Has your marijuana use gotten out of your control? Do you only feel fully functional when you are high? Are you having trouble setting and sticking to limits? If you are in this position, you definitely have a dependence on the drug and you may even be grappling with an addiction. The first step you will need to take is to stop using marijuana. If you feel that is easier said than done, you would benefit from professional detox.
Detox programs guide you from a state where you are high or have remaining marijuana in your system to a state that is totally free of drugs and alcohol. You can try to do this on your own. Certainly, if you are a light to moderate user it’s worth attempting an independent, at-home detox. But, heavier users will face more negative side effects than lighter users, and these can swiftly lead to relapse.
There are actually multiple benefits of professional detox that aren’t available to independent detoxers. What follows is a brief discussion of detox, withdrawal, and assorted benefits of structured, qualified detoxification from marijuana. You are encouraged to keep researching before making a decision.
Detox
The familiar part of detox will be the process of ridding your body of drugs and alcohol. You have heard of juice cleanses and yoga detoxes. The basic principles are the same: implement effective methods to remove toxins. But, drug detox is founded in empirical medical science.
You may be less familiar with the other two components of detox: assessment and fostering a transition to additional treatment. You will begin detox with a thorough psychological evaluation that also incorporates details of your social situation. These findings are what is used to develop your individual treatment plan. The last stage is designed to help you seamlessly move from detox to professional drug treatment.
You know that it is what helps you with withdrawal, but that is only part of it. There are actually 2 other stages: assessment and fostering a transition to further treatment. The initial assessment allows the detox to develop a treatment plan and the final stage helps you get prepared to seek help that can support you in your future marijuana abstinence. Neither of these stages is offered outside of professional detox and that means you won’t be receiving all of the care you could be.
You won’t get a full detox if you do it at home and it is important to remember that detox isn’t a replacement for treatment. So, without help making the transition between the two, your recovery may stall or you may relapse.
Withdrawal
During the active detox, you will experience withdrawal symptoms. The goal of professional detox is to alleviate discomfort and support you during this time.
Detox programs guide you from a state where you are high or have remaining marijuana in your system to a state that is totally free of drugs and alcohol. You can try to do this on your own. Certainly, if you are a light to moderate user it’s worth attempting an independent, at-home detox. But, heavier users will face more negative side effects than lighter users, and these can swiftly lead to relapse.
There are actually multiple benefits of professional detox that aren’t available to independent detoxers. What follows is a brief discussion of detox, withdrawal, and assorted benefits of structured, qualified detoxification from marijuana. You are encouraged to keep researching before making a decision.
Detox
The familiar part of detox will be the process of ridding your body of drugs and alcohol. You have heard of juice cleanses and yoga detoxes. The basic principles are the same: implement effective methods to remove toxins. But, drug detox is founded in empirical medical science.
You may be less familiar with the other two components of detox: assessment and fostering a transition to additional treatment. You will begin detox with a thorough psychological evaluation that also incorporates details of your social situation. These findings are what is used to develop your individual treatment plan. The last stage is designed to help you seamlessly move from detox to professional drug treatment.
You know that it is what helps you with withdrawal, but that is only part of it. There are actually 2 other stages: assessment and fostering a transition to further treatment. The initial assessment allows the detox to develop a treatment plan and the final stage helps you get prepared to seek help that can support you in your future marijuana abstinence. Neither of these stages is offered outside of professional detox and that means you won’t be receiving all of the care you could be.
You won’t get a full detox if you do it at home and it is important to remember that detox isn’t a replacement for treatment. So, without help making the transition between the two, your recovery may stall or you may relapse.
Withdrawal
During the active detox, you will experience withdrawal symptoms. The goal of professional detox is to alleviate discomfort and support you during this time.
Withdrawals will begin within 24 hours of your last marijuana use. It is triggered by an absence of THC in your system.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) identifies the following routine side effects of withdrawal:
You may also suffer:
Medication-Assisted Treatment
There are no medications specifically endorsed for marijuana treatment like there are for alcohol and opiates. However, clinicians may prescribe medications aimed as specific symptoms of withdrawal. You may receive Trazadone to help with your sleep or Buspirone to ease generalized anxiety.
Education
It may seem impossible, but becoming educated about withdrawal has been proven to ease the symptoms, keep you engaged in detox, and increase your chances of continuing treatment. SAMHSA literature states: “Providing information concerning withdrawal symptoms may reduce discomfort and the likelihood the individual will leave detoxification prematurely.”
Dual Diagnosis
During the assessment stage of professional detox, your clinicians will be screening for a dual diagnosis, the presence of an additional psychological diagnosis in addiction to addiction. Research published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Substance Abuse reported among those who entered marijuana addiction treatment:
Professional detox will ensure that your conditions don’t negatively impact one another during detox. Treatment will be safe and applicable to both. This isn’t something you can manage independently because most people lack the education and experience to do so.
You may not feel that you need professional detox and that is your decision. However, it is worth considering the benefits it offers. Make the choice that works best in your situation.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) identifies the following routine side effects of withdrawal:
- Anxiety
- Change in appetite
- Restlessness
- Depression
- Aggression
- Agitation
- Trouble sleeping: insomnia nightmares, vivid dreams
You may also suffer:
- Elevated heart rate
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Tremors
- Sweating
Medication-Assisted Treatment
There are no medications specifically endorsed for marijuana treatment like there are for alcohol and opiates. However, clinicians may prescribe medications aimed as specific symptoms of withdrawal. You may receive Trazadone to help with your sleep or Buspirone to ease generalized anxiety.
Education
It may seem impossible, but becoming educated about withdrawal has been proven to ease the symptoms, keep you engaged in detox, and increase your chances of continuing treatment. SAMHSA literature states: “Providing information concerning withdrawal symptoms may reduce discomfort and the likelihood the individual will leave detoxification prematurely.”
Dual Diagnosis
During the assessment stage of professional detox, your clinicians will be screening for a dual diagnosis, the presence of an additional psychological diagnosis in addiction to addiction. Research published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Substance Abuse reported among those who entered marijuana addiction treatment:
- 28.8% were diagnosed with anxiety disorders
- 37.7% were diagnosed with depression
- 74% were diagnosed with conduct disorder
- 77% were diagnosed with ADHD
Professional detox will ensure that your conditions don’t negatively impact one another during detox. Treatment will be safe and applicable to both. This isn’t something you can manage independently because most people lack the education and experience to do so.
You may not feel that you need professional detox and that is your decision. However, it is worth considering the benefits it offers. Make the choice that works best in your situation.