Addiction to marijuana, officially termed cannabis use disorder, affects about 1 in 10 regular users. Many people discredit the idea of cannabis addiction because it is a drug that people can use medically. Furthermore, it is being legalized in many states. However, thousands of Americans a year require marijuana addiction treatment to break their unhealthy cannabis habit.
If you are curious about cannabis misuse, how to know if it’s become an addiction, and where to go for help, reach out to Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge (PAATC). Our knowledgeable and compassionate staff will gladly answer your questions. Call us at 844.442.8673 or complete our online form to connect with someone.
Symptoms of Marijuana Addiction
Many of the signs of a cannabis use disorder are similar to symptoms of other drug addictions, including damaged relationships and an inability to stop using. If you or someone you know exhibits two or three of the symptoms below, consider seeking help.
- Tolerance- Do you need to take more and more to get high?
- Overuse- Do you binge, using much higher amounts than you intended or over a longer period of time?
- Continued use despite the fallout- Are you unable to stop using cannabis even though you have damaged important relationships? Are you experiencing negative psychological symptoms (like depression or paranoia) or having financial difficulty due to how much you spend on the drug?
- Work/school consequences- Have you failed to meet basic work or school responsibilities due to cannabis abuse such that your job is at risk, or you might flunk out?
- Inability to stop- Do you think about stopping, or even try sometimes, but simply cannot?
- Cravings- Do you think about marijuana whenever you are not actively high or getting high? Do those thoughts take over so you can’t think of little else?
- Apathy or disinterest in other things- Have you stopped caring about or doing things you once considered important? Do you often or sometimes choose to stay home to get high rather than do something that once would have been just up your alley?
- Withdrawal- Do you experience symptoms of withdrawal when the drug is withheld or you run out?
Signs of Marijuana Withdrawal
Addiction implies that your body and mind are both dependent on the drug, and withdrawal is the final, extreme consequence of drug dependence. As your body processes the last remnants of the drug and releases them, you can experience some of the following symptoms:
- Mood swings
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia, nightmares)
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Changes in sex drive
- Night sweats
- Weight loss or gain
- Cramping and nausea
- Dizziness
What to Expect from Marijuana Treatment Programs
Most people who enroll in a marijuana treatment center have been using daily for a decade or more and have tried to quit before and failed. They come to treatment already demoralized and concerned about their ability to live a sober life. The staff at an evidence-based marijuana treatment program such as the one at PAATC will be well-versed in meeting clients where they are and supporting them. If you are struggling with a cannabis use disorder, consider professional treatment.
The best and most effective way to find treatment for marijuana addiction is therapy. This treatment develops life skills that help you recognize and avoid triggers that might result in relapse. Furthermore, therapy also teaches problem-solving skills and how to navigate life while sober.
Many people who have been chronic users of cannabis do not believe that they can live without it. Good treatment helps you reframe your thinking to understand that you can live substance-free.
An important aspect of marijuana addiction treatment is peer support. The encouragement you receive from peers with similar lived experiences, combined with accountability that only peers can provide. You also get the sense of security you feel knowing that you are seen and understood. The vital role of a peer support group will continue post-discharge.
Begin Treatment at Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge
PAATC is ready to help you leave dependence on marijuana behind and start your recovery. Though insurance rarely covers marijuana addiction, unless it co-occurs with other substance use, we will work with you to make sure you can afford addiction. If your marijuana addiction co-occurs with abuse of other substances, we will help you leave both substances behind. Our evidence-based treatments, inpatient and outpatient options, and faith-based rehab offerings can guide you to the path of recovery.
Reach out today. You do not need to make any decisions in a vacuum. We can help. Our staff is available to discuss treatment options with you and answer any questions. Call us at 844.442.8673, or you can complete our online form.
