Evidence-Based Treatment to Break the Cycle for Marijuana Addiction
Marijuana is experiencing a new popularity, with more and more states legalizing it for “medicinal”, and even recreational, use. Advocates for marijuana use would like people to believe — and increasing numbers do believe — that marijuana doesn’t cause problems, isn’t addictive and is organic, safe and benign. But as with many opinions, science begs to differ.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, roughly 9 percent of people who abuse marijuana will become addicted to it over time. For users who start their habit as teens, this risk of addiction rises to 17 percent — that’s one in every five. And a quarter to half of daily users will become addicted. Why? Because of changes inside the brain of users.
Marijuana chemically manipulates the brain
To put it simply, marijuana alters the brain through chemical manipulation. The active ingredient in marijuana — tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — attaches to receptors in the brain, where it triggers chemical reactions that create a sense of relaxation and bliss. The brain responds by shutting down receptors in order to resist this chemical manipulation. This creates over time a situation where the brain will only function optimally when under marijuana’s influence.
But like other forms of dependency and addiction, marijuana addiction can be treated — and avoided — through effective, evidence-based licensed treatment in Illinois, Western Iowa and Wisconsin.
Marijuana addiction is an illness that requires treatment
Individuals addicted to substances are not bad people… or weak, or wrong. They simply have a medical condition — and it’s a condition that responds to treatment. That’s why the first step toward a lasting recovery is to think of substance use disorder, including marijuana addiction, as the illness it really is. The next step is to get into treatment.
Effective treatment helps you build a satisfying life without drugs
Therapy is the centerpiece of treatment for marijuana abuse and addiction. The objective of treatment is to give marijuana users the ability to avoid marijuana use and cope with the situations that can trigger it.
At Rosecrance, we’ve developed a program rooted in the 12-Steps that combines clinical, medical, educational and experiential therapies into a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan. Marijuana addiction treatment at Rosecrance provides lifestyle management and problem-solving skills. Successful clients develop “relapse skills,” such as learning how to refuse the drug when offered. Those skills help them avoid relapsing when they’re put in stressful, unpleasant or challenging situations.
Group therapy is central to our record of success with marijuana addiction treatment. Ultimately, our treatment programs — whether tailored for teenagers’ unique needs or for adults — help individuals build a satisfying life that doesn’t need to be “augmented” or otherwise influenced by drugs.
Rosecrance provides specialized treatment for teenage marijuana users
Counselors at Rosecrance achieve excellent success overcoming marijuana addiction because they understand all of the emotional, developmental, physical, psychological, familial, social and cultural factors involved in their addiction. Our Adolescent/Teen Marijuana Inpatient Rehab & Treatment Center features a school, full gymnasium and fitness center, experiential and art therapy programs, horticulture and music therapies, a healing garden, process groups and recovery meetings.
Many patients stay in treatment at Rosecrance from 35 to 45 days, but duration of stay is based on individual needs. Group counseling is provided 6 days per week. Counselors and case managers complete at least two individual sessions with the patient per week and one family session (with both the family and patient) per week. At Rosecrance, we believe family involvement is essential for effective treatment of both teens and adults.
Marijuana is addictive, and there are risks associated with cannabis abuse and use. For a supportive, confidential call that’s the first step toward lasting recovery, call Rosecrance at (866) 330-8729.
