About 1 in 10 teens who use cannabis regularly will become addicted to it. However, the effects on the still-developing brain of a teenager are serious regardless of dependence or addiction. Marijuana impedes brain growth, including the formation of neural pathways, and can affect IQ, motivation, and cognitive processing. Even among those who may not have a physical dependence, the psychological addiction to cannabis can be powerful. Consider seeking a marijuana addiction treatment program in Pennsylvania for your teen if you are concerned about their use of this drug.
For more information about marijuana treatment programs, reach out to Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge (PAATC). You will find that not all rehab centers offer marijuana addiction treatment. We can answer your questions and explain the range of options that are available to your teen. We offer outpatient treatment at our Naaman Center location, as well as inpatient treatment for teens over the age of 18. Call 844.442.8673 or fill out our online form to speak to one of our skilled, compassionate staff members.
Why Should You Consider Rehabs for Marijuana?
Marijuana is legal in many states and deemed a natural substance and thus of only minor concern. As a result, parents often worry that they are overreacting or being alarmist when considering professional treatment. Few parents consider that weed is not legal for young people under 21. In states where marijuana is legal for recreational use, its sale is not approved for those under 21 because it has particularly adverse effects on the young brain.
Whether weed is legal in your state or not, marijuana addiction is a real and serious problem, and the effects on health can be far-reaching. People who consume marijuana frequently may suffer from memory problems, difficulty concentrating, poor coordination, low motivation, impaired judgment and decision-making, and even depression and anxiety. Long-term marijuana use has also been linked to developmental delays in adolescents.
Marijuana can be addictive and psychological dependence, peer pressure, social anxiety, and other reasons can lead to abuse and an inability to stop. As a result, a marijuana treatment center is often advisable.
Rehabs for marijuana can address these issues with evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing, to help individuals gain insight into their addiction. Additionally, rehabs provide much-needed support and guidance in order to break the cycle of drug abuse. Treatment centers also offer individualized plans that may include family counseling, life skills training, and aftercare services.
Three Signs Your Teen Needs Marijuana Treatment
Is your teen in danger from the use of marijuana? Consider the following three scenarios.
- You realize that your teen is developing a tolerance for marijuana. More and more weed is needed to achieve the pleasant brain effects that reduce anxiety, lubricate social interactions, reduce stress, and otherwise create a buffer between your child and life. Tolerance is a stepping stone to, and often a sign of, dependence.
- A change in personality is becoming evident. Your teenager was once a lively, engaged kid who was passionately interested in things, whether soccer or painting, social justice or yoga. Now their personality seems subdued or flattened. They are apathetic, exhausted, and passive. Marijuana is a central nervous system depressant and, when used regularly, can reduce motivation, get in the way of goal setting, and seemingly erase curiosity and drive.
- The connections between your teen’s use of marijuana and the way they present when they run out start to dawn on you. If your child stops using for a few days due to lack of access, your intervention, or some other reason, do you notice some of the signs of withdrawal? They can be psychological or physical and include spikes in anxiety, deepening of depression, restlessness, irritability, and in some cases, sweating, tremors, and chills.
If any of those three signs are evident, marijuana treatment is a good idea.
What Happens in Marijuana Addiction Treatment?
Marijuana addiction treatment is a comprehensive program that helps individuals overcome their addiction to marijuana. Treatment involves both physical and mental components, including detoxification, counseling, and support groups. It’s important for people to understand the risks associated with marijuana use and the potential consequences of continued usage.
Treatment can help those who are addicted gain better control over their use of marijuana and improve their quality of life. Furthermore, treatment can help individuals:
- Reduce or stop using the drug
- Develop healthier lifestyle habits
- Learn how to handle stress without turning to marijuana
By addressing both physical and psychological aspects of addiction, treatment enables people with a marijuana addiction to gain back control over their lives.
Treatment may be provided in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Inpatient treatment typically provides a more intensive approach to addiction recovery, while outpatient allows individuals to live at home and receive treatment on a regular basis. Treatment programs may also include family therapy, which allows loved ones to provide support and guidance as the individual works toward overcoming their marijuana addiction.
Seek Treatment at PAATC’s Marijuana Treatment Center
Quitting marijuana is difficult. Most people who have successfully achieved sobriety tried numerous times on their own before having lasting success. A professional marijuana treatment program is your teen’s best bet.
At PAATC, we look at the possibility a cannabis user is self-medicating for things like social anxiety. If so, we can address the underlying co-occurring disorder. We offer evidence-based treatments that provide skills that help your teen avoid relapse. These coping mechanisms for when your teen faces triggers are crucial to success. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, for example, is beneficial in re-programming thinking processes and creating new pathways in the brain for healthy habits.
Call us today at 844.442.8673 to find out more about our marijuana treatment center. We can help your family move forward in healthy and hopeful ways.