There is a common misconception that marijuana is not addictive, and that therefore, marijuana addiction treatment is not necessary. The reality, however, is that regular use of marijuana can lead to addiction, especially in people who start using it during or before early adolescence.
Several factors play into the addictive nature of marijuana. One of these is the fact that it is easier than ever before to chemically enhance cannabis. This results in marijuana that in some cases is up to 200 times stronger than the weed from days gone by. An increasing body of research is showing that the effects of marijuana are amplified in young people whose brains are still growing and changing.
Another factor to consider is that marijuana is frequently used in conjunction with other substances, such as alcohol, heroin, or Ecstasy. This can create a dependency not on one substance, but on a combination.
The good news is that marijuana use disorders are highly treatable. In this article, we will talk about different ways in which you can recover, and the pros and cons of each.
Detox
The first step in any addiction treatment program is getting the substance out of your system in a way that is safe. Marijuana withdrawal is generally safe and does not require medically supervised detox. However, if you have been using marijuana with another substance, such as alcohol, you need to be more careful. Some substances can produce withdrawal symptoms that are potentially harmful, and your safest option is to check into a detox facility where medical professionals can deal with withdrawal symptoms as they arise.
Inpatient Marijuana Addiction Treatment
Inpatient rehab is generally the most effective way to treat most substance use disorders, including marijuana addiction. During your treatment, you will be on-site at the treatment facility 24/7 for several weeks. You will follow a schedule that is laid out in your treatment plan, and you will have everything you need to get you through your early recovery. Meals and accommodation are provided, all of your therapy and medical appointments are right there, and a variety of recreational options will be provided for your down-time.
Advantages
The biggest advantage of inpatient marijuana addiction treatment is that you can put yourself at a distance from all of the challenges of the real world, which allows you to focus on your recovery without distraction. You don’t have to worry about your troubled relationships, your toxic work environment, or making sure you pay the bills on time. Your only job is to focus on your rehab.
Other advantages include the following:
- You don’t have access to marijuana, or to the real-world triggers for using it
- You are living among people who have their own journeys, but understand the challenges of addiction
- You have access to physical and mental health support whenever you need it
- You will have a set schedule to follow, and this can benefit those in need of structure
- All of your addiction treatment sessions are right there, which sets you up for early success
Disadvantages
One of the biggest barriers to inpatient rehab for many people is the expense. Marijuana addiction treatment in a private inpatient facility will set you back several thousand dollars a month. While this may seem a lot, it is important to remember that it includes everything: accommodation, meals, all therapy sessions, and some recreational options. In addition, you may be able to claim some or all of the cost from your medical insurance company or take advantage of financing plans.
Money is not the only potential problem, though. Not everyone is in a position of being able to step out of their lives for weeks at a time. Some people have to show up at work, bring in an income, and manage the home. You may not have a trusted person who can take care of children or pets for a few weeks, and mortgages and bills don’t just go away.
The transition back to the real world can also be a challenge. While it’s highly beneficial to leave your problems behind while you go to rehab, those same problems may still be there when you get out. Without proper planning, returning to your life can be difficult.
Outpatient Marijuana Addiction Treatment
The challenges of inpatient rehab shouldn’t stop you from getting help, though, and there are some excellent outpatient programs available for people with marijuana use disorders. With this kind of treatment, you continue with your daily life while attending treatment sessions at the appropriate intervals. If you have high motivation to recover and a solid support system of friends and family members, you can achieve great success with an outpatient program.
Advantages
From a practical standpoint, outpatient rehab is more manageable for many people than inpatient rehab. Here are some of the advantages:
- It costs less than inpatient rehab
- You continue to live at home and participate in your usual daily activities
- You can practice the tools and skills you learn in the real world immediately
- You may be able to taper off your sessions gradually, unlike inpatient rehab which has a definite end date
- As challenges arise in your life, you can bring them to your treatment sessions and get guidance on dealing with them
Disadvantages
Outpatient rehab is logistically easier than inpatient rehab, but it does not have the same effectiveness. Some disadvantages of this kind of marijuana addiction treatment are as follows:
- If you are not highly motivated to recover, you may find it easy to bail on your sessions
- The stresses and challenges of your everyday life may be a distraction to your recovery
- If you start to experience cravings, you can access marijuana easily
- If your personal relationships are troubled, this can indicate a weak support system, and this makes outpatient recovery more difficult
A Compassionate Approach To Treating Marijuana Use Disorders
All human beings are unique, and no two addiction stories are alike. No matter what led you to addiction and what your circumstances are, Thousand Islands Rehab Centre can provide you with a personalized marijuana addiction treatment program that addresses your specific needs. We follow a holistic approach that recognizes you not as a “drug addict”, but as a person with a debilitating condition and, above all, the potential to heal and lead a full and happy life. For more information, contact us today.