Marijuana is currently one of the most commonly used substances in the United States, and its level of use is only increasing due to changes in modern legislation. In general, most people consider marijuana to be a fairly safe substance. This is due to the fact that marijuana is not linked to overdose in and of itself. However, that does not mean that it hasn’t been found in the system of those that have overdosed alongside other more powerful drugs.

In addition, marijuana cannot be considered entirely safe without knowing how an individual is using it. For example, some may use it in risky situations, such as operating a vehicle or watching over young children. When these things are done under the influence of any substance, they cannot be considered safe.

What to Know About Marijuana Addiction

A lot of people don’t consider marijuana addictive, and it is true that it may not be as addictive as other “hard” drugs. However, this is not to say that addiction cannot transpire. With the potency of marijuana that is being produced today, addiction could be more likely than ever. This is because when this substance is used frequently, a person may build up a tolerance and feel as if they need more and more of it to experience the same effects.

A significant aspect of marijuana addiction can also be tied to the mental effects associated with making it into a habit. For example, some people may turn to marijuana to help them calm down and unwind after a stressful day at work. Others may use it to help them relax as they prepare to go to a party or social gathering. The problem with this arises when they get to a point when they feel they have to engage in marijuana use in these particular situations and that they aren’t able to calm down on their own.

We know that there are some other negative side effects associated with marijuana that can occur. Teenagers can be particularly at risk, as their brains are still developing. Some of these side effects may include:

• Changes in memory function
• Increased risk of anxiety and depression
• Problems with brain development
• Complications with the development of an unborn child (when a mother engages in substance use while pregnant)

The Different Ways in Which Marijuana Addiction Can Be Treated

If someone feels like their marijuana use has gotten out of the point of their control, it may be time to seek professional help. The good news is that there are a lot of different types of treatment out there for marijuana misuse. Some examples include inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, continuing care, and residential recovery. The goal of each one of these treatment options is not to help a person simply cut back on their marijuana use, but to help them quit entirely and live a completely sober life. This isn’t something one has to do alone. In one of these treatment programs, the patient will be guided by experienced staff every step of the way.

What to Expect From Marijuana Addiction Treatment at The Kimberly Center

If you’ve never been to treatment before, it can be a little nerve-wracking not knowing what to expect. You might be worried about what costs will be involved, how you’ll be able to keep up with work or school, or how you will arrange for childcare for your kids. Rest assured, these things can all be considered. At The Kimberly Center, we are unique in that we are an incredibly open facility with lots of flexible options. We can come up with a treatment plan that will work well for you and that will not cause significant interference in your daily schedule.

We cater to both men and women of all backgrounds and stages of life. Our programs can be tailored to meet our patient’s specific needs, allow time for their daily responsibilities, and stay within their particular budget. This flexibility allows a patient to seek proper treatment without having to take time away from work or school or worry about how they are going to keep getting the bills paid.

Treatment Modalities

Our patients will have access to more than just traditional treatment. They will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of different programs and therapies. Some examples include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Motivational interviewing
• Mindfulness and grounding techniques
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
• Trauma-informed care

Our patients will also have the chance to attend individual therapy and family therapy. Prior to leaving our facility, our patients will be equipped with every tool they may possibly need to find success and enjoy long-term sobriety.

Many people consider marijuana to be totally harmless because it alone has not led to fatal overdoses. But this does not mean it is completely safe. Marijuana can lead to changes in memory function, increase one’s risk of anxiety and depression, and cause problems with brain development (especially for teenagers.) Some people may also tend to use marijuana in risky situations, putting themselves or others in danger. The good news is that there are a lot of different treatments available for marijuana addiction, and recovery is very much possible. At The Kimberly Center, we offer a variety of flexible programs to meet our patient’s specific needs and budgets. If you’re struggling with substance use disorder, call us at (855) 452-3683.