Marijuana detox is a process of removing THC metabolites from the body. It helps reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms and reduces the risk of relapse.
Detox usually lasts a few days, weeks or months depending on the substance being abused, the level of dependence and the consumer's access to support.
Medications
Medications can help to ease withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse. They include a variety of anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, sleep aids and anti-seizure drugs.
Symptoms of cannabis withdrawal begin 24-48 hours after discontinuation of use, but tend to peak after about 2 weeks. They include insomnia, irritability, decreased appetite, shakiness and, less often, sweating or chills.
There are currently no medications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat marijuana dependence, but a few small clinical trials suggest that dronabinol, entacapone and lithium may warrant further study.
The only medication that has been shown to be effective in a controlled clinical trial is buspirone. Other medications that are in development include atomoxetine, bupropion, divalproex and nefazadone.
Teletherapy
Marijuana detox is an important part of treating a cannabis addiction. It removes traces of marijuana from the body to help prevent drug test positive results. During this process, a therapist can help you develop healthy coping skills and find support.
Treatment for Marijuana Detox can also include therapy to address underlying issues contributing to the use of marijuana. Many people with marijuana addiction have a history of mental health disorders or trauma that can be treated during this stage of treatment.
In addition, teletherapy is a great option for people who are unable to travel to an office or suffer from transportation difficulties. Clients can also avoid exposure to germs, bad indoor air quality or other environmental factors that may affect their health and mental well-being when they don’t have to visit an office.
Therapists must ensure that they follow HIPAA and state regulations to protect patient or client privacy. They should also confirm with insurance companies that teletherapy is covered as a billable service.
Self-help groups
In addition to detox and therapy, a medical marijuana treatment center can also provide support groups for people in recovery from Marijuana addiction. These groups can help individuals understand how their addiction started and treat any underlying conditions that contribute to it.
Those who use marijuana regularly may need to attend residential treatment to kick their habits. This is especially true if they are in proximity to triggers or non-ideal environments.
When detoxing from a substance, it is important to stay hydrated and eat healthy foods. This will reduce your symptoms of withdrawal and promote a positive experience.
It is also helpful to find activities to occupy your time during the detox process. Having something to do will keep your mind off of marijuana and decrease cravings.
The psychological side of a marijuana addiction can be as powerful as the physical dependence. This is why it is so crucial to receive proper treatment for mental health conditions.
Support groups
Many people seeking help for marijuana addiction find support groups to be a helpful way to begin their journey of recovery. The most popular type of group is Marijuana Anonymous, which uses the 12-step model of Alcoholics Anonymous to help people overcome their addiction.
It’s also important to remember that many people struggling with marijuana abuse have an underlying trauma or mental health condition. This is why dual diagnosis treatment is a crucial part of official treatment, which helps individuals address both their substance use disorder and any co-occurring conditions.
During treatment, you’ll learn healthy coping skills and how to avoid triggers that may lead to a relapse. These techniques will be tailored to your specific circumstances. You’ll also work with an addiction specialist to determine the best course of action for your recovery.
