MARIJUANA REHAB IN IDAHO

Cannabis, also known as marijuana (depending on the part of the cannabis sativa plant being used), is a psychoactive drug made from the dried flowers of the cannabis sativa plant. Native to Central America and South Asia, this plant has been used as a drug for both recreational and medicinal purposes and in various traditional medicines for centuries. Marijuana is the most commonly used federally illegal drug in the United States.

The cannabis plant contains more than 100 compounds, or cannabinoids. These compounds include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is impairing or mind-altering, as well as over 400 other active compounds, such as cannabidiol (CBD). The mind-altering chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC is what makes it an addictive substance.

Marijuana users may experience a wide range of health effects on the body and brain, and many find it a holistic treatment for mental illness. Many individuals also use cannabis products to treat chronic pain, and marijuana has proven effective in helping with coping with various illnesses.

Street names for marijuana include:

• Weed
• Pot
• Grass
• Ganja
• Mary Jane
• Reefer
• Dope

The effects of using cannabis products vary depending on the person. When smoking marijuana, the THC passes from the lungs to the bloodstream in a matter of minutes, depending on the form of cannabis consumed. It can take 45 minutes to an hour to start feeling the effects when consumed as an edible. However this is highly dependent on the individual’s experience with cannabis, and better outcomes may result by avoiding high doses with untested methods.

FORMS OF MARIJUANA

Marijuana comes in a variety of forms, including:

• Flower
• Kief (pre-sifted flower trichomes)
• Rolled joints
• Edibles
• Hash oil
• Wax or shatter (which may contain other chemicals)

Smoking or vaporizing marijuana is a popular form of consumption. However, the chemical compounds of cannabis are metabolized very differently by consumption method. Individuals accustomed to one method of ingestion may be negatively affected when trying a different one, whether or not they have a weed addiction.

Studies are ongoing about the use of medical marijuana to treat various illnesses. While the FDA has approved the use of cannabinoids in some medications, they have not approved the marijuana plant for medical use. The drug is considered legalized in some states, but still an illicit drug in others.

Marijuana addiction also known as cannabis use disorder is a highly debated topic. While many people don’t think you can become addicted to marijuana, research shows approximately 9% of users develop a marijuana use disorder. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that 1 in 11 people who use marijuana become addicted.

IS MARIJUANA A GATEWAY DRUG?

Due to a perceived propensity to experiment with other forms of drug abuse after consuming marijuana, weed has been given the moniker “gateway drug.” But this largely depends on personal inclinations toward both drug use and addiction. After starting to use cannabis, a person may find themselves running after the high it creates, although it can be challenging to accomplish. This may lead to increased use or experimentation with other substances.

MARIJUANA USE DISORDER VS MARIJUANA ADDICTION

While the addictive qualities of marijuana are debated, addiction happens when the brain changes sensitivity in the endocannabinoid system. Marijuana addiction is characterized by the inability to control how much a person uses. Like other drug addictions, marijuana addiction can negatively affect a person’s life. The physical dependence on the drug characterizes marijuana use disorder. It is more common than marijuana addiction.

Anyone can become addicted to marijuana. However, people develop different levels of dependence and addiction. A variety of factors increase a person’s risk of developing a weed addiction. These risk factors include:

• Legalization leads to a supportive environment: When marijuana is legal in one’s state, they may be encouraged to consume marijuana by people without knowledge of potential negative consequences.
• Family history of addiction: When a child has a parent or close family member struggling with addiction, it increases their risk of developing an addiction.
• Mental health disorders: People who struggle with mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia, are more likely to develop an addiction.

MARIJUANA ADDICTION STATISTICS

In 2021, 5.8% of all Americans 12 years old and older reported having a cannabis substance use disorder in the last year. This equates to about 16.3 million people.

According to Idaho law, marijuana is a Schedule 1 controlled substance. As a result, it is prohibited to use marijuana or sell it in Idaho for any reason. As with many other drugs, individuals may also suffer legal consequences for possession of cannabis plants or products

Common symptoms of marijuana withdrawal include:

• Nausea
• Tremors
• Panic attacks
• Anxiety
• Intestinal issues
• Irritability
• Depression
• Restlessness
• Cravings
• Weight loss
• Insomnia

MARIJUANA WITHDRAWAL TIMELINE

Withdrawal from marijuana typically lasts four to five days, depending on addiction severity and other factors such as co-occurring mental health issues and other drug use. However, the following is a general timeline for withdrawal symptoms. Dual diagnosis treatment in Idaho is necessary to recover from dependency and addiction.

• 24 hours after last use: General feelings of discomfort, including irritability and insomnia
• 2 to 3 days after last use: Withdrawal symptoms typically peak and may include sweating, chills, stomach pains, and intense cravings
• 4 to 5 days after last use: Most withdrawal symptoms have disappeared, but cravings and psychological symptoms such as anxiety may linger for weeks

It is important to note that THC can take a month or longer to exit the body. This is due to it being stored in fat cells as opposed to the bloodstream. CBD may provide some relief from detox symptoms, but this differs by person.

Our evidence-based treatment methods can help people at any stage of marijuana addiction. While treatment is not a cure, it can help you rebuild a life free from marijuana use. Depending on the level of addiction, a variety of treatment programs are available. These programs include:

• Medical detox
• Residential or inpatient rehab treatment
• Outpatient treatment
• Sober living
• Aftercare

People with a marijuana addiction often experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the drug. Some symptoms of withdrawal, such as cravings, can be challenging to overcome without the help of support groups or other resources.

The best way to successfully detox is through a medical detox program. Detoxification provides medical supervision and medication if needed to keep a person with substance abuse comfortable during withdrawals.

Marijuana use disorders exhibit similarities to other substance use disorders, although the long-term clinical outcomes may be less severe. Adults seeking treatment for marijuana use disorders typically have a history of daily marijuana use spanning over a decade and have made multiple unsuccessful attempts to quit. Individuals with marijuana use disorders, particularly adolescents, often experience comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders.

The FDA has not yet approved any medications for the treatment of marijuana use disorder; however, there is ongoing research in this field. Since sleep issues are a common symptom of marijuana withdrawal, some studies are investigating the effectiveness of sleep-aid medications.

Additionally, researchers are also exploring the effects of other substances such as FAAH inhibitors, which prevent the breakdown of the body’s cannabinoids. Research suggests that results may come from investigating allosteric modulators, substances that interact with cannabinoid receptors to inhibit the rewarding effects of THC.

Treatment should be comprehensive, encompassing the individual as a whole, and not solely focused on their cannabis use disorder. There are various alternatives accessible, such as medical detoxification, residential therapy, outpatient care, and post-treatment support, which can be tailored to accommodate the distinct requirements of each person. The following behavioral treatments have demonstrated promise: