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Is Marijuana Really Addictive?

For some people, marijuana is just as addictive as other mind-altering substances, like alcohol or cocaine. But not everyone who uses these drugs becomes addicted. Researchers don't yet understand why some people become addicted and others can continue casual, recreational use almost indefinitely. Perhaps it has to do with how much or how often the drug is taken, or maybe it is genetics that determines how your body will respond. Either way, the number of people seeking treatment for marijuana dependency and marijuana addiction continues to rise every year.

The Canyon provides thorough clinical assessments and psychological evaluations during the admission process to determine your best course of treatment for addiction to marijuana or other drugs. If you constantly think about getting high, if you compulsively use drugs even when you understand the risks involved, or if you've tried in the past to stop using but failed, then a residential treatment program can put you on the path to successful sobriety.

Building a Tolerance to Marijuana

When a user finds they have to use more and more of a drug just to get the same high, they are said to have built up a tolerance. Frequent use combined with large quantities increases the risk that your body will develop a tolerance, and you will begin to experience uncomfortable marijuana withdrawal symptoms whenever the drug is not present in the same amount. Withdrawal symptoms can include restlessness, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, weight loss, and shakes (especially in the hands).

The Addictive Nature of Marijuana

Recent studies have discovered that changes in the brain from long-term use of marijuana are remarkably similar to changes caused by other "hardcore" drugs. While the effects of smoking marijuana are subtle and almost never life-threatening, it is interesting to note that once your body becomes adjusted to regular use it can be difficult to quit cold-turkey.

While not all marijuana users are physically addicted, psychological addiction is almost always present. Users get high because it makes them feel good. Without it, they can feel edgy, irritated, or annoyed.

Social dependence is another type of compulsive behavior to watch out for. Feeling you have to use marijuana because your friends do, using it to loosen up in social situations are early warning signs that you may have difficulty with overwhelming cravings when you decide to quit.

Treatments for Marijuana Addiction

For most users, detox off of marijuana is uncomfortable but easily managed with supportive therapy from specialized addiction counselors. In addition to detox, marijuana addiction treatment programs should seek to:

• Assess the type and nature of each client's substance abuse
• Provide psychiatric evaluations to uncover any co-occurring disorders
• Combine behavioral, cognitive, and psychodynamic therapies
• Balance individual and group therapy sessions
• Involve family therapy where appropriate
• Establish a positive support network
• Introduce 12-step recovery methods for staying clean

Unlike other drug treatment programs, there are no FDA-approved medications for treating addiction or dependence to marijuana.

The Canyon Provides Marijuana Addiction Treatment

The Canyon is a licensed residential chemical dependency treatment facility that specializes in treating adult individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health issues. The Canyon's approach to healing for individuals is an equally balanced approach that addresses chemical dependency and mental health issues, provides individual and group therapy, promotes immersion in 12-step recovery work and self help support groups, and provides introduction to a variety of mindfulness and spiritual philosophies and practices to enhance personal spiritual connection and personal growth.

Each client's treatment plan is developed by a master's level therapist and reviewed weekly by the full clinical team. Therapists meet with their clients for individual sessions each week to focus on specific needs and help you develop a positive relationship with yourself. Through a variety of traditional and non-traditional therapies and experiences, you will have the opportunity to reclaim your personal dreams and goals awakening your authentic relationship with life.

If you have any questions about the addictive nature of marijuana or treatment for marijuana addiction, give us a call at The Canyon at .

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• Teens Using Marijuana
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• Women and Marijuana Abuse
• Is Marijuana Really Addictive?
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• Marijuana Withdrawal and Treatment
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