Marijuana Addiction Treatment In Pasadena

How Is Marijuana Addictive?

There is significant controversy surrounding whether or not marijuana is addictive, especially as it becomes legalized in certain states across the country. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has classified marijuana as a Schedule I Substance, which are defined as “drugs, substances, or chemicals…with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” An addiction occurs when an individual’s body becomes more accustomed to functioning with the presence of the foreign substance (e.g. marijuana) in its system than without. When the substance is absent from one’s system it will physiologically react and withdrawal symptoms will ensue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in ten marijuana users over the age of eighteen will become addicted, and affects younger people even more, as one in six marijuana users under the age of eighteen will become addicted. 

Signs and Symptoms of a Marijuana Addiction

Every individual is different and each has the propensity to react to marijuana abuse distinctly. There are, however, several widely known signs and symptoms that could be indicative of marijuana abuse. The National Institute on Drug Abuse provide the following examples:

• Swollen eyelids
• Dry mouth
• Bloodshot eyes
• Relaxation
• Increased appetite
• Heightened body sensations
• Stimulation
• Loss of coordination
• Distorted perception
• Increased heart rate
• Impaired memory
• Foggy thinking
• Decreased problem solving abilities

The frequency of use, whether or not an individual is abusing other substances simultaneously, as well as the individual’s personal health history can also contribute to the far-ranging effects of marijuana abuse. 

The Treatment Process

The first step of treatment for marijuana abuse and/ or addiction is to go through detox. Detox is the process that rids one’s body of all foreign substances. After an individual has successfully completed the detox process attending a formal substance abuse and/ or addition treatment program is recommended. High quality substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment programs provide its participants with tailored treatment plans. Depending on one’s needs, these treatment plans include a wide variety of distinct therapeutic modalities, some of which could include any combination of: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), psychodynamic psychotherapy, interpersonal therapy (IPT), mindfulness-based therapy, creative arts therapies, and more. Any individual that successfully completes a substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program will leave with an aftercare plan. An aftercare plan is a co creation between the individual and his or her clinical treatment team that is developed during treatment. It is personalized document that acts as a resource with which to refer after one’s treatment program is completed that is filled with suggestions and guidance to help with continued sober success. 

Why Choose Annandale in Pasadena?

Annandale Behavioral Health is a private wellness center located in the beautiful hills of Pasadena, CA. Our center provides the ideal environment for guests to reconnect with nature while receiving premium and personalized treatment. At Annandale, we honor each person’s individuality and have a core belief that everyone is capable of achieving true wellness. We understand that in order to heal, every person in recovery deeply benefits from a customized and tailored treatment plan, which we carefully develop for each of our guests. Our multidisciplinary clinical team is made up of highly regarded psychiatrists, physicians, therapists, nursing, and support staff.

Annandale Behavioral Health offers a full continuum of care, including medically supervised detox, stabilization, residential treatment, and aftercare services. We are here to support you every step of the way to help you learn how to lead a healthy, authentic, and fulfilling life that both promotes and supports true wellness.

If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one in regards to mental illness, substance abuse, and/ or addiction, please do not hesitate to reach out for guidance. Our admissions team is available to answer any general questions regarding substance abuse, addiction, mental health issues, treatment, and/or specific questions about our program here at Annandale Behavioral Health. We welcome the opportunity to discuss how we might best be able to help you or your loved one in the recovery process. Feel free to reach us by phone at 855-778-8668 or through our contact form. We look forward to supporting you on your journey.