Marijuana

2nd Chance

Addiction Medicine & Psychiatrists located throughout the greater Phoenix, AZ area

Recent changes in state legislation across the United States have made marijuana more socially acceptable. However, like alcohol, people can become addicted to marijuana and develop behaviors that make it difficult to stop using. The experienced team at 2nd Chance throughout the greater Phoenix, Arizona area, offer treatment for marijuana addiction so you can get back to living a productive and happy life. For help with your marijuana addiction, call the office today or book online.

Marijuana Q & A

What is marijuana?

Marijuana refers to the dried flower of the Cannabis sativa plant. This flower contains various psychoactive chemicals that affect the brain, altering your consciousness and mood. The federal government classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug, similar to heroin or LSD.

More recently, marijuana was approved for medical purposes in several states, including Arizona. The drug is prescribed for treating many health conditions, including cancer, glaucoma, and multiple sclerosis. The mind-altering chemicals in marijuana help reduce pain, improve appetite, and relax muscles.

Is marijuana addicting?

Like any mind-altering drug, you can develop an addiction to marijuana. It’s estimated that 30% of those who use marijuana have some type of marijuana use disorder, which occurs when you develop withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the drug.

Common marijuana withdrawal symptoms include:

Irritability
Anxiety
Difficulty sleeping
Loss of appetite
Depression
Restlessness
Cravings

You are more likely to develop a marijuana use disorder if you start using the drug before age 18.

Your marijuana use disorder may morph into an addiction if you find yourself unable to stop using the drug, affecting your daily life and activities. You may also begin to show signs of an addiction if you need to use more to get the same effects.

What treatment can help my marijuana addiction?

Your specialist at 2nd Chance develops a personalized treatment plan to help you overcome your addiction to marijuana. While marijuana may not cause the same physical addiction like heroin or opioids, you can develop a powerful psychological addiction to it, similar to a gambling addiction.

Given the psychological effects of a marijuana addiction, your specialist may focus on behavioral therapy to help you recover. 2nd Chance is an outpatient addiction and recovery center where you can schedule ongoing treatment so you get the support you need. Your specialist may also provide education and resources to help you take control of your life and your addiction outside of your visits.

Marijuana may be more socially acceptable, but that doesn’t mean you can’t develop an addiction to the mind-altering drug. To learn more about the marijuana addiction treatment program at 2nd Chance, call the office today or book an appointment online.

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