Marijuana Addiction Treatment in Atlanta, GA
In the past several years, many states have legalized the recreational use of marijuana. Still, like alcohol, just because a substance can be obtained legally doesn’t mean it won’t carry the risk of addiction. Many people become so reliant on the effects of abusing pot that they need marijuana addiction treatment. Inner Voyage Recovery Center recognizes the need for treatment programs that use modern therapeutic techniques to help people overcome substance use disorders. Our outpatient facility teaches people to let go of the need to get high and start enjoying life on natural terms again.
What is Marijuana Addiction?
Marijuana typically begins as experimentation, often in a person’s younger years. Over time, they can begin to rely on using the drug in order to enhance certain experiences or pass the time. From there, an addiction can develop. When this happens, the person loses the ability to feel joy, have fun, or relax naturally. They require the high that smoking pot provides on a regular basis; for many, this means using marijuana on a daily basis.
A lot of people find their addiction takes the form of psychological side effects more than physical ones. If they don’t use the drug, they suffer feelings of depression, anxiety, and mood swings. This becomes unbearable, causing them to return to ingesting the drug. At this point, marijuana addiction treatment becomes necessary.
What to Expect at Our Marijuana Addiction Treatment Center
Each person who comes to us for marijuana addiction treatment can expect to be treated as an individual. We understand that every person has a story to tell about when and why their addiction began, and what treatment goals they would like to achieve. As a result, our staff consist of clinicians experienced in treating substance use disorders who know how to help. We perform an assessment to understand any physical problems that need addressing.
We provide multiple levels of outpatient care that meet the individual needs of each person. For some, this means attending just a few sessions a week. For those who need more focused care, we offer treatment several days per week. We can also treat co-existing mental health disorders that may influence a person’s marijuana usage. These disorders can include anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more.
Check Out Our Facility in Atlanta, GA
Discover why our programs are top rated today. Talk with our admissions team about the right treatment plan to bring lasting recovery.
Signs and Symptoms of Marijuana Addiction
When someone develops a marijuana addiction, it can become obvious because of signs and symptoms that occur. These can include:
- Red eyes
- Throat irritation and coughing
- Dry mouth (“cotton mouth”)
- Difficulty determining the passage of time
- Increased heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Memory loss
- Cognitive difficulties
- Trouble concentrating
- Uncoordinated movements
- Increased appetite
- Lack of energy
Many people also experience psychological side effects, including anxiety, paranoia, and mood swings.
How Addictive Is Marijuana?
A stereotype persists that marijuana doesn’t carry any real risk of developing an addiction. While some people can smoke pot without it becoming a problem, the reality is that it disrupts the lives of many users. Many people develop what’s called marijuana dependency. When this happens, the person experiences withdrawal symptoms if they cut back on how much they smoke or stop using pot completely. The symptoms are typically psychological in nature, including depression, anxiety, and moodiness.
A lot of people move on to marijuana addiction. In fact, as many as 30% of marijuana users may develop a marijuana use disorder. The younger the person is when they start smoking pot, the more likely they are to develop an addiction. People who begin usage before they turn 18 are four to seven times more likely to end up qualifying for needing marijuana addiction treatment.
How Is Marijuana Addiction Treated?
Marijuana addiction treatment is conducted by using different therapeutic modalities. Each one offers assistance in at least one aspect of addressing the cause of addiction and how to overcome it. One of the most important approaches is individual therapy. In particular, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) provide people with important tools for learning healthy coping skills that replace turning to marijuana usage.
Other types of therapy that help treat substance use disorders include group therapy and family therapy. Modern treatment facilities incorporate holistic therapy in order to treat a person’s mind, body, and spirit. As well, other effective types of therapy include health and wellness therapy, adventure-based therapy, and trauma-based therapy. For those who can benefit from using FDA-approved medications, medically-assisted care can provide a real boost to their recovery.
The Effects of Marijuana Abuse
Marijuana contains THC, and when someone smokes pot, the THC passes from the lungs to the bloodstream, brain, and other organs in the body. Once it reaches the brain, THC affects the brain cell’s cannabinoid receptors, which affect how the brain develops and functions. The body’s cannabinoid receptors impact a person by producing pleasure and happiness. They also affect a person’s memory, thought processes, physical coordination, and sensory experiences.
Someone who abuses marijuana will often find these areas affected. For example, the high accompanies impaired coordination, cognitive difficulties, ability to form memories, perceptions of time, and more. Marijuana addicts often experience trouble fulfilling duties at their jobs, in school, and in personal relationships. Additionally, the effects of inhaling smoke on a consistent level, and often holding it in for long periods of time, can cause serious medical problems.
Begin Marijuana Addiction Treatment in Atlanta
Do you know that your marijuana usage has become a problem and you want quality care to help you stop? The first step is reaching out and asking for assistance. Inner Voyage Recovery Center provides a program for marijuana addiction treatment that takes into account the individuality of each person we treat. Our staff provides a safe outlet for discussing addiction, and how to put together a life where marijuana no longer feels necessary.
It’s easy to get more information about how we treat substance use disorders. Contact us today and we will be happy to answer any questions you have.