Transitioning from Medical Marijuana to Addiction Treatment

Medical marijuana is now legal in many states and is used to treat a variety of conditions. However, marijuana has the potential to be addictive, which means that some people have to find alternative treatments. Once someone has become addicted to marijuana, addiction treatment may be necessary.

What Is Medical Marijuana?

Marijuana is a drug derived from the dried leaves, flowers, and stems of Cannabis plants. It comes in various forms and can be consumed by smoking, vaping, or eating foods infused with brewed marijuana. Cannabis plants contain cannabinoids, including CBD and THC. THC is what produces the high that users get.

Marijuana is classified as a Schedule 1 drug, which means that it’s considered to have no medical uses and a high potential for misuse. This classification is highly controversial because scientific evidence suggests that it does have legitimate medical uses.

Medical marijuana refers to the use of the cannabis plant to help manage medical symptoms or conditions. Doctors may recommend medical marijuana to help relieve symptoms like chronic pain, nausea and vomiting, muscle spasms, seizure disorders, and loss of appetite from certain medical conditions. Unlike recreational marijuana, medical marijuana is typically regulated, with controlled dosing, product labeling, and legal requirements.

Medical Marijuana and Addiction

You can become addicted to marijuana through repeated exposure to THC, which affects the brain’s reward systems. When you use marijuana regularly, especially in forms with higher THC levels, the brain can begin to rely on THC to release dopamine, the chemical associated with pleasure. Over time, this can lead to tolerance, meaning more marijuana is needed to achieve the same effects. Some people develop cravings for marijuana and find it difficult to cut back despite negative consequences.

Keep in mind that not everyone taking medical marijuana will develop an addiction. It’s estimated that about 30% of people who use marijuana will become addicted.

Signs of Medical Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana addiction is formally known as cannabis use disorder. While only a professional can formally diagnose cannabis use disorder, the clinical definition specifies 11 criteria that indicate the disorder.

1. Using more marijuana than intended or for longer than intended
2. Wanting to reduce or stop marijuana use but not being able to
3. Spending excessive amounts of time using marijuana or recovering from using
4. Feeling cravings for marijuana
5. Failing to live up to responsibilities due to marijuana use
6. Having relationship problems because of marijuana use
7. Giving up activities that you enjoy in order to use marijuana instead
8. Engaging in risky behaviors like driving while under the influence
9. Continuing to use marijuana in spite of negative consequences like health issues
10. Needing more marijuana to get the same effects
11. Having withdrawal symptoms when you are not using marijuana

Having two to three of these symptoms indicates a mild cannabis use disorder, four to five is considered moderate, while six or more is severe.

Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms

Marijuana withdrawal is generally not dangerous, and not everyone has withdrawal symptoms. However, some people may have symptoms that include:

• Irritability
• Anger or aggression
• Anxiety
• Decreased appetite
• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting

Transitioning to Alternative Treatments

If you think that you are addicted to medical marijuana and need addiction treatment, your first step should be to talk to your health care provider about alternative treatments for the condition medical marijuana was treating. This ensures that you are getting appropriate treatment for your medical condition when you start addiction treatment.

For example, if you’ve been using marijuana to treat chronic pain, your doctor may prescribe other medications like anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids. In addiction treatment, those medications will still be given to you so that your pain is controlled.

Medical Marijuana Addiction Treatment

Marijuana addiction treatment may be inpatient, outpatient, or both, depending on the severity of the addiction.

Inpatient Treatment

An inpatient treatment program includes a period of detox, during which you are kept as comfortable as possible through your withdrawal period, and intensive therapy.

In treatment, most of your time will be spent in group therapy. Group therapy is crucial to the treatment process, giving you the opportunity to share your feelings and questions, to learn, and to interact with peers.

The type of therapy most commonly used in cannabis use disorder treatment, is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). In CBT you’ll learn to recognize your irrational thoughts and negative emotions and to challenge them using more rational, positive thinking. You’ll also learn healthy coping skills to face challenges without marijuana.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment programs usually come in two structures.

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) allows you to live at home while attending treatment for four to six hours per day, five days a week. The program may last anywhere from four to ten weeks. The treatment involves therapy similar to that of inpatient treatment.

A PHP program is often a transitional treatment that occurs after inpatient treatment, although it can be an alternative to inpatient treatment.

The other option is an intensive outpatient program (IOP), which involves two to three hours of therapy three days a week for eight to twelve weeks. Often, treatment sessions are in the evenings so that you can still go to work or school during the day.

IOPs can be standalone treatments, or they can be attended after inpatient treatment, a PHP, or both.

Comprehensive Treatment

The most effective treatment for cannabis use disorders, particularly if they are severe, is a comprehensive treatment program that involves an inpatient program, a PHP, and an IOP. Research shows that success rates increase the longer people remain in treatment.

Often, people find it helpful to attend support group meetings after treatment. Recovery is a lifelong process, and support groups give you an opportunity to meet peers and form mutually supportive relationships.

In Closing

Medical marijuana has many legitimate uses, but it comes with a risk of addiction. Before seeking addiction treatment, you should speak with your doctor about alternatives to medical marijuana for your medical condition.

If you are ready for marijuana addiction treatment, Bridges of Hope is here to help. We offer several treatment options and are committed to providing personalized, compassionate care so that you can begin your recovery journey. Give us a call today to learn more.