Because the recreational use of marijuana has become legal in many states, it can make it easy to believe that it must not be an addictive drug. The reality is that smoking or otherwise ingesting pot can cause both a psychological and physical reliance on the drug. Renewal Health Group offers a detox for marijuana that helps people overcome their addiction and learn to live without the need to get high. We provide both outpatient and residential treatment plans that teach people to stop abusing marijuana.
Is Marijuana Really Addictive?
The reason the medical community offers detox for marijuana is due to the fact that it can be addictive for many people. In 2020, over 14 million people in the U.S. aged 12 or older had a marijuana use disorder. This includes 4.5 million people aged 18 to 25 and another approximately 1 million young people aged 12 to 17.
The most commonly used drug that remains illegal on the federal level is marijuana. Over 48 million people used it at least once in 2019, with an estimated 30% of those going on to develop an addiction. People who begin using pot before they turn 18 are at an increased risk of becoming addicted to it.
People who abuse marijuana often experience difficulty in doing well on the job and at school, and in meeting their personal responsibilities. Marijuana addiction can cause memory loss, difficulty learning new things, loss of attention span, and other events that directly impact brain function.
Someone with a substance use disorder (SUD) is at greater risk of developing a co-occurring mental health disorder than those who do not abuse substances. This includes mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and more. In 2020, about 644,000 people aged 12 to 17 had both a SUD and at least one major depressive episode in the previous year. In the same year, 17 million adults aged 18 or older experienced a combination of a SUD and some type of mental illness.
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Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms
Someone who is addicted to marijuana will experience some withdrawal symptoms during the detox process. While the symptoms are not usually dangerous, they can be uncomfortable. In fact, they can be difficult enough to endure that many people trying to stop using pot on their own give up. This is why attending detox for marijuana is important because relief can be provided to help minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Common withdrawal symptoms during marijuana detox include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Vivid dreams
- Insomnia
- Decreased appetite
- Drug cravings
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Moodiness
- Trouble focusing
- Difficulty being motivated
- Restlessness
Withdrawal Timeline
The marijuana withdrawal timeline varies from person to person. Withdrawal symptoms generally begin within one to two days after someone lasts uses marijuana. Day 2 through 6 is when the symptoms peak and are the most difficult. For most people, the symptoms end after about three weeks. Symptoms that may linger for longer include difficulty sleeping, vivid dreams, and emotional reactions.
What to Expect at a Detox for Marijuana Addiction
When someone arrives at a detox for marijuana, they receive a full evaluation so the staff understands their needs. This includes discussing aspects of the addiction, including how long the person has used marijuana, how often, and if they also use any other drugs. A treating staff member will explain what to expect during detox. This includes having access to FDA-approved medications that help minimize withdrawal symptoms and allow for a more comfortable detox.
Contrary to popular belief, detox is not just about white-knuckling a person’s way through several days of not using drugs. Instead, the person has options to attend multiple types of therapy sessions designed to identify and address the root cause of their marijuana addiction. Therapists teach people how to develop healthy coping skills and learn to live rewarding, full lives that do not include the need to get high.
What Comes After Marijuana Detox
Once a person completes detox for marijuana, they should follow it up with a treatment plan that helps them keep from relapsing. For someone with a severe addiction, a residential rehab program may be the best choice. For others, outpatient programs work well. These involve attending treatment sessions during the day but do not require the person to live in a facility. Once formal treatment concludes, it is recommended that the individual continues with a rehab aftercare plan. The longer a person remains in treatment for marijuana addiction, the less likely they are to relapse.
Begin Detox for Marijuana in Los Angeles, California
Have you become dependent on using marijuana or know someone like that? Renewal Health Group provides detox for marijuana that includes support for both physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms that occur when someone stops using pot. We created several levels of care for marijuana addiction, including the all-important first step of going through detox. Our experienced staff of clinicians helps people learn to stop relying on marijuana usage and enjoy life on sober terms.
For more information, visit our admissions page now. We are happy to talk to you about how our program works and how quickly you can get started.
