Marijuana Addiction Treatment

What are the symptoms of marijuana addiction?

Short-term physical effects from marijuana use may include:

• Sedation
• Bloodshot Eyes
• Increased Heart Rate
• Coughing from Lung Irritation
• Increased Appetite
• Increased Blood Pressure (although prolonged use may cause a decrease in blood pressure).

Marijuana smokers experience serious health problems such as bronchitis, emphysema, and
bronchial asthma. Extended use may cause suppression of the immune system. Withdrawal
from chronic use of high doses of marijuana causes physical signs, including headache,
shakiness, sweating, stomach pains, and nausea.

Withdrawal symptoms also include behavioral signs such as:

• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Sleep Difficulties
• Decreased Appetite

How is marijuana addiction diagnosed?

An individual is assessed by a healthcare professional (doctor, psychologist, or addiction specialist) by using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which lists 11 specific symptoms that professionals look for over a 12-month period. 

The severity of the disorder is determined by how many symptoms are present:

• Mild: 2-3 symptoms
• Moderate: 4-5 symptoms
• Severe: 6 or more symptoms

What causes marijuana addiction?

It can be caused by various biological, psychological, and environmental factors, including:

• Predisposition to addiction (genetics, family history)
• Cravings
• Coping mechanism for anxiety, depression, or trauma
• Personality traits such as impulsivity and risk-seeking
• Peer pressure
• Early exposure to marijuana
• Cultural norms/legalization

What are the treatment options for marijuana addiction?

There are a wide variety of treatment options for addiction that can be tailored to an individual’s particular recovery needs, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Contingency Management
• Motivational Interviewing
• Group Therapy
• Marijuana Anonymous (MA)
• SMART Recovery
• Individual Counseling
• Outpatient Programs
• Inpatient Rehabilitation
• Dual Diagnosis Treatment
• Withdrawal Management

How does marijuana addiction affect mental health?

Such an addiction has many varying effects on mental health, including:

• Memory problems
• Trouble concentrating
• Critical thinking and problem-solving difficulties
• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Depression
• Psychosis
• Mood swings
• Amotivational syndrome
• Social withdrawal

Treatment for Prescription Drug Addiction at Desert Recovery Centers

We take a holistic approach to mental health and addiction treatment, using a variety of treatment modalities in a personalized residential program that caters to your unique situation for the most effective and lasting results.

Contact us today for more information about our programs.