Marijuana Rehab Center

Is marijuana addictive? Whether or not marijuana is an addictive, habit-forming drug has been debated in recent years. The debate has become increasingly important as more states legalize the recreational use of marijuana. From research and individual case studies, most experts agree that marijuana can be addictive, but true chemical dependence is not very common.

Chemical dependence occurs when habitual use of a drug causes changes to the brain that result in tolerance, withdrawal, and cravings. While some people may become physically addicted to marijuana like this, more often people addicted to the drug are experiencing psychological dependence. Their bodies and brains have not become dependent on marijuana, but they still feel as if they need the drug and that they can’t stop using it.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5), this is called marijuana or cannabis use disorder. This addictive disorder can be just as difficult to overcome as physical dependence, but good treatment, beginning with a residential stay at a marijuana rehab, is an important first step.

Marijuana use disorders can be effectively treated, and for those who are committed to a long-term residential treatment stay and with continuing care afterward, the prognosis is very good. A person can learn to live without marijuana, even heavy users. A private marijuana rehab center is most effective because it allows an individual to focus on treatment for an extended period of time while learning necessary skills for returning home and avoiding a relapse.

Marijuana treatment is tailored to each individual and typically includes one-on-one behavioral therapy, group and family therapy, group support, alternative therapies, nutrition, exercise, relaxation strategies and stress management, and learning how to avoid relapses. Relapse prevention is an important part of treatment and includes learning what triggers marijuana use, how to avoid triggers, lifestyle changes, and learning and using healthy coping strategies. Marijuana use disorder is not an issue for most casual users of this substance. However, for a significant portion of people, the use of marijuana does become problematic and affects other areas of their lives. Signs of addiction should be taken seriously. Marijuana addiction treatment is available and can be effective, but if professional and committed, long-term treatment is not sought, the consequences can be serious.

According to the DSM-5, there are 11 criteria that indicate a person may be struggling with some degree of marijuana use disorder. The disorder can be rated as mild, moderate or severe. To be diagnosed, a person must experience at least two of the following signs of marijuana addiction within a given 12-month period:

• Using marijuana in larger amounts or for longer than intended
• Trying to cut back on use, but failing
• Spending a significant amount of time or money on getting and using marijuana
• Craving marijuana when not using it
• Failing to meet obligations and responsibilities because of marijuana use
• Continuing to use marijuana even though it causes problems, like relationship conflicts or financial problems
• Giving up other activities to spend more time using marijuana
• Continuing to use marijuana in situations that are harmful
• Developing a tolerance and needing more marijuana to get the same result
• Experiencing uncomfortable symptoms, like anxiety and irritability when not using marijuana

In rare cases, marijuana can cause or trigger serious and dangerous psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations, delusions, and severe paranoia. This is more common in first-time users and those who have an underlying psychiatric condition, especially those with psychosis. It is also more common with higher doses of the drug. Psychosis should be taken seriously and may require emergency medical care.

Causes and Risk Factors of Marijuana Addiction

As with any type of addiction or substance use disorder, there is no way to determine a definite cause other than repeated, long-term use. The more often someone uses marijuana, the larger amounts they use, and the longer the period of time of regular use, the more likely they are to develop a use disorder. Risk factors that make it more likely a person will develop an addiction include:

• A family history of addictive disorders
• Early use of marijuana, beginning as a child or teenager
• Using marijuana with elevated levels of THC
• Misuse of other substances
• Having a mental illness, especially one that is undiagnosed or untreated
• Childhood trauma
• Having a social group in which marijuana use is common

Withdrawal and Detox

Most people who have a marijuana use disorder are diagnosed based on their behaviors rather than a physical or chemical dependence on the drug. That means that withdrawal is not as common or as severe as with other drugs. It is possible to experience withdrawal, even when the addiction is purely psychological. The symptoms can be physical and mental and can be uncomfortable enough to make it very challenging to stop using. Withdrawal is more common after heavy and long-term use of marijuana. Some of the possible symptoms include:

• Insomnia
• Irritability and anxiety
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Restlessness
• Loss of appetite
• Shakiness
• Sweating
• Fever
• Chills
• Headaches

To stop using marijuana requires that an individual goes through a period of detox, while the drug leaves the body. This may trigger some of the withdrawal symptoms and is more successful when done with supervision. Supervised detox is usually the first step at our luxurious residential treatment for marijuana addiction.

