Marijuana is the most commonly used drug in the United States, with millions of Americans indulging in recreational or regular use. Marijuana comes in various forms. Most people smoke it, but it can also be consumed in edible form, and more recently, it’s available in vape cartridges. However, despite its prevalence and reputation for being the least dangerous, it can be addictive, especially in people who use large quantities on a regular basis. When it becomes a problem, it’s time to seek out marijuana addiction treatment.
What Is Marijuana Addiction?
Marijuana addiction, also known as marijuana use disorder (MUD), occurs when someone feels as though they cannot live without the substance. They will often disregard their responsibilities and do whatever they can to feed their addiction.
Important Marijuana Addiction Statistics
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, approximately 52.5 million people aged 12 and older used marijuana in 2021. Of those, approximately 5.8%, which equates to 16.3 million people, suffered from MUD. Those with MUD tend to seek rehab for marijuana use more than recreational users.
Understanding the Effects of Marijuana Use
There are a number of effects people can suffer as a result of chronic marijuana use. They can affect people psychologically, physically, and socially. Because everyone is different, they’re often affected differently, which means some may suffer more of the following than others.
Psychological Effects
Marijuana can contribute to a few different types of mental disorders, including:
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Anxiety
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Suicidal thoughts
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Depression
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Personality changes
Several studies have discovered a correlation between marijuana and psychiatric disorders, but there are many factors that can contribute, such as the amount of weed consumed, the age marijuana use first started, and whether or not there are genetic vulnerabilities.
Social Impacts
Marijuana use often has societal impacts as well. Many who seek treatment for drug addiction do so because they’re unhappy with the substance taking over their life. Relationships tend to suffer and those with MUD often have setbacks in their educational journey or career.
Physical Problems
Physical problems are a real concern, too. Marijuana abuse can lead to brain, heart, and lung problems.
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Brain – abusing marijuana can lead to memory issues, trouble controlling emotions, slower reaction time and difficulty paying attention or learning.
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Heart – because using marijuana increases the heart rate, it can also lead to heart disease, increased risks of a stroke, and high blood pressure.
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Lungs – those who smoke the drug are putting their lungs at risk for scarring, damage to small blood vessels, and destruction of the tissue.
While it’s very difficult to overdose on marijuana, it’s not impossible, especially with the increasing potency of different strains over the years. Too much use can lead to poisoning.
Approaches to Marijuana Treatment
There are a number of approaches you can take to get on the road to recovery. For some, detoxing and residential addiction treatment are all they need to get clean and maintain a life of sobriety. Others need consistent therapies and aftercare programs to stay on the straight and narrow.
Medicated-Assisted Treatment
Medicated-assisted treatment is one approach that works for many people. It combines medication with behavioral therapies and counseling for a well-rounded treatment plan.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is the process of eliminating negative thought patterns, which is beneficial for those who suffer from various mood disorders, including depression. This can be part of inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment.
Group Therapy
It’s easy to think that you’re the only one going through addiction, but the truth is there are millions of people seeking treatment for the same. Group therapy helps you learn that you’re not alone and how to interact with and learn from other people’s experiences.
Aftercare Options for Marijuana Treatment
Aftercare is a necessary part of any drug treatment program, even marijuana, because it’s a lifelong endeavor to stay clean. There are a few different ways people participate in aftercare.
Aftercare Help
Acqua Recovery has several different types of programs that come after you’ve gotten clean. They can include legal, educational, or housing assistance, life skills training, rehabilitation, ongoing counseling and group or individual therapies.
Support Groups
Support groups are a critical part of seeking marijuana treatment near Colorado. Many people find this in various group therapies or in specialty groups such as Narcotics Anonymous.
Strategies for Avoiding Marijuana Relapses
Staying clean and avoiding relapse is going to be a lifelong journey, so it’s necessary to have the strategies in place to do so. A sponsor can help, and continuing therapy and counseling are a must.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Signs of Marijuana Addiction?
If you’re worried that you or a loved one have a marijuana addiction, there are a few signs to look for:
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Behavioral changes
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Trouble thinking and solving problems
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Issues with learning and memory loss
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Bloodshot eyes
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Anxiety
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Paranoia
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Fear
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Intense cravings
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Disregard of life’s responsibilities in favor of drug abuse
These are just a few examples. Some people may experience others, and some may be very good at hiding theirs.
What Is Behavioral Therapy for Marijuana Addiction?
Behavioral therapy can help treat marijuana addiction through the evaluation and elimination of negative patterns. Simply put, the brain can be taught to break bad habits and engage in newer, healthier habits. These may include different types of programs, including:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
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Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
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Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
Your treatment plan may include one or all of these if there’s an underlying disorder diagnosed at the time of your care.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment for Marijuana Addiction?
Medication-assisted treatment means combining therapies and counseling with the use of approved medications to help mitigate behaviors associated with drug use.
Is There a High Success Rate for Marijuana Treatment?
Everybody is different when it comes to treatment, and as such, success rates tend to vary. However, those who have a dedicated commitment to getting clean and kicking the habit, who come prepared and attend all levels of the treatment programs, will see a higher rate of success than someone simply going through the motions.
Acqua Recovery for Marijuana Treatment
When you’re looking for a place to seek marijuana addiction treatment near Colorado, Acqua Recovery should be at the top of your list. There are a number of benefits to coming to this facility, including a qualified, empathetic staff and a sprawling estate across 12 acres designed to give you the peace and comfort you need to get and stay clean.
Acqua recovery is a great veterans drug rehab facility and is also suitable for people who are self-medicating with drugs to feel better. The staff will assess each person individually to come up with a plan that’s best for them; no one-size-fits-all, cookie-cutter plans here.
Additionally, this facility is great for someone who lives in Utah and is willing to commute, but it also serves as a much-needed escape for those who come from out of town. Coloradans can commute as well, as it’s simply a short flight or a medium-length drive away.
