Many states have legitimized the recreational and medicinal use of cannabis, also known as marijuana. The drug causes feelings of euphoria and relaxation. It’s useful for treating certain health conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain and epilepsy. But evidence is accumulating that a significant percentage (10%) of people who use the drug develop cannabis use disorder (CUD). Many people regard marijuana as harmless, but the truth is, users can become addicted and may need weed drug rehab.
What Is Marijuana?
Marijuana is a drug found in the leaves and flowers of the Cannabis sativa plant. Cannabis plants contain around 500 chemicals, but the two dominant substances are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
- THC. The most common constituent in cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol, is a psychoactive chemical that causes euphoria and alters mood and perception.
- CBD. Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive compound that’s been proven effective in treating childhood epilepsy and is believed to help with anxiety and chronic pain.
How Does Marijuana Affect You?
Marijuana is primarily taken by smoking dried leaves, vaping, eating foods infused with cannabis or drinking beverages containing cannabis. Depending on the method of ingestion, the speed with which the drug acts varies.
Cannabis affects people differently, and positive effects may include:
- Euphoria
- Relaxation
- Laughter
- Increased sensory perception
- Pain relief
You may also experience negative effects, including:
- Anxiety
- Panic
- Fear
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
The Impact of Increased THC Concentration
Natural dried cannabis originally had less than 5% THC. With changes in manufacturing processes and the development of high-THC strains, the average THC concentration is now 15% to 20%. THC levels in concentrates such as hash and wax can be 50% to 90%.
High-THC levels significantly increase the psychoactive effect and can cause dependence.
When Marijuana Use Becomes Problematic
The existence of more potent strains of cannabis increases the risk of severe side effects. The use of high-THC cannabis may lead to cognitive impairment, dependency, psychosis and severe withdrawal symptoms. The drug can also adversely affect brain development in teenage users.
Marijuana Risks
Because of the stronger strains available today, the risks associated with marijuana use are greater and include:
- Memory impairment. Cannabis can affect the ability to learn, memorize information and concentrate on complex tasks.
- Decline in physical coordination. The drug may slow reactions, making it dangerous to perform tasks requiring coordination such as driving a car, riding a bike or operating machinery.
- Fetal harm. Marijuana use when pregnant or breastfeeding can affect infant development and increase the risk of mental and behavioral issues.
Indicators of Problematic Use or Cannabis Use Disorder
Signs of CUD can include:
- Relationship problems. Individuals may withdraw from family and friends in favor of using.
- Poor educational outcomes. Cannabis users have a 50% lower chance of earning a high school diploma.
- Psychological problems. There’s a significant risk of short-term psychosis while using high-THC cannabis and evidence of links to long-term psychiatric illnesses.
Signs You Might Need Help for Cannabis Dependence
Each person’s cannabis journey is different. However, a significant number of individuals who regularly use weed develop dependence, especially those using high-THC cannabis. You may need rehab for weed if:
- You crave cannabis and are unable or unwilling to stop using.
- Your work, social activities and life are negatively affected.
- You’re driving or doing other activities that require skill and concentration while under the influence.
- You no longer care about your physical appearance.
- You’re experiencing psychological effects such as hallucinations or delusions.
- You need more cannabis to get the same high.
What to Expect in a Weed Drug Rehab Program
As with other forms of drug addiction, you can become physically and psychologically hooked on cannabis. Overcoming the addiction involves a multistep rehab process.
Diagnosis
Your health care provider will perform a full physical evaluation and ask about any mental health issues you’re experiencing. Research has shown a link between CUD and certain mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, social anxiety disorder and schizophrenia, and getting a diagnosis helps determine the most appropriate treatment protocol.
Detox
Detoxification is the first step in weed drug rehab. As the THC leaves your system, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anger, anxiety, sweating, headaches and nightmares. The medical team may prescribe sedatives and other drugs to reduce these symptoms. Cannabis withdrawal symptoms usually peak after day 3 and can last for up to 2 weeks.
Behavioral Therapies
After detox, you start individual and group therapy. Techniques may include cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy to help you deal with the psychological issues related to cannabis dependence and any diagnosed mental health conditions. This part of the process typically lasts for 8 weeks and is usually followed by step-down partial hospitalization treatment.
Which Is Best for Treating Cannabis Addiction, Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment?
Detox should always be done in a treatment facility that offers medical oversight during withdrawal. Depending on your situation, therapy can then take place as an inpatient or outpatient. Inpatient treatment is more intensive, and you’re safe while being treated. If there are reasons an inpatient setting isn’t appropriate, intensive outpatient treatment is an alternative.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Facility
Asking these questions can help you choose a treatment facility for cannabis use dependence:
- Is the facility licensed?
- Does it handle detox, and is there adequate medical supervision?
- How long is the treatment program, and are there inpatient and outpatient options?
- Are treatment programs tailored to individual needs?
- Does the facility treat co-occurring mental health conditions as well as cannabis addiction?
- Do therapists use evidence-based treatment?
- Is insurance accepted, and from which insurers?
- Does the clinic offer a continuum of care?
Long-Term Recovery and Relapse Prevention
After you complete rehab for cannabis addiction, it’s vital to develop a relapse prevention plan that supports your desire to remain drug-free. Your plan might include attending ongoing therapy and programs such as the continuum of care offered by FHE Health’s addiction treatment program to see you through those critical first months. Other steps are adopting healthy habits, joining a support group and building a network of family and friends to encourage and support you.
How FHE Health Can Help
If you or a loved one is struggling with cannabis dependence, FHE Health is here to help. Our doors and lines are open 24-7, and you can talk to a representative at any time. Contact us now to speak to a caring counselor.
