Marijuana Addiction
Addiction Treatment for Marijuana
Marijuana is in an interesting place in the United States. Historically the drug has been seen as a dangerous drug of abuse that can lead to a number of problems. However, in recent decades more research and advocacy groups have led the way for medicinal and recreational legalization in certain states, including California. That said, marijuana is still a Schedule I drug on the Controlled Substances Act and is federally illegal. While the debate will continue, there should be no debate over the problems that can occur from using the substance including impaired driving, pregnancy complications, problems with memory and decision making, and more. With over 48 million people using this drug annually, and 30% of all users struggling with marijuana use disorder, it is important to learn more about this drug and how to get help if you or a loved one needs it.
Our Marijuana Addiction Treatment Centers
Bay Area Detox
Begin your recovery from marijuana addiction with medical detox in a luxury setting licensed for detox.
Bay Area Rehab
Work with our PhD clinicians to tackle the root causes of marijuana addiction at our private, luxury rehab center.
Bay Area IOP
Maintain sobriety from with our day programs that help you develop and sustain the tools learned in rehab.
Bay Area Sober Living
Find a community and live in a space dedicated to recovery in our extended care program.
Struggling with marijuana and other drugs and need help getting sober?
Is Marijuana Addictive?
The idea that marijuana is or isn’t addictive is a constant talking point among those who debate the drug. But, marijuana use disorder is a real thing that can have a big impact on people’s lives, like all forms of substance use disorder. This problem occurs when a person cannot stop using marijuana despite it interfering with other aspects of their lives. Marijuana use disorder, or weed addiction, affects 30% of people who use the drug and individuals who begin using the substance before the age of 18 are up to seven times more likely to develop a cannabis addiction than adults.
Can You Get Addicted to Weed?
Yes, marijuana addiction is real and people who smoke marijuana and abuse weed can become physically and psychologically dependent on the drug and develop a cannabis use disorder
Dealing with addiction and mental health problems?
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Effects of Marijuana
Marijuana has effects on the user when the main psychoactive component tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) enters the bloodstream and goes to the brain. While many people will use marijuana for the euphoric and relaxing effects they can feel, using the drug and becoming dependent on it can lead to a number of short- and long-term effects that can be problematic.
Short-Term Effects of Marijuana
If you’re asking “What are the short-term effects of marijuana?” and have only heard “It relaxes you” or “It makes you feel good” you haven’t been getting the full story. While marijuana is most known for these relaxing and euphoric effects, there are a slew of other effects and issues that can crop up when using the drug. Some of the most common effects include:
- Decreased appetite
- Cravings to use marijuana
- Restlessness
- Difficulty sleeping and more.
However, along with these, the pleasant effects aren’t something that everyone experiences. Some people who use weed will deal with issues including heightened anxiety and fear, mistrust, panic, psychosis, and more. All of these are dependent on a number of criteria including type of use, potency, and more.
Long-Term Effects Marijuana
Along with these problems, there is growing research that shows that repeated marijuana exposure, especially at a young age, can lead to long-term effects of marijuana including potential permanent changes in the brain. For example, some studies suggest structural and functional changes in the hippocampus, the part of the brain associated with emotion and memory, can occur. Similarly, studies on rats have shown adolescent exposure to THC alters the brain’s reward system, increasing the likelihood of administering other drugs.
Along with these problems, there are a number of long-term adverse effects that can occur from marijuana usage. This can include impaired driving leading to car crashes and fatalities, as well as marijuana use while pregnant which can have learning and memory repercussions on the infant.
Dealing with addiction and mental health problems?
Contact our dual diagnosis treatment program today
Does Marijuana Withdrawal Exist?
Because marijuana abuse can lead to physical and psychological dependence, marijuana withdrawal does exist. While the problem may not be as severe as other forms of drug withdrawal, like alcohol or opioid withdrawal, cannabis withdrawal can still lead to uncomfortable symptoms that can impede a person’s ability to want to stay sober.
Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms
Marijuana withdrawal symptoms will vary from every marijuana user. However, some of the most common withdrawal symptoms of marijuana use disorder are:
- Irritability
- Major changes in mood
- Decreased appetite
- Cravings to use marijuana
- Restlessness
- Difficulty sleeping and more.
How long does marijuana withdrawal last?
Generally, the symptoms of marijuana withdrawal will last up to 2 weeks with the symptoms peaking in the between days 2 and 6.
Worried about your drug abuse?
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Marijuana Addiction Treatment
Oftentimes, people who use marijuana are using other drugs, or alcohol, in tandem. Along with this, people who use marijuana are more likely to deal with certain mental health problems including depression, social anxiety, and suicidal ideation. All of this combined makes marijuana a drug commonly used for people with dual diagnosis. Because of this, if you are seeking help for a marijuana addiction, it is vital to find a marijuana treatment program that can provide you or your loved one with evidence-based treatment options that will tackle the problem at hand, along with any underlying issues that may be contributing or causing this addiction in the first place.
A dual diagnosis treatment program will ensure that your marijuana, and other drug, addiction is handled simultaneously with your mental health disorder. If you ignore one problem, relapse is all the more likely. That's why if long-term sobriety is the goal you must seek a treatment center that can help with mental illness.
Marijuana Rehab at Reflections
If you are looking for a rehab program for your marijuana addiction or other drug problems, our team at Reflections can help you with your recovery journey. Our Ph.D-led team of addiction professionals not only has dual diagnosis treatment available, we also offer specialized treatment tracks, behavioral therapies, and personalized treatment plans to ensure that each and every client who goes through our program feels comfortable and secure as they work through the levels of care we offer: detox, inpatient treatment, IOP, outpatient, sober living, and aftercare support.
If you or a loved one need treatment for marijuana addiction,
contact the team at our Northern California rehab
and get the process started today.
Using Insurance to Pay for marijuana Rehab
Reflections works directly with your insurance to help make the treatment process as affordable as possible for all clients. Our admissions team will work with you to help you understand the benefits provided by your employer plan. We often work with:
