According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), and other sources, marijuana is the reason for the increased rates of illicit drug abuse in the United States. Hence, this is why it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of marijuana addiction. After recognizing the signs, someone can attend a marijuana detox program before possibly using more dangerous drugs.

The drug is the most popularly and widespread among teens, adolescents, and young adults. Consequently, an estimated 43.5 million aged 12 and older are addicted to marijuana, followed by prescription painkillers and inhalants.

young woman upset as she begins a marijuana detox program in los angeles

Studies suggest medicinal and recreational marijuana use continues to be on the rise. This is due to its extreme accessibility. Another factor includes its legalization in some states. As a result, excessive marijuana use can lead to dependence and addiction. Therefore, marijuana dependence and addiction require professional treatment to recover.

Treatment for marijuana addiction is similar to the protocol for managing addiction to alcohol and drug abuse. Evidence-based therapy services such as 12-Step programs and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for instance have proven to be effective addiction treatment options. In addition, medication-assisted detox, addiction treatment programs, and other well-known scientifically advanced approaches have been helpful.

Each treatment works best depending on each individual’s situation and needs. A variety of other services can also help to put individuals back on the right track. Hence, a drug detox program is ideal for people who are looking to comfortably detox from marijuana.

What is Marijuana?

Marijuana, also known as cannabis or weed is the most commonly used illicit drug around the world. The Federal Government classifies the drug as a Schedule I. This means it is a controlled substance that presents a high risk for abuse and has no medicinal purposes.

However, several states have in recent years legalized marijuana for recreational use and medicinal use to treat certain medical conditions. Marijuana is a psychoactive substance, which affects receptors in the brain. Thus, it causes major mood and behavioral-altering side effects.

Effects of Marijuana

Marijuana is most commonly smoked through pipes or as hand-rolled joints. Vaporizers are another way of consuming marijuana. In addition, many recipes show users how to mix marijuana into baked goods or into tea.

Moreover, one can feel the effects of marijuana. This occurs when THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, enters the bloodstream. After entering the bloodstream, it makes its way into the brain.

The symptoms of a marijuana high can include:

  • Relaxation
  • Feeling giddy or humorous
  • A different sense of time
  • Increased senses
  • Mood changes
  • Decreased body movement
  • Impaired thinking and memory

The effects of marijuana usually kick in 30 minutes after ingesting it. These effects can last up to a few hours at a time. When consuming too much marijuana, hallucinations, delusions, and even psychosis can occur.

When used by adolescents, marijuana can impair thinking, memory, and certain learning functions that form connections in the brain. Researchers continue to explore whether marijuana causes sustained long-term damage in users. However, these researchers have already observed instances of lowered IQ in adults who have used marijuana since adolescence. Luckily, much of the brain fog caused by marijuana use can be reversed. This is why it is imperative to seek a detox center near you for weed addiction.

Signs and Symptoms of Marijuana Abuse

There are various signs and symptoms of marijuana abuse but they commonly vary from person to person. The main signs of marijuana addiction are long-term as they commonly are a physiological reaction to detox called withdrawal. They usually arise 1 week after not using the drug.

Signs and symptoms of marijuana abuse include the following:

  • Distorted perceptions
  • Impaired movements and coordination
  • Difficulty in making decisions
  • The ability to think and problem solve is distorted
  • Effects on behavior, thinking, and perception
  • Problems with learning and remembering things
  • Paranoia

Other signs of marijuana abuse and addiction include:

  • Red bloodshot eyes
  • Slow reaction times
  • Physical symptoms (abdominal pain, shakiness, tremors, sweating, fever, chills, headache)
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Irritability, anger, and aggression
  • Nervousness, anxiety, depression
  • Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
  • Decreased appetite or weight loss
  • Restlessness

Marijuana Detox + Withdrawal Timeline

While not deadly (except for in extremely rare circumstances), marijuana detox can still be uncomfortable. Fortunately, however, help from a professional can be beneficial for those attempting a marijuana detox program.

Some commonly experienced symptoms of marijuana withdrawal include:

  • Irritability
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Decreased appetite
  • Mood changes
  • Restlessness, malaise, and difficulty focusing
  • Cravings for marijuana
  • Nausea
  • Depression
  • Abdominal pain

While symptoms surrounding marijuana detox are often unpredictable, research indicates there is an approximate withdrawal timeline. These symptoms usually begin within a week and peak within 10 days after the last use. Following this peak, symptoms begin a steady decline in severity over a period of 10 to 20 days.

Of course, the actual length and severity of symptoms of marijuana detox are related to the amount and frequency of marijuana use. For some, symptoms like lethargy, mild anxiety or depression, and intermittent marijuana cravings can last longer than 2 weeks. Thus those who begin smoking marijuana after even a long period of abstinence tend to quickly fall back into their old habits.

Man needing a marijuana detox program in Los Angeles

Can I Detox From Marijuana at Home?

Detoxing from marijuana at home is generally safe. Moreover, however, it is far more difficult without professional help and an effective marijuana detox program. Thus, people attempting marijuana detox from home often relapse. In addition, searching for a marijuana or weed detox “near me” may not be the best option considering the proximity to the location that is fueling your addiction.

What Happens During a Marijuana Detox Program?

Marijuana detox programs begin with an initial assessment of a person’s detox needs. An effective marijuana detox program features a team of medical professionals who can guide people through the most difficult stages of the detox process.

Keeping clients comfortable is a top priority during the process. If necessary, people can get medication to alleviate the more severe aspects of marijuana withdrawal. Last but not least, they will be monitored, in case any specific needs arise.

Begin Our Marijuana Detox Program Near Los Angeles, CA

Recovery from addiction to marijuana requires many of the same steps as recovery from any other addiction. Relationships still need to be repaired, and the ability to think clearly and reach goals must be rehabilitated.

If you or your loved one needs a marijuana detox program, our multidisciplinary team of medical professionals and addiction specialists are trained to help people recover from substance use disorder. We are here to help you get your life on track. Contact us today to begin your journey to recovery and long-term sobriety. If you are asking the question, “Where is a marijuana detox center near me”, our team can help with that too. Begin recovering today.