Marijuana Addiction Treatment

As it has been one of the most available drugs on the market for such a long time, we see plenty of people struggling with marijuana addiction. If you believe that what was once an occasional occurrence has turned into an addiction you (or your loved one) are no longer able to control, you shouldn’t hesitate to contact Little Creek Recovery. Our marijuana treatment in Pennsylvania is geared to people of all ages who want to work with licensed and experienced therapists. With our facilities nestled in the woods of Lake Ariel providing you with a tranquil setting and access to many different outdoor activities, you can find your path to an addiction-free life with our therapists guiding the way.

Marijuana rehab at Little Creek Recovery 

Once a person decides to attend our marijuana rehab program, the first step is being assessed by a professional with experience. The goal of this assessment is to gather some crucial pieces of data regarding your addiction. This allows us to recommend the best treatment plan and program, based on the particular case – and the severity of the addiction itself. As a drug and alcohol rehab facility in Pennsylvania, we offer the two most important programs during recovery – Inpatient and Outpatient.

Inpatient marijuana rehab

Inpatient programs in Pennsylvania are usually best suited for people with a severe form of addiction. They entail residing in marijuana rehab facilities for an extended time, where clients will be able to get 24/7 care and monitoring. Since marijuana is a milder substance, people can choose to attend residential inpatient treatment as opposed to the standard form of this treatment.

By opting for the former, you will still receive constant care and support. The only difference is that you will be granted more liberty, as you will have more free time. If you believe that you can make good use of this free time, we wholeheartedly suggest opting for this form of treatment.

Outpatient marijuana rehab

Due to the nature of marijuana addiction, many of our clients will be able to attend the outpatient rehab program. Those individuals get to reside in their own homes throughout the duration of their treatment. Of course, you will still need to attend therapy and rehab-related activities. How often you will have to do this depends on the form of outpatient marijuana rehab program that you choose.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

As the most intense form of Outpatient treatment, the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is made for those individuals who have a moderate to severe form of addiction. It requires you to attend rehab five to eight hours a day, five to seven days a week. You get to live inside your home between the sessions.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a program that is most often recommended for patients with a moderate addiction. While attending this program, you can tend to your daily responsibilities and live in your own home. However, you will still need to attend frequent rehab sessions a few hours a day, a few times a week. 

Outpatient Program (OP)

Our OP treatment can be considered the standard and the least intense form of Outpatient treatment. As such, our professionals usually recommend it for people with mild marijuana addiction. Those attending this program will have to attend rehab for a few hours a day, once or twice per week. We usually don’t recommend this form of treatment for most substances. However, since marijuana is generally a milder substance, this could be the right form of treatment for you if you have not yet developed a severe marijuana dependence.

What is marijuana?

Marijuana is a mixture of the dried flowers of Cannabis sativa. It is usually smoked in hand-rolled cigarettes, although it can be taken in a few other ways. Marijuana contains a psychoactive chemical, called THC. THC is responsible for most of the intoxicating effects of marijuana that appeal to people in the first place. In order for cannabis to be considered marijuana, it needs to have a THC concentration of 0.3% or higher.

Marijuana’s effects produce feelings of euphoria and relaxation. They also increase one’s appetite and can cause uncontrollable laughter. Thus, people can even use marijuana for medicinal purposes. Of course, this isn’t something one should decide without a doctor. Otherwise, it could lead to addiction, and one can end up with more problems on their hands.

The difference between marijuana addiction and dependence

People oftentimes use the words addiction and dependence interchangeably. These two terms bear two completely different notions, as a person can be dependent on a substance but not addicted to it. It can be difficult to differentiate between the two, but the distinction can be made nevertheless.

Marijuana addiction

Individuals who have a marijuana addiction experience both physical and mental symptoms and reliance on the drug. This process involves a significant change in one’s behavior. Marijuana users with addiction find themselves unable to function when the drug is not in their system. Moreover, they might see and understand the detrimental effects that marijuana has on their bodies, yet they choose to ignore it. That is why addiction is more serious than dependence, and it requires more assistance.

Marijuana dependence 

When a person becomes dependent on marijuana, they usually develop a physical dependence on the drug. They experience the symptoms of tolerance and withdrawal. While people who are dependent on marijuana might not have a full-scale addiction, it usually means that one is right around the corner.

Whether dealing with addiction or dependence, Little Creek Recovery is here to help. Our team of professionals has experience with both of these circumstances, which is why we have no doubt we can provide help on your journey. Of course, we will tailor a plan depending on the severity of your addiction or dependence.

How do people use marijuana?

