Marijuana Addiction Treatment
Cannabis is one of the most commonly used illicit drugs in the world. It occupies a grey area when it comes to legalisation due to its cultural affiliations and the growing case for medical treatment. Marijuana is referred to as a “soft drug” by some, while others do not classify it as a drug at all. Due to its immense popularity, the plant has adopted many names through slang terms such as Dope, Weed, Dagga, Mary-Jane, Bud, Grass, The Devil’s Lettuce, Ganja and Pot, to name a few but the list of names virtually endless.
In some countries, cannabis has transitioned from being seen as a drug to being normalised for recreational consumption in the same way as alcohol and tobacco. This normalisation of cannabis use has seen widespread use of the plant recreationally and turned the notion of quitting into a nuanced debate.
Due to the constantly evolving social debate surrounding marijuana, it can be difficult to determine if users have a problem which makes it even more challenging to stop using the drug. Many cannabis users who might be dependent on or addicted to its effects don’t feel that they have a problem and discount the downside it has on their life and cognitive performance.
If you, or your loved one, are currently struggling with cannabis addiction, you are not alone. Every year new cases of cannabis dependency are reported in South Africa.
Cannabis of different strains and grades are cultivated, and the leaves, stems, and flowering buds of the plant are dried and cured. It is then ingested in one of two methods:
- Eaten (ingesting) or
- Smoked (inhaling)
The intake of cannabis by either means can see THC and other chemicals pass into the bloodstream and eventually reach the brain, where it begins to affect perceptions and senses. Typical side effects of marijuana use include:
- A sense of relaxation.
- Laughter.
- Euphoria.
- Heightened sensory perception.
- An altered perception of time.
- An increased appetite.
- Anxiety.
- Fear.
- Panic.
- Distrust/paranoia.
At high doses, marijuana use can cause effects that include:
- Hallucinations.
- Delusions.
- A loss of the sense of personal identity.
Regular marijuana use affects the parts of the brain associated with memory and learning and decision-making, and emotion, which is why it can be especially harmful to adolescents since their brains are still developing. Marijuana abuse has also been associated with other mental health problems, such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Personality disturbances
- Suicidal thoughts (among adolescents)
- Lack of motivation to engage in typically rewarding activities
Seek out help for Marijuana
Cannabis use and addiction can creep up slowly and begin to affect your personal or professional life; if your cannabis use reaches a dependency stage, it may be time to seek professional help.
Treating your Marijuana addiction
Many people who develop a cannabis habit can quit without entering a full-scale treatment centre. However, everyone is different; some may find it harder to kick the habit, while those in an environment where these substances are easy to access could make it seemingly impossible to stop using marijuana or use.
In other cases, cannabis could be used in combination with other substances, and these addicts will find it harder to quit and may need professional help. In these cases opting for an in-patient treatment centre may help cut out proximity to temptation and triggering circumstances or simply break the routine of daily habits.
Medical supervision is an optional part of in-patient rehab for cannabis addiction. It will depend on whether the patient’s symptoms are intense as they move toward sobriety. The detoxing process can be uncomfortable, but once the habit is broken, addicts are left feeling better as cravings begin to subside.
The reduction in craving intensity, along with a comprehensive 12 Step rehabilitation programme, forms the base of recovery. In addition, our team of counsellors will care for your overall mental health and identify the root cause of your addiction, and tackle it.
During rehabilitation, you will also be provided with various tools to help you achieve long-term sobriety so that once you’re back home, you have the mental clarity and recovery information to avoid relapsing.
Post-treatment for Marijuana addiction
Once you are discharged from our facility, if you wish, you can continue treatment. We are open to providing additional post-treatment support. Studies have shown that recovering addicts who take advantage of aftercare stand a better chance of avoiding a relapse.
Don’t let your marijuana addiction rule your life. Take control today by getting in touch with us for professional help.
The pros and cons of Marijuana rehab
Treatment options or rehabilitation programs for marijuana addiction are similar to treatment programs and protocols for addiction to alcohol and other drugs. Depending on your mental dependence on cannabis, a recovery program will be tailored to you.
The advantages of seeking addiction treatment in a private rehab like ours are numerous. We are equipped with some of the top addiction counsellors in South Africa, with years of experience in helping those battling cannabis addiction to achieve a full recovery in a safe environment.
Other benefits of getting your addiction treated in our facility include the following:
- Quick admission
- Medical supervision
- Personalised treatment
- Private care
- 24-hour supervision
- Safe and peaceful environments
- High-quality facilities
- Aftercare services
These benefits, along with tailored solutions for your specific case, are available to anyone seeking out private rehab treatment with The Cedars in South Africa. Reach out to us today and start your journey towards recovery.
chemical addictions
- CAT
- Cocaine
- Crystal Meth
- Hallucinogens
- Heroine
- Inhalants
- Ketamine
- Marijuana
- MDMA/Ecstasy
- Prescription Medication
- Prescription Opioids
- Prescription Stimulants
- Synthetic Cannabinoids
- Synthetic Cathinones
behavioural addictions
- Eating Disorders
- Exercise Addiction
- Gambling Disorder
- Gaming Addiction
- Pornography Addiction
- Sex Addiction
- Shopping Addiction
- Social Media Addiction
treatment phases & length
Primary Phase
inclusions
- Medication assisted stabilization and withdrawal management
- Daily group-based therapy including interactive, discussion
and focus groups - Regular individual therapy sessions with a counsellor
- Introduction to 12-Step program and written Step work
- Counselling sessions and assessments with a psychologist
- Educational workshops about addiction related topics
- Family therapy sessions (arranged by Zoom if necessary)
- 12-Step Meetings
- Community outings involving fun sober recreational activities
- Healthy meals prepared by our in-house chef, regular aerobic exercise and yoga classes offered by a personal trainer, excursions
Secondary Phase
inclusions
- Daily group-based therapy including interactive, discussion and focus groups
- Regular individual therapy sessions with a counsellor
- Counselling sessions and assessments with a psychologist
- Educational workshops about addiction related topics
- Family therapy sessions (arranged by Zoom if necessary)
- 12-Step Meetings
- Community outings involving fun, sober recreational activities
Tertiary Phase
inclusions
- Accommodation and meals
- Weekly check-in groups
- Check-in sessions with their counsellor, by appointment
- Weekly 12 Step meetings
post treatment support
If you require post-treatment counselling, please click here