Marijuana is the most commonly abused drug in the United States. Many people falsely believe that marijuana is a ‘safe’ drug with no adverse health effects. But the truth is that long-term marijuana abuse, just like any other drug abuse, increases the risk of certain physical and mental health consequences, including physical dependence and psychological addiction. In fact, findings from a recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health showed that marijuana had the highest level of dependence or abuse than any other illicit drug. The same study showed that over a million people received treatment for marijuana abuse during their most recent addiction treatment program.
Chronic marijuana use has been shown to increase rates of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideas, and schizophrenia. Marijuana use has also been linked to changes in the reproductive organs, respiratory damage, memory problems and cancer. If you or someone you love is caught in the grip of marijuana addiction, a marijuana rehab center can help break the addiction’s powerful hold and return your life back to you. Here’s what you can expect from a California marijuana rehab center.
California Marijuana Rehab Centers: Detox
The first step of marijuana rehab is to enter a detoxification program. During the detox process, the individual will be safely monitored and treated for withdrawal symptoms as the body rids itself of the drug’s harmful toxins. Marijuana withdrawal is not dangerous, but it can be uncomfortable. For chronic users, symptoms of marijuana withdrawal start to appear within the first 8 hours and are most intense during the first 10 days, which is why marijuana detoxification should be done at a marijuana rehab center so that the individual is kept from outside influences and triggers. The symptoms of marijuana withdrawal include irritability, anxiety, depressed mood, headaches, insomnia, restlessness, lack of appetite and drug cravings.
Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications for treating marijuana addiction and withdrawal symptoms; however, there are a number of effective marijuana addiction treatments available. The entire detox period will be supervised by trained medical personnel who will monitor your withdrawal and make sure you are safe and as comfortable as possible.
California Marijuana Rehab Centers: Treatment
After detox, successful treatment can begin. The most effective treatment for marijuana addiction is a comprehensive approach that addresses not only the physical effects of the marijuana addiction, but the psychological effects as well. A comprehensive approach that combines behavioral therapy, individual counseling, 12-Step support, drug testing, dual diagnosis and positive reinforcement has been shown to be the most effective way to reduce marijuana abuse. Some California marijuana rehab centers will also introduce holistic therapies such as yoga and equine therapies to help you reconnect your body, mind and spirit — all areas that are damaged by addiction.
California Marijuana Rehab Centers: Residential and Sober Living
When seeking treatment for marijuana addiction, it is often best to receive care at a residential treatment center and continue your first few months of recovery at a California sober living facility.
There are many benefits of residential treatment, but perhaps the biggest benefit is that it provides a structured environment that’s free of temptations and distractions. Residential treatment for marijuana addiction provides round-the-clock care and support to help you focus on your recovery and teach you the skills needed to live a drug-free life. It also provides a temporary escape from the daily stresses and responsibilities of home, work, family and other relationships so you can solely focus on recovery.
Sober living is often a good follow-up to any effective California marijuana rehab center. It allows you to live in a clean, sober environment so that you can re-learn how to live a life without drugs and alcohol during the delicate first months of recovery. Sober living is often recommended for people who have just completed residential treatment and are at risk for relapsing if they return home.
If marijuana addiction has a hold of your life or the life of a loved one, a California marijuana rehab center can finally set you free. Call one today and start the healing process.
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