Marijuana Recovery in Lousiville

Although many people may view marijuana as a harmless drug, its use can quickly develop into a substance use disorder or addiction that is difficult to overcome. Marijuana abuse, drug use, and substance use disorders and addiction are on the rise in Louisville, across Kentucky, and throughout the United States. If you or a loved one need help with marijuana use disorder and addiction treatment for recovery, get help close to home and contact our Louisville rehab center at 502-309-2675.

What is Marijuana?

Marijuana—also called weed, herb, pot, grass, bud, ganja, Mary Jane, and a number of other slang terms—is a psychoactive drug that comes from the dried flowers of the Cannabis sativa plant. ¹ Marijuana can be used in a variety of different ways, including being smoked in joints, blunts, and devices such as pipes, water pipes, and hookahs. Other methods of marijuana use that have become increasingly popular include vaporization and the consumption of edibles and infused beverages.

The Effects of Marijuana Abuse

The primary mind-altering substance found in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a chemical that activates cannabinoid receptors located in areas of the brain responsible for thinking, memory, pleasure, coordination, and movement. ² The use of marijuana alters the central nervous system and elicits a “high” that often includes: ³

• Feelings of euphoria, tranquility, and relaxation
• Heightened awareness of surroundings
• Altered perception of time
• Increased appetite (the “munchies”)
• Uncontrollable laughter

Marijuana use can also produce many undesirable effects, including anxiety, paranoia, increased heart rate, reduced blood pressure, confusion, slowed reflexes, impaired memory, and increased sensitivity to touch. ³ Marijuana also impairs judgement and decreases inhibitions, increasing the chance that you engage in risky behaviors such as impaired driving and unprotected sex.

Heavy or long-term marijuana abuse can be very damaging and has been associated with adverse health effects such as memory loss, cognitive impairment, respiratory disease, hypertension, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a condition characterized by repeated bouts of severe nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. ⁴ Chronic marijuana use also increases the risk for developing certain cancers and mental health illnesses like depression and schizophrenia. ⁵

Marijuana Addiction

The repeated abuse of marijuana will inevitably lead to an increased tolerance, where greater amounts of the drug are needed to achieve the same effects as before. Marijuana users are also at risk of developing a psychological dependence on the drug, a condition in which the brain has adapted to the presence of the marijuana. Chronic abuse can also progress into marijuana addiction, a chronic brain disease characterized by the compulsive seeking and uncontrollable use of marijuana. ⁶ It is estimated that 1 in 10 people who use marijuana will develop an addiction to marijuana at some point in their lives. ⁷

Marijuana Abuse in Kentucky

Marijuana is the single most popular illicit drug in Kentucky, with 8% of adults reporting current marijuana use and nearly 13% admitting that they used the drug at least once in the past year. ⁸ Marijuana is most popular among young adults aged 18 to 25, with 17% of Kentucky young men and women in this age group reporting current marijuana use and 27% reporting past-year use. Around 16% of Kentucky high school students currently use marijuana, nearly 32% have tried marijuana at least one time, and 7% used marijuana for the first time before age 13 years. ⁹

According to admissions data maintained by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, marijuana is one of the most commonly abused drugs among Kentucky residents seeking substance abuse treatment. In 2019, marijuana addiction was reported during 14% of all admissions to Kentucky treatment centers. ¹⁰

Substance Abuse Addiction Treatment in Louisville

Quitting marijuana can be very difficult, especially for those who use marijuana on a daily basis or suffer from marijuana dependence or addiction. Because the temptation to return to marijuana use can be so overwhelming, the most effective option for treating marijuana addiction is professional treatment at rehab centers.

Landmark Recovery of Louisville’s marijuana recovery center provides a supportive, safe, drug and alcohol-free environment where you can receive expert care and a variety of science-backed addiction treatment programs. We will guide you through every step of the recovery process, from detox to aftercare services, and provide you with the life tools needed to prevent relapse and maintain long-term sobriety.

A frequent user with a psychological dependence on marijuana will likely experience a range of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms soon after marijuana use is discontinued. Although marijuana is not associated with the intense physical withdrawal symptoms that other drugs can cause, marijuana withdrawal can be uncomfortable enough to cause relapse. Symptoms of marijuana withdrawal usually appear within a day of the last use and often include: ¹¹

• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Marijuana cravings
• Problems sleeping
• Poor appetite

Other less frequently seen symptoms of marijuana withdrawal can include: ¹²

• Strange/wild dreams
• Shakiness
• Sweating
• Elevated heart rate
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Medical Detox Program

Landmark Recovery offers a medical detox program in Louisville that can help you get through the pain and discomfort of marijuana withdrawal. Our team of clinical specialists will carefully manage your detox, monitoring you around-the clock to ensure you remain healthy and prescribing medications (such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and sleep aid medications) to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. ¹¹

Addiction Treatment Plan and Recovery

Following the completion of detox, you will be ready to transition into the therapy stage of marijuana addiction treatment. The cornerstone of Landmark Recovery’s marijuana recovery program in Louisville is counseling and behavioral therapy. During behavioral therapy sessions, you will work closely with dedicated master’s level counselors to explore:

• Underlying root causes of your drug addiction
• Ways that past experiences shaped current thought patterns and behaviors
• Healthy strategies for coping with stress and marijuana cravings

Some of the evidence-based behavioral therapies that are incorporated into our customized, individual marijuana treatment programs include cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management, and motivational enhancement therapy. ¹³

Get More Information on Marijuana Recovery Louisville, KY

Addiction to any illicit substance requires a supportive addiction treatment program, preferably at one of your local rehab centers in Louisville, or throughout Kentucky. For long-term recovery, we recommend seeking out support groups and recovery programs for an ongoing support system to continue to combat your substance abuse problem.

If you, a loved one, or someone you know is in need of help with addiction treatment – and you’re in the Louisville or Jefferson County area, please call Landmark Recovery of Louisville’s marijuana recovery center at 502-309-2675 to learn more about our marijuana detox, addiction treatment programs, recovery services, and health insurance plans we accept.