MARIJUANA ADDICTION TREATMENT IN IDAHO

Marijuana, also known as Cannabis among other names, is a psychoactive drug from the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the sativa plant. Native to Central or South Asia, this plant has been used as a drug for both recreational and entheogenic purposes and in various traditional medicines for centuries. Marijuana is the most commonly used federally illegal drug in the United States. Marijuana users may experience a wide range of health effects on the body and brain.

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. Street names for marijuana include:

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

The effects of marijuana use vary depending on the person. When smoking marijuana, the THC passes from the lungs to the bloodstream very quickly. It can take 45 minutes to an hour to start feeling the effects when consumed as an edible.

FORMS OF MARIJUANA

Marijuana comes in a variety of forms, including:

• Joints
• Edibles
• Hash oil
• Wax or budder
• Shatter

Dabbing is becoming an increasingly popular way to use marijuana. However, it is highly concentrated, and the mode of use can cause bodily injury.

Marijuana is one of the most abused drugs in the world. In the United States, marijuana abuse is widespread. Additionally, the belief that marijuana is dangerous is decreasing, leading more teens to use the drug, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

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 1 in 11 people who use marijuana become addicted.

IS MARIJUANA A GATEWAY DRUG?

​​Due to users’ propensity to experiment with other drugs after consuming marijuana, it has been given the moniker “gateway drug.” But there is a valid basis for this designation. After starting to use it, a person finds themselves running after the high it creates, although it can be challenging to accomplish.

MARIJUANA USE DISORDER VS MARIJUANA ADDICTION

The physical dependence on the drug characterizes marijuana use disorder. It is more common than 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.

Anyone can develop a marijuana addiction. However, people develop different levels of dependence and addiction. A variety of factors increase a person’s risk of developing a substance abuse problem. These risk factors include:

• A lack of family involvement – When parents and family members are not involved in a child’s life, it increases their risk of developing a substance use disorder.
• 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

Last year, 5.5 million youth and young adults had a cannabis use disorder in the United States. Idaho ranks 29th for marijuana use. According to the Idaho Office of Drug Policy, in the past year, 15.9% of individuals ages 12 and older used marijuana.

While that is a high percentage, it is lower than the national average of 17.7%. As a result, 1 in 6 young adults who use marijuana become addicted to the drug or develop a marijuana use disorder.

According to the Restricted Substances Act and 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.

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 marijuana addiction, a variety of treatment programs are available. These programs include:

• Medical detox
• Residential or Inpatient treatment
• Outpatient treatment
• Sober living
• Aftercare

People with a marijuana addiction often experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the drug. Sometimes withdrawal symptoms such as cravings can be challenging to overcome, causing a person to relapse.

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.

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, anxiety, and insomnia
• 2 to 3 days after the previous 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

Once medical detox is complete, it is time to transition to marijuana addiction treatment.

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.

They may also engage in the use or addiction of other substances like cocaine or alcohol. Available research suggests that effectively addressing the mental health disorder using standard treatments involving medications and behavioral therapies may help reduce marijuana use, especially among heavy users and those with chronic mental 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 and may help reduce withdrawal symptoms. Future research will focus on 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: