Rehab Programs for Marijuana Abuse

Marijuana Addiction Rehab – Offering an Effective Treatment Solution

Marijuana is an illicit drug that is commonly abused by many users in the United States and other parts of the world. There are many cases where marijuana users got so hooked with the drug that it already warranted treatment at a marijuana addiction rehab center. This dry and shredded mix of flowers, seeds, and leaves is derived from Cannabis Sativa. It has been used for many centuries to make rope and thread, as well as smoked, for its supposedly medicinal properties. The DEA, however, made it clear on its website in May 2006 that smoking marijuana is not safe and the proposition that science views marijuana as medicine is not true. This statement run counter to the long held belief of some sectors that marijuana is helpful for some particular ailments.

Aside from the DEA, no less than the FDA also declared that as of this time, there is no credible scientific study which supports the medical use of marijuana and on the contrary, there is mounting evidence that smoking marijuana is harmful to the user’s health. Nevertheless, despite all these declarations, many people still continue to use marijuana because of its intoxicating effects. Today, almost five million Americans use marijuana on a daily basis. Studies made by different government agencies revealed that there is an increase of marijuana use among those who are aged twelve to eighteen. Recent findings also show that nearly all marijuana users are also habitual consumers of other illicit drugs.

Marijuana is introduced in one’s system through smoking. Although, there have been cases where its administration involved the drug being mixed in hot beverages like tea and coffee. There have also been reported cases where marijuana is injected in the system, though these are extremely rare instances. Users experience an intoxicating and hallucinatory state where certain sensations, like sexual arousal, are magnified several times. This is caused by the chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive ingredient of marijuana.

While there are users who keep on claiming that marijuana is not addictive, the increasing number of individuals who use marijuana as their main drug disputes this claim. In fact, in 2008 alone, over one hundred fifty thousand marijuana addicts were treated in various marijuana addiction rehab centers. Most of them are found out to display signs of memory defects and mental clouding, while others developed respiratory tract infections and bronchitis.

Some of the treatment methods at marijuana addiction rehab centers include the strengthening of social support, education, and fostering wholesome activities. Certain drugs like low-dose benzodiazepines may be used but only in severe cases. During withdrawal, the patient may experience restlessness, loss of appetite, insomnia, panic attacks, and anxiety. These symptoms are only temporary and will only last for a short while.

There are also marijuana addiction rehab centers that incorporate programs involving individual reflection on how marijuana addiction developed in the patient’s lives. This helps them accept the problem and become receptive to the solutions made available to them.