Some people might say that marijuana is not addictive and that they can stop at any time. Yet, these individuals don’t quit using marijuana. Usually, this is because they are experiencing marijuana addiction and simply don’t want to admit or are ignorant of the fact.
Often, when people attempt to stop using a drug they have been abusing and have developed a dependence upon (addiction), they experience withdrawal symptoms. When it comes to marijuana addiction these withdrawal symptoms can include fatigue, lack of appetite, anxiety, cravings, and irritability. Furthermore, these symptoms can keep a person from ending their marijuana use. The discomfort of one or more of these symptoms can prompt them to return to marijuana use, sometimes even without a conscious decision to do so. Thus, individuals abusing marijuana, like any other substance abuse scenario, need professional help to overcome their addiction. Fortunately, Westwind Recovery® can help with our numerous programs and therapies.
Marijuana Addiction
It’s common for people to turn to drugs and alcohol because they induce an altered state and therefore provide an escape from their problems, emotional or physical pain, and stress. Some feelings are hard to bear, especially if they are intense, and particularly if a person feels that they cannot express those feelings for whatever reason. Smoking marijuana numbs people of their feelings. But sadly, it can also keep someone in the harmful cycle of repeatedly using the drug.
If someone were ready to put their marijuana use to an end, they might consider the following suggestions:
- Recognize that you’re going to experience withdrawal symptoms: Once you identify what your withdrawal symptoms are and what you can do about them, then the road ahead may not be as challenging. You’ll have an idea of what to expect and how to handle it.
- Build motivation for staying clean: Make a list of the reasons why you want to quit. They may be things like you want to be able to focus more or you want to develop closer and healthier relationships with your family. Knowing why you’re quitting can help to say no to urges and cravings.
- Recognize that cravings will be a part of your recovery: Again, if you know what you’re up against, and especially if you’re prepared with tools for facing cravings, then the road to recovery will be smoother than you think. However, it’s important to have a list of ready tools to use in order to curb cravings when they arise.
Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
Getting over marijuana addiction requires paying attention to your thoughts and feelings. The inner experience is most often what triggers a person to use drugs or alcohol. By paying attention to your thoughts and feelings, you might be able to identify the thought or the emotion that caused a reach for marijuana. You can manage drug-seeking behaviors by being an observer of your thoughts and feelings. At Westwind Recovery®, we offer several therapeutic services to support individuals as they overcome their addiction such as:
- Adventure Therapy Program
- Art Therapy
- Family Therapy Program
- Life Skills Training Program
- Music Therapy Program
These therapies and more help individuals develop healthy lifestyles. However, it does take time to develop. But, if you can eat well, sleep on a regular schedule, and exercise regularly, you may notice this helping with your overall emotional and psychological health. In contrast, sleep, healthy eating, and exercise often go out the window with regular use of substances. If you’d like to get clean, work on changing your lifestyle habits that support health and happiness.
Westwind Recovery®
These are suggestions for finally ending an addiction to marijuana. However, keep in mind that most people cannot end addiction on their own. Thus, Westwind Recovery® is here to provide support and resources to help individuals heal and recover. Denial and the repeated avoidance of emotional or physical pain can contribute to a cycle of addiction, which often requires the help of professionals to overcome. So contact us today to begin your journey to recovery at 855.340.8832.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
