Marijuana Addiction Treatment

Marijuana is the most widely used illegal drug in the United States today and Statistics have shown it to be the number one drug of choice among teenagers. Marijuana is usually smoked as a cigarette (joint) or in a pipe. It is also smoked in blunts, which are cigars that have been emptied of tobacco and refilled with marijuana. Since the blunt retains the tobacco leaf used to wrap the cigar, this mode of delivery combines marijuana’s active ingredients with nicotine and other harmful chemicals. Marijuana can also be mixed in food or brewed as a tea. As a more concentrated, resinous form it is called hashish, and as a sticky black liquid, hash oil. Marijuana smoke has a pungent and distinctive, usually sweet-and-sour odor.

The main active chemical in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol; THC for short. THC acts upon specific sites in the brain, called cannabis receptors, kicking off a series of cellular reactions that ultimately lead to the “high” that users experience when they smoke marijuana. The highest density of cannabis receptors are found in parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thoughts, concentration, sensory and time perception, and  coordinated movements. Even after just one use, marijuana chemicals can be seen in the brain 3 to 6 weeks later and can be detected in drug screenings for months.

Regular use of marijuana can cause a person to use more and more of the drug to achieve the same effect (tolerance). Many claim marijuana use is “habit forming” and not addictive, unfortunately; for individuals with dependency issues, the drug becomes the focal point of their lives. The need to get high begins to present itself before doing anything or everything. Your life begins to revolve around smoking marijuana and dependency sets in.

When a marijuana user stops using the drug, they may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as difficulty sleeping, nervousness, mood swings and changes in temperament. Long term marijuana use can also result in any number of consequences like:

Physical Risks

• Infertility
• Induces premature babies
• Causes birth defects in unborn children whose mothers use marijuana during pregnancy; several studies also cite genetic birth defects related to the father
• Increased heart rate - causing potential cardiac problems for people with heart conditions
• Can cause lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, asthma
• Affects immune system
• Reduces resistance levels to disease and illness
• Decrease in sexual pleasure

Social Risks

• Psychological dependency may cause neglect of other important needs
• Relationship with family, friends, employers, and employees may suffer
• Interferes with ability to learn and make good decisions
• Quality of school work and job performance may suffer

Mental Health and Behavior Risks

• Short-term memory
• Mood swings
• Impaired reaction time
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Paranoia
• Irritability
• Frustration
• Confusion, anxiety

Legal Risks

Possession of marijuana is illegal in all 50 states (with the exception of certain counties in California). It will lead to arrest, fines and jail terms

At Treatment Alternatives we understand the unique difficulties and challenges presented by marijuana addiction treatment. We understand just how complex it can be to get clean from this drug. Our licensed, credentialed and professional staff is ready to assist in a safe, comfortable and structured environment. We can develop an individualized treatment plan designed specifically to ensure the best possible chance for success. Our expert clinical team will provide the care and attention needed to get to heart of the problem and start you on the way back to a new life in sobriety.

We offer affordable drug rehab alternatives and addiction treatment programs that work. Very often marijuana addiction will require extended care and we have a number of different options available, the most appropriate choice will be determined between the individual, family and therapist.  We blend an assortment of modalities to renew the mind, body and spirit while restoring relationships and building confidence. Some of our methods include:

• Individualized recovery plans
• Group, individual and family therapy sessions
• Established clinical and twelve step methodologies
• Holistic rehab treatment including yoga, expressive art therapy, recreation therapy and life skills training
• Multi-level housing for people at any stage of the treatment process
• Separate housing facilities for men and women
• Extended Stay housing for graduates