With marijuana’s increasing legalization and social acceptance, many people have lost sight of the fact that marijuana use can lead to addiction, and the negative ramifications of that. In this article from Avenues Recovery we will explore when marijuana addiction treatment is necessary and what it involves.
The Hazy Boundaries of Marijuana Use and Addiction
Marijuana, otherwise known as “weed” or “cannabis”, is one of the most commonly abused drugs and one of the many drugs of choice that people struggling with addiction turn to. It is common for marijuana use to start innocently as the result of one of the following:
- Recreational use
- Experimentation
- Medical treatment
There are many legal uses for marijuana and it has even proven to be highly beneficial in the right medically controlled setting. The problem is that some of its uses are illegal. This creates blurred lines and complications since marijuana use in any form carries the potential of becoming addictive. In fact, studies have shown that 1 in 10 adults who use marijuana become addicted.
The Importance of Marijuana Addiction Help
It is important to recognize the signs of addiction and be aware of when weed addiction treatment is necessary. Although marijuana is not as harsh on the brain and body as other substances, such as heroin or alcohol, developing a mental dependency on something is very unhealthy and can overtake your life detrimentally. Consider gambling and porn addiction to understand the ramifications of mental addictions.
How Rehab for Weed Is Different
If you have a dependency or an addiction to weed, it’s worth reaching out for help. In many cases,marijuana rehab is handled differently than that of other common substances that are abused. This is because someone addicted to marijuana doesn’t display the same kind of addiction signs and symptoms as someone who is addicted to heroin or alcohol. For this reason, rehab for marijuana addiction often takes the route of individual counseling, rather than the conventional routes of a full treatment program or inpatient rehab.
What Marijuana Rehab Consists of
Marijuana addiction treatment at a reputable facility like Avenues Recovery, will consist of drug detox treatment, and then the applicable therapies depending on the individual’s needs. An addiction counselor will guide the individual through withdrawal and provide professional support to help them to overcome the addiction.
It is fairly common for a marijuana addiction to start as a symptom of self-medicating for other underlying issues. Professional counseling can help to get to the root of these issues and help the individual to work through them. They can even assist them in obtaining the appropriately prescribed medications to help if needed. Not all insurance will pay for the treatment of addiction when it deals solely with marijuana. Counseling programs can be costly, but with proper research, there are affordable options available.
Some people choose to kick their cannabis habit with support from a recovery group. Joining a group of individuals on the same journey as you is motivating and supportive, as well as boosting your chances for a full recovery. Here are some suitable options:
- Marijuana Anonymous (MA) is modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous, and is geared specifically to this addiction.
- Narcotics Anonymous has more locations than MA, so may be a more viable option for many.
- Smart Recovery is an option of a support group outside of the traditional 12-Step model.
What to Expect During Treatment
Once an individual comes to the decision to seek cannabis addiction treatment, there may be some growing pains. Many users have a long and established history of marijuana abuse. Seeking treatment for drug addiction is only the start of the battle. It is not uncommon to experience withdrawal symptoms which include:
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Trouble sleeping
- Additional cravings
- Brain fog
These symptoms can cause an individual to relapse, but with hard work they can be overcome. It takes determination and the right support system from friends and family, as well as a solid addiction treatment program staffed with experienced professionals.
Summary: Marijuana Addiction Help is Available
The good news is that the road to recovery and treatment for marijuana addiction doesn’t have to happen alone. There are plenty of resources available to help you.
Avenues Recovery is a qualified organization that specializes in helping people struggling with all forms of addiction, including marijuana. Every person and situation is different and we understand that each requires an individual approach for treatment. We can help provide the right information to help individuals find the right rehab center and steer anyone considering addiction rehab towards a successful recovery. Contact us online today for professional support, or give us a call on 603-810-8141.
Learn more about how to prepare for rehab on our website.