Individuals consistently using marijuana tend to develop an addiction to it. In recent substance use data in epidemiological studies, 9% of individuals using marijuana become dependent on it. Marijuana addiction often leads to emotional, physical, and social problems because it makes it challenging to be attentive.

Most individuals who started using marijuana in their youth have a greater risk of developing an addiction. In addition, these individuals experience withdrawal symptoms when they don’t use it—various treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, help individuals struggling with marijuana addiction.

Various treatment options are available for people experiencing marijuana addiction at AspenRidge Recovery.

These programs use valid approaches to help individuals stop marijuana abuse and dependency. To know more about it, contact us today at (719) 259-1107.

Marijuana Abuse & Addiction

One in every ten people who engage in marijuana abuse often develops a marijuana use disorder or addiction. Although individuals consume marijuana by smoking it and in the form of edibles, both ways produce similar effects. Marijuana alters perception because it is a psychoactive drug that contains THC.

Marijuana addiction often leads to psychological dependence on marijuana, negatively impacting the individual’s life. This is because the intake of marijuana causes the activation of cannabinoid receptors by anandamide in the brain. From 2014 to 2020, the intake of marijuana increased from 6.3% to 8.7%. THC in marijuana blocks and also mimics the functions of anandamide in the brain.

After the prolonged use of marijuana, the body stops producing sufficient anandamide by itself because of the intake of THC. According to the CDC, only 3 out of 10 people meet the necessary qualifications for a marijuana use disorder. Marijuana abuse often leads to addiction when the individual cannot stop using it despite its adverse effects on their life.

Symptoms of Marijuana Abuse and Addiction

Individuals with marijuana abuse and addiction often experience withdrawal symptoms when they do not use the drug. It makes the individual have a need and reliance on it. The following are some of the withdrawal symptoms of marijuana abuse and addiction:

• Sudden mood change
• Sweating
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Headaches
• Stomach pain
• Dehydration

How to Recognize Marijuana Addiction

The following are some of the ways to recognize marijuana addiction in individuals.

• The individual keeps using the drug despite its negative effect on the individual’s physical and psychological health.
• When the individuals start experiencing some uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when cutting back on the usage
• They are always prioritizing the drug over any other life activities.
• When the individual requires an increased amount of the substance than intended to achieve the same level of high.
• When the excessive use of marijuana leads to the individual neglecting responsibilities.

Side Effects of Marijuana Addiction and Abuse

Some of the most noticeable side effects of marijuana addiction and abuse are:

• Persistent Cough: Individuals who smoke marijuana tend to develop a persistent cough. The cough often leads to some excessive production of phlegm and breathing issues.
• Loss of Memory: One of the significant side effects of marijuana addiction is that it causes memory problems. These individuals develop false memories and experience memory loss or issues, leading to short-term memory.
• Mental Health Issues: Consistent usage of marijuana often puts the mental health of the individual at risk. The use of marijuana during the teenage years tends to lead to some mental health issues later in the future.

Available Treatments for Marijuana Use Disorders

The treatment programs for marijuana use disorders vary for every individual. Therefore, it is often customized to each individual based on their situations and needs.

The best treatment for marijuana addiction often require different time frames. Some of the available treatments for weed addiction are:

• Day Intensive Outpatient Program (5-Day IOP): Intensive outpatient programs effectively treat dual mental health and substance use disorders. The day-intensive outpatient program often requires 15 hours of treatment per week. It includes 60 days of care, group therapy lasting for three hours, and five weekly days. – The treatment is also a medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorder treatment. Day intensive outpatient program also involves life skills classes, group therapy sessions, and support groups. The 5-Day IOP is a good choice for individuals stepping down from inpatient treatment.

• Partial Hospitalization Program (Day Program): The partial hospitalization program is a treatment program that runs for 30+ hours of treatment weekly. It is a treatment program that involves weekly group therapy running for 6 hours for five days. Day Program is a medication-assisted treatment that includes 30 days of care and individual therapy sessions.
• Evening Intensive Outpatient Program (5-Day IOP): The evening intensive outpatient program is also a medication-assisted treatment available online and in person. It is a one-on-one therapy session that happens biweekly. The treatment program has 90 days of care and 9 hours of treatment weekly. There are also 3 hours of group therapy for three days weekly.
• Outpatient Program: The outpatient program gives the individuals room for flexibility. It enables the individual to get treatments while keeping up with other obligations. The program is suitable for individuals that do not require supervision during treatment. It often requires 90 minutes of therapy daily for weeks.
• Inpatient Program: In inpatient programs, the individuals must be within the facility for the duration of the program. These individuals will reside within the supervised facility pending the treatment period. It is one of the best treatment options for individuals with alcohol addiction.

The inpatient program provides a supportive and stable home environment for the individuals. In addition, it helps individuals struggling with medical disorders and mental health.

Rehab for Marijuana Addiction at AspenRidge Recovery Center

Marijuana addiction and abuse often cause the individual to have anxiety, paranoia, and depression. The abuse of marijuana leads to marijuana use disorder which can also lead to schizophrenia and psychosis. Marijuana usage in teenagers often alters their brain development, leading to short-term memory loss and the need for rehab.

Rehab for marijuana addiction provides treatment for individuals struggling with addiction. These individuals can choose a treatment program of their choice for adequate recovery.

At AspenRidge Recovery Center, we provide efficient outpatient treatments in Colorado to help you recover.

At AspenRidge, recovery is possible through the various treatment programs we provide. To learn more about our treatments and programs, contact us today via our telephone at (719) 259-1107.