception.

For many people, marijuana produces a relaxing “high.” But not everyone responds the same way. Some people feel very anxious or paranoid on marijuana, even from small amounts.

It’s a myth that marijuana is harmless and has no long-term consequences.² Frequent use can cause:

• Trouble concentrating
• Difficulty learning and retaining information
• Memory loss
• Decreased problem solving skills
• Changes to dopamine levels in the brain
• Impaired immune system
• Respiratory problems (from smoking the drug)

The potency of marijuana has increased dramatically in the last 30 years. In the early 1990s the average THC of marijuana was 4%. Today it’s more than 15%.¹ Eating or smoking hash oil has also become much more popular in recent years—these extracts are extremely potent, with as much as 80% THC content.¹ Products today come with higher risks than those of the past.

Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms  

People who use marijuana frequently may experience withdrawal symptoms during the first 2 weeks after they quit. These can include:

• Irritability
• Mood problems
• Sleep difficulties
• Decreased appetite
• Cravings for the drug
• Restlessness

Signs of Marijuana Addiction

Addiction means you feel a compulsive urge to use the drug even when it negatively affects your life. You can be addicted to marijuana without being physically dependent on it. You may feel an urge to use the drug just to feel “normal.”

Signs of marijuana addiction include:

• Using more marijuana than you intended or for a longer period than you intended
• Not being able to stop or cut back
• Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed because of marijuana use
• Using the drug even when it’s causing problems at work, school, or in personal and professional relationships
• Using marijuana to deal with negative feelings or anxiety

Some people are able to quit marijuana on their own, often after multiple attempts. Others will need weed addiction treatment programs to quit. If you’re struggling with marijuana addiction and haven’t been able to quit on your own, RECO Intensive can help.

Marijuana Addiction Treatment at RECO Intensive

RECO Intensive provides world-class treatment for marijuana addiction. Our treatment center in Delray Beach, Florida is the ideal center for healing. Our RECO Residences feature luxury amenities and are optimized for recovery.

RECO’s interdisciplinary team includes doctors, nurse practitioners, board-certified psychiatrists, therapists, yoga instructors, equine specialists, and others who work together to create a personalized treatment plan for each client.

• Our residential inpatient program is best for people with serious or life-threatening addictions and those who have a high rate of relapse. Programs typically range from 30-90 days and provide structured, round-the-clock care in a safe, welcoming environment.
• Our partial hospitalization program is a good solution for people who are overcoming a chemical dependency but are unable to attend a full-time treatment program at our residential facility. Clients have the flexibility to continue working or going to school while in treatment.
• Our intensive outpatient program is ideal for people who do not require detox or inpatient treatment or who have already completed it. Outpatient treatment allows clients to continue to work and meet outside responsibilities while attending individual and group therapy sessions at our facility.

People often start using marijuana to destress or relax. A core part of our program is helping clients find better ways of managing stress, anxiety, and negative feelings. Most of our clients start with marijuana detox and then move into a residential or outpatient program at our Delray Beach recovery center.

Weed recovery is possible at RECO Intensive. Contact us to learn more about our marijuana rehab programs and schedule a tour of our marijuana addiction treatment center in Delray Beach, FL.

Sources:

1. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-addictive
2. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-are-marijuanas-long-term-effects-brain