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Marijuana is one of the most popular but divisive psychoactive substances in the world. Weed’s popularity in Canada has increased steadily since its legalization for recreational and medicinal use in 2018. 27% of Canadians aged 16 and older reported using the herb in 2022, an increase from 25% in 2021. The term “marijuana” refers to the dried leaves, seeds, flowers, and stems of the cannabis plant.
Marijuana is typically ingested by smoking in joints (like a cigarette), in bongs (pipes or water pipes), or in blunts (cigar wrappers refilled with marijuana). It may also be mixed with foods (edibles) or infused into tea and other drinks. Like other similar substances, marijuana alters the brain through the action of its active constituent – tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is a powerful chemical that manipulates brain receptors to produce sensations of relaxation and bliss.
Marijuana is widely considered a harmless drug, but despite popular belief, marijuana can be addictive. About 30% of people who use marijuana may have some degree of marijuana use disorder that can cause addiction symptoms when they stop. About one in ten regular marijuana users will become addicted. Like other forms of addiction, you can get effective treatment for yourself or a loved one. Learn about marijuana addiction treatment and what to expect when you undergo rehab for weed.
If you or a loved one is battling marijuana addiction, you should contact the Canadian Centre for Addiction at 1-855-499-9446 for support and counseling. We offer the most sophisticated treatment in an environment that inspires lasting change. At Canadian Centre for Addictions, we help people understand their addictions and the healthier coping strategies available to them by engaging them in one-on-one counseling with certified counselors, psychiatrists, and mental health professionals.
At the Canadian Centre for Addiction, we offer multiple marijuana treatment options depending on symptoms and the severity of the addiction at our marijuana rehab and treatment centres in Ontario and Toronto. Our visitors can expect a full range of quality services that provide flexible therapy and counseling for marijuana addiction. We understand that your marijuana addiction can negatively impact every aspect of your life, so our addiction specialists provide an individualized, client-centered approach to treatment.
Our addiction services include inpatient rehab, outpatient treatment, individual and group counseling, intervention counseling, and lifetime aftercare, all designed to give the patient the best chance at recovery.
Marijuana use is increasing in social acceptability, making it difficult to determine when a person has a problem. The effects of Marijuana addiction are also not as intense as other “hard” drugs, so people dependent on the drug may not see the need for an intervention. However, marijuana is a “gateway drug,” and its use can lead to harder drug use. The stigma attached to addiction may also prevent people from seeking help even when it’s obvious that their marijuana use is becoming a problem.
Marijuana addiction can damage your relationship with friends and family and interfere with every aspect of your life. You should seek marijuana addiction treatment if you notice the following:
Choosing the right treatment facility is one of the primary steps to recovering from an addiction. The Canadian Centre for Addictions treats patients from all walks of life with a patient-centric approach that keeps you connected to your life and responsibilities outside so your transition to regular life is as smooth as possible.
At the Canadian Centre for Addiction, we take our work seriously because we understand that our clients are at a vulnerable point in their life. We are open, honest, and communicative about what we deliver and take the first step towards building the trust needed to form strong bonds with those who need our help.
We also understand that addiction affects not only the individual but others close to them. That’s why our therapists and staff extend their care to helping families cope with addiction while treating their loved ones. We not only help people overcome their addictions, but we also help them navigate the hurdles that addiction creates for those who care about them.
Treatment at the Canadian Centre for Addiction doesn’t end but evolves when you leave. We offer a place where people can return to if things get hard. Our combination of quality inpatient care and the sense of community from our aftercare services provide a balance you can rely on year after year.
The Canadian Centre for Addiction has recorded tremendous success with individuals dealing with addictions over the years. Here are snippets of some of our inspiring success stories:
“I came in with a broken soul, full of self-pity, not liking who I was, full of fear and low self-esteem. During my stay, I learned so many valuable lifelong lessons. The counselors challenged me to feel again, to think and understand those feelings, to express my feelings and thoughts. They have taught me the strategies and tools that I must apply to my new life going forward. For the first time in my life, I feel calm, relaxed, strong with the new me, and most importantly, HAPPY. Thank You.”
