Is Marijuana Rehab Really Necessary?
For those who fall victim to marijuana addiction, rehab can be necessary.
Much like any other addictive drug, sooner or later marijuana users start to notice the effects of the drug in their lives. For many long-time users, attempts to stop using have been met with failure and frustration. Once a person loses the ability to stop using on his or her own, the drug has essentially taken over.
Considering the back and forth debate surrounding recreational marijuana use, it’s no wonder so many question the need for marijuana rehab. Mixed messages and changing laws can only work to strengthen a person’s resolve to continue using. The truth of matter is it’s hard to ignore the negative effects of the drug once they start to affect a person’s life.
Marijuana rehab helps users take back control of their lives from the effects of addiction. For people unable to stop using the drug, marijuana rehab provides the type of structure and guidance needed to overcome the drug’s effects and eliminate it from their lives.
Marijuana Addictions
Marijuana addiction takes place in the brain, just like any other type of addiction. While the drug’s effects on brain chemical processes account for the euphoria and calm users experience, these effects also alter brain functions and brain structures when used on a regular basis.
According to Vanderbilt University, marijuana’s effects interfere with the brain’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a central role in coordinating brain and body processes. Long-term marijuana use weakens this system leaving users in a state of physiological and psychological imbalance.
Signs of Addiction
Over time, marijuana has a cumulative effect on brain functions. This means, the longer a person uses the greater the damage to brain and body processes.
According to the Rochester Institute of Technology, by the time a person enters marijuana rehab, the signs of addiction have become glaringly obvious, some of which include:
- Decline in personal appearance
- Damaged relationships
- Problems on the job or losing a job
- Financial difficulties
- Persistent drug cravings
- Uncomfortable withdrawal effects
Besides the persistent drug cravings, worsening withdrawal symptoms account for why so many people have difficulty breaking a marijuana addiction.
Changes in Thinking & Behavior
While ongoing marijuana use does lead to physical dependency, addiction doesn’t set in until the mind becomes dependent on marijuana’s effects. As users come to believe they need the drug to cope with everyday life, drug-centered behaviors, habits and routines start to take over their lives.
Marijuana rehab helps a person overcome both the physical and psychological effects of addiction. Helping addicts develop drug-free lifestyles becomes a central focus in marijuana rehab programs.
The Need for Marijuana Rehab
Stopping marijuana use is an unavoidable first step towards eliminating the drug from your life. Someone who’s made multiple failed attempts to stop using risks causing even further damage to vital brain functions in the absence of needed marijuana rehab treatment.
In effect, the longer a person continues to use the harder it will be to stop using once the decision is made. As withdrawal effects worsen, drug cravings only grow stronger. Meanwhile, brain chemical functions skew further and further off balance.
When all is said and done, marijuana rehab only becomes necessary in cases where a person is unable to stop using.
