Should You Go to Rehab for Cannabis Abuse?
The use of cannabis is prevalent throughout the country. And though this drug has been decriminalized in many areas, that is not to say that it cannot have problematic effects on some people.
Those who have developed heavy dependence on cannabis over their course of use may find it hard to quit without undergoing drug rehab and professional substance abuse treatment.
Is Cannabis Addictive?
There is a widespread belief that cannabis is natural and, is not bad for you. , though, addiction can still be harmful – physically, mentally, and even emotionally.
Long-term cannabis use has been linked to mental illness such temporary hallucinations, temporary paranoia, and worsening of symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. Those who have also started using cannabis at a young age may develop impaired thinking and learning abilities, as the drug can affect the areas of the brain that are necessary for these functions.
On the other hand, effects of cannabis include altered senses, altered sense of time, mood changes, delusions, impaired body movement, and difficulty with thinking and . If you have developed the tendency of driving while intoxicated, enrolling in a DUI class online will help you curb the habit.
“Marijuana use can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, a medical illness in which the person is unable to stop using even though it's causing health and social problems in their life.”
Should You Go to Rehab for Cannabis?
The short answer to this question is YES.
Cannabis may seem like a harmless herb if you only use it occasionally, but those who have been hooked know that it is a very powerful substance – and one that is very hard to give up at that. While it may not be physically addictive, it is easy to develop a mental dependency on the substance.
According to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - 5th Edition), published by the American Psychiatric Association, Cannabis Use Disorder is characterized by “a problematic pattern of cannabis use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress,” accompanied by at least two of the 11 criteria occurring in a 12 month period.
Quitting cannabis can be challenging but is entirely possible under the guidance of a recovery expert. Cannabis addiction treatment usually involves detoxification, cognitive-behavioral therapies, and counselling sessions.
Patients can choose whether to undergo:
Outpatient treatment – The patient continues to live at home and go to the treatment center daily or a few times a week for counselling and other day-treatment programs.
Residential or Inpatient treatment – lives in the rehab center during the course of the treatment.
Individual therapy – has regular individual sessions with the counselor.
Group counseling – atient joins therapy and counselling sessions with a group of people who are working to quit cannabis use
Why Some People Hesitate About Going to Rehab for Cannabis Abuse
There can be a range of explanations as to why people think twice about going to rehab even if they already have a problem controlling their cannabis use. Three of the most common reasons, however, are as follows:
They think they can quit on their own.
Since cannabis is legal in most areas around the country and thought to be much less addictive than other substances, users have this assumption that they can just drop it whenever they want to. The thing is, quitting it on your own can be a struggle, especially if you’ve been using it over a long period of time.
Even if you have already recognized the damage and have a strong will and determination to quit, you may find yourself relapsing after a few days despite your best intentions.
There is a stigma towards those who seek treatment for Cannabis.
We live in a society where people who are addicted to “substances” are demonized, that even those who are already trying to get better are still heavily judged. This experience can discourage many people from seeking professional help to manage their addiction problem.
Despite this cultural misunderstanding, though, cannabis dependence is still a very real problem with potentially dire consequences. The sooner you can get yourself professional help, the faster you can set yourself up for recovery.
Going to rehab can be expensive.
It’s true that getting treatment for cannabis can cost you. It’s also true that some programs are priced at hundreds or even thousands of dollars a day.
If it’s the “possible” cost of going to rehab that’s stopping you from seeking professional help, though, you’d be glad to know that there are plenty of centers around the country with much more accessible price points. Also, most rehabs offer financial aid, accept insurance or have financing options.
Importance of Getting Professional Help
Cannabis addiction is best treated in a dedicated treatment facility where patients have access to a safe and comfortable environment, and recovery experts can supervise them in dealing with the withdrawal effects of quitting.
Recovering from cannabis abuse requires patience, commitment, and the drive to get better, but you will also need the assistance of professional support to guide you through your journey and help you learn ways to break free from the drug for good.