Edmund Rudd
“My involvement with CCFA has been an absolute lifesaver for me. The entire program and one-on-one sessions have given me the look and strategies to leave with and have a clean and sober life going forward. A very warm, welcoming, home-like environment.”
Martha Esquivel
“The CCFA has shown me a new way of life. The counselors here are amazing, love working with all of them. I had a great stay and can’t wait to continue my road to recovery with the tools I have learned. Thank you.”
Kiaan Ochoa
“The highly competent staff is able to provide emotional and physical support as well as effective addiction therapy. With an open mind, I found I was able to draw healing from each of the well balanced and skillfully presented meetings and activities. During my stay at CCFA, I learned how to regain control of my life. I left with skills I require to keep moving forward in my recovery. The facility is spacious, comfortable and clean and the community is exceptional. The fitness and activities, as well as the delicious meals, are outstanding. By far, this was the most productive 30 days of my life. A gift from me to me!”
Elliot Hester
Marijuana addiction treatment options are similar to those of other addictive substances. Treatment may be mild or very involved depending on the severity of the addiction and withdrawal symptoms. Most people dealing with marijuana addiction may not require inpatient rehab, but the presence of co-occurring disorders may require a more rigorous approach.
The marijuana addiction treatment options available at the Canadian Centre for Addiction include:
Detox is a medical process that helps to get every trace of the addictive substance out of the individual’s system. The goal of detox is to manage the withdrawal symptoms of the substance safely. An individual’s marijuana detox experience will depend on how long they’ve been addicted and how much of the drug is in their system. Medical detox limits the withdrawal symptoms but may not eliminate them completely.
Inpatient rehab is an intensive form of treatment for severe cases of drug addiction. It requires living at the facility while receiving treatment. Canadian Centre for Addiction offers personalized inpatient rehab and patient-centric protocols to set you on the path to sobriety and wellness. Our inpatient rehab program combines medical intervention with other relevant treatment options for a holistic approach.
An individual undergoing outpatient treatment lives at home but regularly attends meetings and appointments at a facility. Outpatient treatment is an option for people not suffering from severe withdrawal symptoms and who do not require round-the-clock care. They may also need a reliable support network of friends or family to keep them on the path to full recovery.
Addiction counseling involves individual or group sessions designed to help participants identify and change problematic thought patterns and behaviors. Canadian Centre for Addiction counseling and intervention programs help people develop positive attitudes and skills which they’ll use as they begin their journey to sobriety.
Aftercare is an essential component of an addiction treatment plan. Addiction is a chronic brain condition, and aftercare is required for relapse prevention. An aftercare treatment plan depends on an individual’s specific situation and may include outpatient treatment, counseling, and 12-step programs. Canadian Centre for Addiction offers a range of supportive aftercare services to help individuals maintain their sobriety after completing their treatment program.
Detox is the first step to recovery for many people who come in for marijuana addiction treatment. During detox, our team of specialists will design a personalized treatment plan depending on your specific circumstances.
Inpatient rehab will only be necessary for severe cases of marijuana addiction. Our therapy sessions allow you to determine the root of your addiction and to gain a better understanding of yourself and why you are so dependent on marijuana. You’ll also learn how to handle your cravings to prevent relapses.
You may also be encouraged to join a support group that connects you with other people on a similar recovery path. Your treatment may also include some prescription medications, especially if you have a co-occurring disorder.
Our aftercare services are designed to help you maintain your sobriety after completing your treatment. We offer aftercare in-person visits twice weekly and teleconferencing options to ensure long-term recovery.
The general stages in marijuana addiction treatment are:
Marijuana addiction occurs due to the action of THC on cannabinoid receptors, which are naturally activated by THC-like chemicals produced in the body. When marijuana is ingested, THC acts on parts of the brain that control learning, memory, thinking, sensory perception, and pleasure to produce the “high” associated with the plant.
