Attempting Marijuana Recovery Alone

Addiction recovery is not an individual endeavor. The psychological underpinnings of marijuana addiction are not obviousness to or identifiable by the user. Recovery is more complicated process than most users believe.

The Nature of Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana is one of very few intoxicating drugs that is minimally physically addictive. When users stop abusing marijuana they are not likely to experience any symptoms of physical withdrawal. This does not mean that marijuana is not addictive. Although there may not be physical dependency established, the risk for psychological addiction is high. Marijuana super-stimulates the pleasure center of the brain. The euphoric high blocks feelings of anxiety or stress, and the brain will crave this sensation regularly. Frequent marijuana use can leave a person unable to cope with the normal pressures of life without smoking pot. Previously important relationships, hobbies, hopes and dreams may all be muted by a growing dependency on the drug. Meaningful and healthy relationships are traded for shallow connections with fellow marijuana users. A cycle of dependency can easily develop, causing the user’s life to spiral out of control.

How Marijuana Recovery Works

When people decide to make marijuana a part of their past it is important that they not embark on that journey alone. One of the most important steps in lasting recovery is to admit you have a problem and that you need help dealing with it. It is common for marijuana users to believe they can handle their problem privately. This rarely works, as the following elements are necessary for a real and lasting recovery:

• Accountability. When people get help in their recovery process, there are others watching out for them and monitoring their drug use. With this kind of accountability and positive pressure to remain sober, relapse becomes less likely.
• Identification of underlying or co-occurring conditions. There are often underlying psychological conditions that render the user more susceptible to addiction. The individual may not even be aware of a mental health concern, but unless such an issue is diagnosed and treated, lasting recovery is unlikely. Dual Diagnosis treatment is a specialized approach that identifies and confronts co-occurring or underlying conditions that may be contributing to the addiction or undermining recovery.
• An understanding of the disease. A large part of long-term marijuana addiction recovery is related to learning about the disease and preparing for the temptations that will arise. The most effective rehab programs educate addicts about the disease of addiction, and then seek to empower addicts to reclaim their future while minimizing the risk of relapse or transferring to other substances like alcohol. Often this process proves useful in all areas of a person’s life including relationships, stress-management, personal discipline and motivation for excellence.

Get Help with Marijuana Recovery Today

If you are struggling with marijuana addiction, we can help. Call our 24 hour toll-free helpline, and our counselors will answer any questions you may have. We can help you find the best recovery program for you and even confirm insurance coverage for treatment. Don’t start your journey to recovery alone. Call us today and start off with the help you need to make a lasting change in your life.