The recreational use of marijuana is prevalent throughout Australia. It is the most widely used illicit substance in the country. Many see marijuana as a harmless substance, and even the people who may be addicted to it do not see why they should stop using the drug. However, substance use disorder can be debilitating, regardless of how harmless the substance in question is perceived to be. Let’s learn more about it and how to treat marijuana addiction.
Phases of Marijuana Addiction Treatment
Treating cannabis addiction is not something that happens all at once. Rather, after a person accepts that they need to go to rehab, their addiction treatment comes in phases. The phases of overcoming marijuana dependence include:
Detox
Detoxification is the phase in a treatment plan where substances are eliminated from the body. This can be uncomfortable due to the possibility of withdrawal symptoms, and these withdrawal symptoms are exactly why an inpatient detox programme is recommended over an outpatient programme. Inpatient programmes mean immediate medical attention and a personalised treatment plan to suit your needs.
However, getting clean is only part of recovery. Sustaining sobriety will require a person to reframe their way of thinking and to change their behaviour, which will require intensive treatment.
Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient treatment can often offer the most intensive treatment for cannabis addiction available. It requires commitment, as a person has to live in a treatment centre for 28 days or more. However, it does come with the benefit of being in a controlled environment wherein they can receive high-level support for substance use and mental health disorders.
However, as intense as the treatment in residential care can be, many people will often need continued support when they return home. This is why many rehab centres offer some form of aftercare, as it can be essential for a person in recovery to avoid going back to using cannabis.
What Marijuana Abuse Can Do to a Person
A marijuana addiction can have several effects on a person’s health. Some of the effects of using marijuana may include:
Weight Gain
Marijuana can often increase a person’s appetite, a phenomenon often colloquially referred to as ‘the munchies.’ Over time, a person’s drug use can cause them to snack continually. This can lead to weight gain.
Lung Damage
One of the most common ways in which marijuana is ingested is by smoking it through specialised pipes or by rolling the leaves of the cannabis plant in paper. Smoking marijuana can inflame the lungs and cause various medical complications. In the long run, this can lead to lung damage.
Impaired Development
A lot of people begin drug use at a relatively young age. Smoking marijuana at a young age can impair a person’s development. This can affect a person’s ability to pay attention, form memories, or learn new concepts.
Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction is among the health effects of marijuana. Some research indicates that excessive marijuana use can impact sperm count, which can lead to infertility.
When to Seek Treatment for Cannabis Use Disorder
Marijuana is a comparatively soft drug. This is a common perception, especially when it is compared to the likes of cocaine or opioids. It’s even possible to get a marijuana prescription, as marijuana has been shown to have some medical uses. However, ‘soft’ drug or not, marijuana addiction can still be debilitating and needs to be treated.
People who use marijuana can face social and physical health effects as a result of their marijuana abuse. When a person prioritises marijuana abuse over everything else in their life, it’s a strong indicator that they have become addicted to marijuana and need to seek treatment.
Another indicator that a person needs to start considering their treatment options is when they begin suffering marijuana withdrawal symptoms if they are ever unable to use the drug for whatever reason. The symptoms of marijuana withdrawal can include cravings, anxiety, troubled sleep, reduced appetite, and tremors, among other things.
Modalities Used in Treatment for Marijuana Use
A treatment programme for marijuana addiction will require a multifaceted approach to help a person overcome addiction. Some of the facets of marijuana rehab include:
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy can be vital in marijuana treatment. It can offer a person a safe space wherein they can delve into the root causes of their drug addiction as well as develop healthy coping skills so they don’t fall back into old patterns of abuse and addiction.
Group Therapy
Another vital part of treatment for marijuana addiction is group therapy. In group therapy sessions, a person can find a community made up of people who have had similar struggles with drug use. This can help many people struggling with marijuana addiction feel less alone.
Behavioural Therapy
Behavioural therapies are a cornerstone of effective addiction treatment. These can help a person identify the patterns of thinking that contribute to cannabis use. These therapies can also help marijuana users manage strong emotions without using the drug. These therapies can be applied in both individual and group therapy sessions.
Trauma Therapy
In some cases, a person’s drug abuse can be a means of coping with a traumatic event. By addressing a person’s trauma, a treatment plan can help resolve a major trigger for substance use.
Holistic Care
Holistic therapies can be an essential part of treating a person’s drug addiction. They can help make treatment and rehab more enjoyable, but more importantly, many practices, such as yoga and Thai boxing, can be done outside of a rehab centre. This can make them essential in helping a person with a history of marijuana use stay sober while they are home.
Quit Smoking Marijuana and Live Life On Your Terms
Being dependent on marijuana may not seem like a problem for those who use it occasionally. While some may benefit from the use of medical marijuana, it is important to remember that cannabis is still addictive, and people can still lose control of their lives because of it.
If you feel that you can no longer control your cannabis use, you are not alone. At The Orchid, we can help you or someone you love overcome cannabis dependence and live a healthy, drug-free life.