The effects of marijuana kick in immediately when smoked but may take up to an hour to manifest if mixed with food or drinks. A user may experience a pleasant euphoria, an altered perception of time, and changes in sensory perception. Marijuana may also cause increased appetite and feelings of anxiety in some users.
Like other addictive substances, chronic marijuana use modifies the brain’s reward system to release higher than normal levels of dopamine – the pleasure hormone. With continued use, the brain starts to crave more marijuana to get the same effects, a situation known as tolerance. Individuals who have become psychologically dependent on marijuana will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using or significantly decrease their use.
Marijuana withdrawal symptoms range from mild to severe and develop within a week after discontinuing or reducing use. The most common marijuana withdrawal symptoms include:
Marijuana withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person and are usually unpleasant, even if not life-threatening. They are also similar to the warning signs of other conditions, so you need professional evaluation to determine whether your symptoms are due to marijuana withdrawal.
Marijuana addiction symptoms may be physical or behavioral. The physical symptoms include:
The behavioral symptoms of marijuana addiction include:
While it’s difficult to point to a single cause of marijuana addiction, some risk factors can predispose a person to marijuana addiction:
Individuals, especially teenagers and young adults with a family history of marijuana abuse and addiction, are likely to get hooked on the drug. Studies on identical twins raised in separate families support the theory that marijuana addiction can run within a gene pool.
Pre-existing mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and PTSD play a role in the development of marijuana addiction. Marijuana use may trigger sensations that relieve the symptoms of these conditions at first, but continued use can lead to tolerance and addiction.
Individuals in an environment where there is easy access to marijuana have a higher risk of using or abusing marijuana. The earlier a person is exposed to marijuana, the more likely they are to become addicted. Young people are also more likely to experiment with marijuana due to peer pressure.
Marijuana addiction, especially if not treated on time, can trigger several adverse long-term side effects, including:
The best treatment for cannabis use disorder is a patient-centric approach that targets the specific needs of the individual. Treatment is usually multifaceted and may involve detox, rehab, behavioral counseling, and aftercare to prevent relapse.
Medications that have been used for cannabis withdrawal treatment include dronabinol (synthetic THC), gabapentin for anxiety, and zolpidem for sleep disturbances. These medications may have side effects, so they should only be used with a doctor’s approval.
Long-term cannabis use may lead to brain fog, decreased motivation, difficulty concentrating, learning difficulties, and cognitive impairment. The brains of younger users are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of THC, and they are more likely to experience altered brain development. Long-term cannabis use can also lead to dissatisfaction, and users may feel less fulfilled than the general population.
Cannabis, especially in CBD oil form with low levels of THC, may hold some promise in easing anxiety symptoms. Further research is required to prove the efficacy of these claims definitely. THC at higher doses, however, can produce feelings of anxiety, paranoia, and panic.
Apart from the numerous short-term effects of cannabis, the drug can cause permanent neuropsychological decline, cognitive impairment, immune system damage, breathing problems, memory loss, and an increased cancer risk.
Cannabis can increase the likelihood of disorders like psychosis, schizophrenia, depression, social anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts.
Available research shows that cannabinoid receptors start to return to their normal state one to two days after cannabis withdrawal, and they may regain normal function after four weeks.
An overdose occurs when you consume a lot of cannabis. Unlike other drugs, cannabis overdose is non-fatal, but you may experience symptoms like extreme paranoia and anxiety, hallucinations, shaking, and unease. Cannabis overdose particularly occurs when eating marijuana edibles. The effects of cannabis take some time to kick when eaten, so inexperienced users are more likely to take higher than normal doses.
The length of marijuana withdrawal symptoms depends on how long you’ve used it and the quantity consumed. Withdrawal symptoms start within 24 hours and peak after two to three days. Most cases last two weeks, but some chronic users may continue to experience symptoms for several months.
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