Marijuana Addiction Treatment
Marijuana is a drug that is derived from the cannabis plant. It is seen as a ‘soft’ drug, and people use marijuana recreationally. Unlike other drugs, the use of marijuana is somewhat socially acceptable, and while it is illegal in Australia, there are many parts of the world wherein marijuana use is not only accepted socially but is also legal.
Despite the perceived harmlessness of marijuana, it is still addictive and being addicted to it still needs to be addressed. Sivana Rehab in Bali is a world-class treatment centre that can help people address various forms of substance use disorder.
What is Marijuana Addiction?
Marijuana addiction, also known as cannabis use disorder, is a condition wherein a person compulsively uses marijuana. Marijuana is a drug that can be taken in a variety of ways, with the most common being smoking it in either special pipes or in rolling papers. It can also be baked into foods such as cookies or brownies.
Regardless of how someone takes marijuana, a person who struggles with addiction will be unable to control their use. Marijuana may become their highest priority. Work, school, and relationships will all fall by the wayside in favour of obtaining and using marijuana.
Signs of Marijuana Use
Marijuana addiction can manifest in a variety of physical, behavioural, and psychological changes. Physically, individuals may have bloodshot eyes, an increased appetite, which are often referred to as ‘the munchies,’ and a distinct marijuana smell on their clothes or breath.
Behaviourally, users may exhibit a noticeable decline in performance at work or school, along with increased truancy. Users can lack motivation and have a generally lethargic attitude.
Socially, they might start withdrawing from family and friends and prefer the company of people who share their habits.
Effects of Marijuana Abuse
One of the most prominent effects of marijuana use is developing tolerance towards it. This tolerance can dull the effects of marijuana, which can compel users to use more of it to get the desired effects. This can increase the risk of a marijuana overdose, which can be distressing though not typically life-threatening.
A more worrying effect of long-term cannabis addiction is when a person becomes dependent on the drug. This can cause them to struggle with withdrawal symptoms should they ever stop taking the drug for whatever reason.
Benefits of Getting Off Marijuana
Recovering from marijuana use can come with several benefits. Some of these benefits include:
Improved Respiratory Function
Because marijuana is so often smoked, it can affect a user’s respiratory function. Stopping can improve lung function and reduce the risk of illnesses like bronchitis.
Improved Sleep
Quitting marijuana can also improve a person’s sleep patterns, which is essential for overall mental and physical health.
Improved Mental Clarity
THC (delta- 9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main ingredient of marijuana that can alter a person’s mind. Although not a dangerous drug, its mind-altering qualities can still affect a user’s mental clarity and stopping its use can improve concentration, memory, and cognitive function.
Marijuana Addiction Treatment at Sivana Rehab
Addiction is a complex condition with numerous potential causes. Treating addiction requires a deft touch as well as a multifaceted approach. Our treatment options to help people struggling with addiction include:
Cannabis Detox
The first phase in treatment for marijuana addiction is cannabis detox. During this phase, a person will purge all the marijuana from their body. They may struggle with some of the marijuana withdrawal symptoms outlined above, which can make the process uncomfortable.
While detox can be uncomfortable, it is a vital part of treatment. Detox can help a person get sober enough to proceed to the next part of their treatment programme.
Residential or Inpatient Treatment
Residential treatment is when a person checks into a treatment facility for intensive care and support. It can have numerous benefits, chief of them being the aforementioned care and support.
This care and support are available around the clock, as staff members will always be available should patients need them. Another benefit is that an inpatient treatment centre is a controlled environment, which means that a patient will only have access to the medications needed for their treatment.
Being in an inpatient centre can also take someone away from the circumstances that may have contributed to their cannabis addiction in the first place. It also puts distance between them and anyone who may have enabled their marijuana dependence.
Sober Living
Sober living can be vital in helping those who are addicted to marijuana rebuild their lives. In a sober living home, residents are responsible for their own upkeep, meaning they’ll tidy their spaces and cook their own meals. They’ll also contribute to the upkeep of shared spaces such as living rooms and bathrooms.
Sober living homes are sometimes called ‘halfway houses’ because they can represent the halfway point between inpatient rehab and returning to normal life.
Aftercare Treatment
Treatment does not end when a person leaves an inpatient addiction treatment programme. Aftercare programmes can be instrumental in helping patients maintain their sobriety once they are no longer in a controlled environment, like the one in an addiction treatment centre.
An aftercare programme generally entails going to individual counselling as well as joining support groups specifically for those who struggle with dependence on marijuana.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms from marijuana can vary in intensity and duration but can generally include irritability, anxiety, and mood swings. Many individuals can also experience sleep troubles such as insomnia or vivid dreams.
Physical symptoms of withdrawal can include headaches, sweating, and a decreased appetite, often leading to weight loss. Some users report restlessness and a general sense of discomfort. Cravings for marijuana can also be strong, making it challenging to quit.
These symptoms typically reach their peak within the first week after the last use of marijuana and gradually decrease over the succeeding weeks.
We Can Help You Quit Smoking Marijuana
Whether marijuana is a dangerous drug or not is not relevant. Drug addiction, even to a drug that’s seen as harmless, like marijuana, can have a major effect on a person’s life. While there are places where marijuana use is legal, it is still a drug, and all drugs can be harmful if misused.
Treating marijuana addiction is a matter of finding the right help, and Sivana Rehab can offer the comprehensive care and support that is needed to overcome addiction, co-occurring mental health problems, and process addictions. We’re here for you when you’re ready to start your recovery journey, and we’ll be with you every step of the way.