Most people use marijuana by smoking it as a cigarette. There are other tools that can be used for smoking marijuana, such as a bong or even soda cans. However, marijuana users ought to be aware of the fact that marijuana smoke is carcinogenic, and American Lung Association recommends further testing about its negative effects on the lungs and the respiratory system.

Vaping is another way in which marijuana can be used. Vaporizers are easy to conceal and portable, and they produce less marijuana smell than smoking. Moreover, vaping is less harmful than smoking, and marijuana users report getting a better high when using vaporizers.

Marijuana can also be used orally. Many people put this substance in food and drinks, most commonly brownies. Marijuana edibles and marijuana oils have become legal in some states, which might have increased the number of people addicted to this substance.

Regardless of the way in which you use marijuana, you shouldn’t hesitate to contact us if your habits have gotten out of control. It will be our pleasure to help you fight the cravings and the habits that you associate with marijuana use.

What are the effects of marijuana?

The chemical compounds in cannabis can cause a variety of feelings and sensations. However, every person will experience different effects after taking marijuana. Most commonly, the feelings of extreme relaxation and euphoria are present. But other common effects which vary from person to person include heightened sensory perception, laughter, increased appetite, and altered perception of time.

Short-term effects of marijuana

The short-term effects of marijuana take place as soon as an individual takes the drug. Luckily, they are almost always reversible, and their effects will pass after the drug leaves your system. A person can experience a plethora of short-term effects after consuming marijuana, including:

• Poor muscle coordination and judgment
• Poor memory and ability to learn
• Short attention span
• Difficulty thinking and articulating thoughts
• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Depression
• Anxiety attacks

For many people, experiencing a few of these short-term effects of marijuana will be enough to turn to a professional for help. If you believe that you could use professional assistance with your addiction, feel free to contact us. Our experts will do their best to keep you away from both the short-term and long-term effects of marijuana use.

Long-term effects of marijuana

While the short-term effects usually pass, the long-term effects of marijuana can have devastating consequences. Marijuana can affect many of the most important systems in your body. Severe abuse of this substance over a course of time can lead to:

• Cancer
• Breathing problems
• Immune system deficiencies
• Fertility problems
• Birth defects in unborn children
• Memory problems

Is marijuana addictive

Marijuana is not a drug as potent and addictive as heroin or cocaine. In fact, a person consuming cannabis has about a 10% chance of developing an addiction. However, it is still wise to be cautious, as marijuana is, after all, a drug. Taking excessive amounts of cannabis in all of its shapes and forms can result in addiction. Of course, like with every other form of addiction, there’s also a suitable treatment for marijuana use. Little Creek Recovery specialists will gladly help you find your way to recovery and long-term sobriety.

Can a person overdose on marijuana?

Luckily, overdosing on marijuana is extremely rare. However, that doesn’t mean that marijuana isn’t dangerous, as it comes with plenty of adverse effects. Moreover, marijuana misuse can also result in a hospital visit, not to mention that it can cause cancer. So while marijuana might not be able to have a fatal outcome like heroin or cocaine, it still comes with a plethora of dangers.

Marijuana detox

Before you begin treatment at Little Creek Recovery, you first need to go through detox. This process is a very important piece of the puzzle because it aims to remove all traces of THC from your system. By going through detox, you will have to experience some difficult symptoms of withdrawal. And while you might be able to detox your body from THC by yourself, it’s still better to do so with professional help. Our experts will help you go through detox and withdrawal as comfortably as possible.

Marijuana withdrawal symptoms

The symptoms of withdrawal are the most difficult part of detox. Moreover, they are usually the most physically challenging part of recovery. All people who are severely addicted to any substance should think about Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). Medication will lessen the symptoms of withdrawal, making it easier for you to go through this process. Some studies even show that medications can assist with long-term sobriety. If you have never come face to face with drug withdrawal, then you probably don’t know what to expect. The following are the most common symptoms of marijuana withdrawal:

• Chills
• Night sweats
• Marijuana cravings
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Headaches
• Loss of focus
• Diminished appetite
• Mood changes

Contact us today and receive marijuana treatment at Little Creek Recovery

Having a marijuana addiction can seriously impair the quality of your life. If you believe that your addiction has taken a toll on your private life, you shouldn’t hesitate to contact Little Creek Recovery. We have a team of specialists with rich experience in the field of addiction and recovery. With their help and guidance, you will be able to choose the best program for your needs and get the necessary help. Whether your addiction is mild or severe, our treatment center will be able to provide the appropriate care.

References:

www.medlineplus.gov

www.drugabuse.gov/publications