Getting help for marijuana addiction is a big decision. But it is an important and potentially life-transforming move for anyone who has tried to manage addiction on their own and failed.

Marijuana use disorders can be effectively treated, and for those who are committed to a long-term residential stay and continuing care, the prognosis is very good. A person can learn to live without marijuana, even heavy users.

Our luxury residential treatment for marijuana addiction is most effective because it allows an individual to focus on treatment for an extended period of time while learning necessary skills for returning home and avoiding a relapse. Marijuana addiction treatment is tailored to each individual and typically includes:

• One-on-one therapy
• Group therapy and peer support
• Educational programs
• Family therapy
• Experiential and holistic therapies
• Intensive workshops
• Fitness/recreation
• Relaxation strategies and stress management
• Learning how to avoid relapses

Relapse prevention is an important part of treatment and includes learning what triggers marijuana use, how to avoid triggers, lifestyle changes, and learning and using healthy coping strategies.

We understand that in order for cannabis addiction treatment to be successful, we must listen closely and truly understand your needs, aspirations, personal history, and treatment goals. All members of our care team align closely with you so that you feel safe, respected, and ready to do your work. With this approach, Alta Mira co-creates a profound healing experience with you so you can achieve your recovery goals and reclaim your life.

How to Help a Loved One Get Treatment for Marijuana Addiction

Addiction is not a choice nor a sign of weakness. It is a condition of the brain that can respond to targeted treatment. When your loved one comes to Alta Mira, they will finally have a chance to be free from the debilitating effects of addiction.

While you can have an influence on your loved one’s decision to seek treatment, an individual struggling with cannabis addiction must take ultimate responsibility for their own recovery. Your support and encouragement may be what finally convinces them to seek help for their struggles with marijuana. Treatment works for those who are motivated to get better, and for those whose loved ones are ready, willing, and eager to participate in the recovery process.

During your stay at Alta Mira, you’ll have an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This will include comprehensive services for any co-occurring conditions that might be complicating or supporting your marijuana addiction.

• Comprehensive Neuropsychological Testing and Assessment
• Individualized Treatment Plans
• Evidence-Based Treatment Modalities
• Holistic and Experiential Therapies
• Luxurious Private Location

Our Transformational Luxury Marijuana Addiction Treatment Program

Your first 30 days of treatment at Alta Mira is referred to as your Detox, Stabilization, Assessment period, which begins with private, medically supervised detox. During this time, our detox specialists will keep you safe and secure, monitored 24/7, as you rest in the privacy of your own room. You can also expect:

• Weekly meetings with a psychiatrist
• Weekly meetings with a medical doctor
• Neuropsychological testing and advanced psychological testing
• Orientation to our recovery fundamentals and self-regulation skills development
• In-depth family engagement and the option for loved ones to attend multiple 3-day family programs
• Introduction to therapy groups

Following 30 days of stabilization, clients move on to the next phase of their recovery process at Alta Mira, which we call our Transformational Program. Key elements of our complete 90-day transformational marijuana rehab program include:

• Three individual intensive psychotherapy sessions per week
• Weekly meetings with a medical doctor
• Participation in advanced workshops to support introspection, foundational change toward recovery, and relapse prevention
• Expanded neuropsychological assessment and continued weekly psychiatrist meetings inform tailored treatment adjustments and a refined individualized clinical approach
• Practice and integration of recovery principles and self-regulation skills and continued family work to support improved individual outcomes
• Intensive Workshops

We believe individuals are best able to focus on their recovery when immersed in a secure, serene, healing setting. That’s why we provide comfortable surroundings while maintaining the most advanced and sophisticated San Francisco Bay luxury marijuana rehab program in Northern California. Clients can expect compassionate care from our best-in-class marijuana addiction specialists.

Seeking a helping hand to guide you through these difficult times is not an easy decision. Our caring and experienced team at Alta Mira can help guide you through the next steps toward achieving lasting recovery.

Don’t let cannabis addiction control your life. To begin your life-changing transformation, Contact us today.