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Marijuana Addiction

Rediscover Life Beyond Marijuana Use

We provide compassionate, evidence-based support for individuals seeking freedom from marijuana use. Our tailored programs address the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of recovery, equipping you with the tools to rediscover purpose, motivation, and joy in everyday life.
Marijuana Plant

Even though Marijuana is legal in many states, it is the most abused drug outside of Alcohol. 

In its natural form it is a dry, shredded green and brown mix of flowers, stems, seeds and leaves derived from the hemp plant Cannabis Sativa.

Understanding Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana is usually smoked as a cigarette (joint) or in a pipe. It is also smoked in blunts. Which are cigars that have been emptied of tobacco and refilled with a mixed of marijuana and tobacco. This mode of delivery combines marijuana’s active ingredients with nicotine and other harmful chemicals. This may include opiates such as Fentanyl, heroin, or cocaine, amphetamines, bath salts and many others. Making it especially dangerous.

As a more concentrated resinous form it is called hashish; as a sticky black liquid, hash oil. Marijuana has a pungent and distinctive, usually sweet and or sour odor.

Marijuana

Did you know?

Marijuana THC acts upon specific sites in the brain, kicking off a series of cellular reactions that ultimately lead to the “high.” The highest density of these receptors are found in the parts of the brains that influence:

Marijuana /THC laced foods:

THC laced candy resembles commercial candies and snacks. The candy is packaged to be attractive to children and teens. Some packages have no warning labels for the consumer of their content or provide recommendations of dosage or instructions for use.  Marijuana can also be mixed in food, such as brownies or gummies or brewed into a tea.

Marijuana Intoxication can cause:

These difficulties can last for days or weeks after the acute phase of the drug wears off.

Long term abuse can lead to:

Marijuana and Mental Health

Marijuana can cause mental health problems, exacerbate them or be an attempt to self-medicate symptoms already in existence. Chronic Marijuana use, especially in very young persons may be a maker of risk for mental illness, including addiction, stemming from genetic of environmental vulnerabilities, such as exposure to stress, abuse and or violence. High dosed of Marijuana can produce an acute psychotic reaction especially if they are laced with other drugs.

Several studies have shown an association between Marijuana use and increase rates and risk factors for Mental Health Issues such as:

The Symptoms of Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana Gummies

Signs and Symptoms of Marijuana use:

Possible Effects of Marijuana us

Withdrawal symptoms include:

Symptoms of Overdose:

What are the Risk Factors?

Because Marijuana is legal in many states, this does not mean it is an innocuous or a safe drug. The main psychoactive drug in Marijuana is THC and it is absorbed quickly into the blood and to the brain within 5 to 10 minutes. Many other illicit drugs may be added to Marijuana that can make Marijuana smoking very dangerous and at times, life threating.

In general, smokers experience euphoria, a high, mellowness, hunger and stimulation. They may also experience paranoia, anxiety, and depression.  For some there is an onset of depression. It is also reported that frequent users feel a lack of motivation, difficulty concentrating, or learning new things, slower cognition and difficulty performing complex tasks, along with experiencing mental health issues. This appears to be particularly true with the developing brain of young users. Their brains may become compromised with continued use.

What is the Treatment?

Marijuana Recovery

There are several effective treatments for marijuana misuse and dependence, often tailored to the individual’s needs. These treatments can be used individually or in combination, depending on the person’s needs. 

Here are some common types of treatment:

Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)

Medication Management

Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for treating cannabis dependence (Cannabis Use Disorder, or CUD). However, some off-label medications have shown promise in managing withdrawal symptoms and supporting abstinence. These include:

It’s important to note that these medications are not specifically approved for CUD and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Combining medication with behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can provide a more comprehensive approach to treatment.

Lifestyle and Self-Care

Support Groups

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Hospitalization and Intensive Treatment

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP):

An intensive outpatient program that provides structured treatment for up to six hours during the day up to five days per week.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP):

An intensive outpatient program that provides structured treatment for up to three hours during the day up to four days per week.

If you or a loved one is struggling with chronic Marijuana use it’s important to reach out for help. At Desert Star Addiction Recovery Center, we’re here to support you. We offer personalized care to help you live a life in recovery. Our personalized treatment includes supportive and structured group therapy three to four times a week, individual therapy sessions, access to medication management and case management. No matter what you are feeling right now there is hope! With treatment you can learn the tools need to navigate your life in Long Term Recovery.

This is your journey
and we are here to help you every step of the way.

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Get the help you need without putting your outside commitments on hold! We individualize treatment for every client and can combine groups from different programs to suit your unique needs. We offer varying levels of structure and support, from partial hospitalization to intensive outpatient to once-weekly outpatient groups.

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