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At Nexus, treatment for marijuana use disorder and addiction is monitored by healthcare professionals and therapists who specialize in addiction medicine and recovery.
What Does a Customize Treatment Plan Entail?
While every treatment plan will be different, our clients recovering from marijuana addiction will have access to:
- Individual Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Family Therapy
- 12-Step Groups
- 12-Step Alternatives
- Medication Monitoring
- Life Skills Coaching
- Spiritual Guidance
- Mindfulness Activities
- Group Outings
- Health and Fitness Education
- Peer Mentorship Program
- And More
We provide a safe and comfortable environment that allows clients to focus on their individual recovery process, while our clinical team provides tools and support to help clients achieve and maintain sobriety.
Each client receives a customized treatment pla based on their individual needs and future goals. This treatment plan is revisited and updated on a weekly basis by members of our clinical team based on the respective client’s progress and feedback. Our goal is always to provide each client with the support they need to maintain life-long sobriety long after they leave our care.
“I have great respect for Nexus Recovery and its associated leadership. I believe in their mission to provide ethical treatment and attention to clinical detail. I have seen many lives come in the door broken and exit with purpose, I am one of them.”
Signs of Marijuana Addiction
Given that marijuana is becoming more commonplace in our society and is even legal to use recreationally in some states, how do you know when marijuana use has become a problem? According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse or NIDA, marijuana use disorder is associated with psychological and physical dependence, i.e. needing the drug to feel “normal” or experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug. If you are concerned about potential marijuana addiction for you or a loved one, consider these warning signs:
- Marijuana or it’s after-effects frequently interferes with work, school, or home-life
- Experiencing frequent marijuana cravings—feeling the need or urge to have it in to feel normal
- Compromising relationships with family and friends due to marijuana use
- Giving up extracurricular activities in order to use marijuana
- Putting yourself or others at risk while under the influence of marijuana
- Trying to cut down or stop use of marijuana, but can’t
- Building a tolerance to marijuana—needing to have more to get the same e!ects
- Experiencing financial or legal problems due to marijuana use
- Lying about or becoming defensive when asked about marijuana use
Long-Term Effects of Marijuana Abuse
In addition to the short-term health, financial, and familial problems that can occur due to marijuana addiction, abuse of this drug can have several long-terms effects, as well. These may include:
- Respiratory issues from smoking
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Increased risk for heart attack, especially in older adults
- Child development issues if used during and after pregnancy
Marijuana Addiction Treatment
Marijuana is considered the most abused drug in the U.S, and is particularly popular amongst teens and young adults.
Some states have legalized marijuana for medicinal and/or recreational use and there is still great debate over whether or not marijuana should be considered an addictive substance.
According to NIDA, marijuana use can lead to the development of marijuana use disorder, which in severe cases, may lead to addiction. This is particularly problematic amongst adolescents, as data suggests that those who use marijuana before the age of 18 are four to seven times more likely to develop marijuana use disorder. Marijuana is also known as “the gateway drug” as many who went on to develop addictions to other substances used marijuana initially. Research suggests that cannabis can prime the brain for enhanced responses to other drugs.
Marijuana can be consumed in many ways including, but not limited to, smoking, ingesting edibles, vaping, and pills. Marijuana users are typically seeking the effects of THC. THC is the main psychoactive chemical in marijuana that stimulates the brain to release dopamine, which creates a euphoric state. Over the years, marijuana has become more potent, meaning the THC content of the drug has become higher. Ingesting high doses of THC has been linked to negative side effects such as panic attacks or psychosis, and can even result in overdose.
If you or a loved one is continuing to use marijuana in spite of any negative physical or psychological symptoms, or feels unable to stop using the drug, it may be time to consider treatment
Detox & Withdrawal
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood Swings
- Irritability
- Loss of Appetite
- Abdominal Pain
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Shakiness or Tremors
- Night Sweats
- Nightmares or Vivid Dreams
Marijuana withdrawal symptoms tend to begin within the first three days after the individual has stopped using. Symptoms usually peak within the first week and then taper off within two weeks. Some people, however, have reported insomnia and trouble sleeping anywhere from 30 to 90 days after marijuana cessation.
Unlike some other drugs, detoxing from marijuana is not likely to cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Consequently, medical supervision may not be required during the detox process. However, some individuals may prefer to undergo withdrawal in a detox facility with medical support. Physicians may prescribe medication to help make the detox process more comfortable while other support staff can provide supervision and round-the-clock care. Certain individuals, such as those with a history of depression or suicidal thoughts, should undergo detox with medical supervision. For the safety of you or your loved one, we always recommend speaking to a physician about detoxing before beginning the process.
Inpatient Versus Outpatient Treatment
After detox is complete, most individuals need to enter some form of drug treatment program.
When it comes to treatment for marijuana use disorder and addiction, individuals may have the choice between inpatient or outpatient programs. In an inpatient treatment program, those struggling with marijuana addiction will live on-site, participate in programming at the facility, and typically have 24-hour supervision. In an outpatient treatment program, such as Nexus, individuals will attend treatment at the facility during the day and then return home in the evening.
Many individuals struggling with addiction, especially if it is long-term or severe, will begin treatment in an inpatient facility and then transition to an outpatient program. However, this is not always the case, as some individuals may not require such an intensive level of care or may not be able to leave their families or place of employment for an extended period of time.
At Nexus, our trusted recovery advisors can help determine if our outpatient program is the best fit for you or your loved one at this time.
Ongoing Treatment
For many Individuals recovering from marijuana addiction, completing a formal treatment program is only the first step on the road to recovery.
In fact, the majority of people recovering from drug addiction require ongoing treatment and support to maintain their sobriety. There are several ways that people can participate in ongoing treatment after completing a drug treatment program. For marijuana users, some examples include:
- 12-Step Groups, such as Marijuana Anonymous
- SMART Recovery, for a Non-12 Step approach
- Alumni Programs, like the one at Nexus
- Sober Mentoring
- Sober Housing
Support for Friends & Families
Marijuana addiction does not only affect the individual struggling with it.
In fact, friends and family members of those suffering from marijuana addiction often need emotional support to heal from the situation and learn how to properly support the person in recovery. Just like there are many resources for those struggling with addiction, there are several options for friend and family members who feel they need additional support during this time. Some examples include:
- Mar-Anon
- SMART Recovery Friends & Family
