FHE Health offers evidence-based treatment in a peaceful setting. Here’s what you need to know about marijuana addiction treatment in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
According to the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 22.3% of people aged 12 and older used marijuana in the past year. Nearly half of all states have legalized use, making cannabis products widely available. With regular use, some people develop cannabis use disorder, a mental health condition that causes someone to continue using marijuana even when it has negative consequences on their daily life and relationships.
FHE Health offers several types of detox and addiction treatment. If you need help recovering from marijuana addiction, the first step is to schedule an evaluation at our marijuana rehab center in Deerfield Beach. We’ll use the results of that evaluation to determine the best way to help you.
What Is Marijuana Addiction?
Marijuana addiction, formally known as cannabis use disorder, is when someone is unable to stop using marijuana even when it causes physical, social or psychological harm. Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that three out of every 10 (30%) people who use this drug have cannabis use disorder.
Signs of Marijuana Use and Dependence
Like other addictions, cannabis use disorder has a variety of physical, behavioral and psychological effects. Marijuana binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, so it can cause poor coordination, slow reaction times and loss of balance. It’s also common to feel dizzy or sleepy after using cannabis products.
Once you become dependent on marijuana, your behavior is likely to change. These are some of the most common behavioral signs of addiction:
- Missing work or school to use marijuana
- Spending money on cannabis, even if you can’t afford it
- Engaging in risky activities (e.g., driving while under the influence of cannabis)
- Isolating yourself or giving up your favorite hobbies
Marijuana’s effects on the mind are well-documented. You may lose track of time, have difficulty distinguishing what’s real from what isn’t or feel anxious. Some people have panic attacks or feel paranoid, especially after using large amounts of cannabis.
The Risks of Long-Term Marijuana Use
Research from the Dunedin longitudinal study found that persistent cannabis use beginning in adolescence is associated with an average IQ decline of 8 points by midlife. Chronic use may also cause problems with memory, learning and cognitive processing speed. This is the pace at which your brain interprets and responds to information, so deficits can make it difficult to read, follow instructions or perform other common tasks.
Dependency is also a concern. In addiction medicine, dependency is when your body relies on a substance to function normally. If you stop using it, you may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
Some long-term users even experience significant mental health changes. For example, cannabis use has been linked to an increased risk of schizophrenia and psychosis. If you have bipolar disorder, long-term marijuana use may make your symptoms worse.
How Marijuana Addiction Develops
When you use marijuana regularly, your body develops a tolerance. This means that you no longer experience the same effects with your usual dose. As a result, many people start using marijuana more frequently or taking higher doses. Escalating use increases the risk of developing an addiction.
If you stop using cannabis suddenly, you may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. For some people, continuing to use is the only way to prevent discomfort.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Some people have a higher risk of developing cannabis use disorder than others. For example, you’re more likely to become addicted if you start using marijuana when you’re young. Addiction is also more likely in people who use marijuana frequently vs. using it occasionally.
Additional risk factors include:
- Peer pressure
- History of trauma
- Family history of addiction
- Academic stress
- Genetic variations
Marijuana Withdrawal: What to Expect
During the withdrawal process, you may experience these symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Aggression
- Irritability
- Anger
- Depressed mood
- Sleep disturbances
- Loss of appetite
Some people have chills, headaches, sweating and stomach pain, but these physical symptoms are less common. FHE offers medical detox to keep you comfortable during withdrawal.
Marijuana Addiction Treatment at FHE Health
FHE Health uses therapy and other evidence-based treatments to help people recover from cannabis use disorder. The right type of therapy depends on your symptoms and goals. FHE may use the following modalities:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Motivational enhancement therapy
- 12-step programming
- Contingency management therapy
- Art and music therapies
Co-Occurring Disorder Support
Many people with cannabis use disorder also have one or more mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. This is known as having co-occurring disorders. FHE Health offers a co-occurring disorders program designed to address the symptoms of each disorder, improving your chances of a successful recovery.
Neuro Services
FHE Health also provides several types of neurorehabilitation to help you recover from marijuana addiction. We use blood tests, brain imaging and other protocols to create personalized marijuana addiction treatment plans and track progress over time. This ensures that you receive the right combination of therapies for your condition.
Our neurorehabilitation services include:
- Neurostimulation therapy
- Neurofeedback training
- qEEG brain mapping
- Transcranial vagus nerve stimulation
- Heart rate monitoring
