In society, marijuana use is often dismissed as something that is entirely without consequence. From stoner humor to the widespread belief that marijuana isn’t habit-forming, many people don’t understand that marijuana dependency can have negative ramifications for a person’s well-being. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 9% to 30% of marijuana users may have some degree of marijuana use disorder, which means that for many people, marijuana is far from a harmless habit.

Many chronic marijuana users find themselves experiencing a decrease in productivity, motivation, and sense of self-worth. Although marijuana has been normalized, many people who use it find themselves dependent and require professional intervention to get their lives back on track. Here’s everything you need to know about recovering from marijuana dependency and why marijuana rehab and treatment services might be right for you. 

Significance of Marijuana Rehab 

While many people might not think of marijuana use disorder as serious enough to warrant professional treatment, it’s relatively common for those struggling with this disorder to seek help. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) report that marijuana is the primary substance of abuse for 15% of clients who seek help at professional treatment programs in the United States. 

Marijuana Rehabilitation Programs: Exploring Options 

Marijuana recovery programs are available to clients in different formats depending on their needs. Inpatient programs are ideal for those struggling with a severe chronic dependency on marijuana, offering clients the intensive treatment they need to overcome their substance use disorder (SUD). Outpatient programs can be effective for those whose addictions are more moderate, as they allow them to attend therapy while continuing to live in their homes and maintain their normal daily lives.  

For many marijuana users, residential treatment offers the best of both worlds. Clients reside within a treatment setting but have more freedom to exit the premises to attend school, go to work, or visit loved ones. Residential treatment is often the smart choice for those who feel they would benefit from inpatient care but whose addiction isn’t severe enough to warrant upending their daily lives. Residential treatment may be a first line of treatment or an option for continuing care for those who complete inpatient treatment but don’t feel ready to transition all the way to outpatient treatment. Specialized programs for marijuana addiction offer clients: 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy and other types of one-on-one therapy
• Group counseling
• Art therapy
• Mindfulness and wellness workshops
• Strategies for personal success

Understanding the Marijuana Detoxification Process 

Marijuana detox is the first step in the recovery process. While marijuana detox might not induce the physical turmoil associated with other addictive substances, that doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park. Clients often experience an array of withdrawal symptoms, including: 

• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Insomnia 
• Feelings of anger and sadness
• Overwhelming cravings 
• Increased or decreased appetite

While the marijuana detoxification process can present challenges, the staff at a professional marijuana rehab center will be there to guide you through the process and alleviate your discomfort as much as possible. Additionally, clients go through detox under medical supervision, which ensures their safety and prevents injury from potential complications. Once a client has successfully completed detox, they are ready to proceed to the next step of the recovery process. 

Marijuana Rehab Centers in Portland, Maine 

While there are several Portland, ME rehab centers, Liberty Bay Recovery Center stands out for its commitment to client care and a holistic recovery process. The staff at Liberty Bay has a deep understanding of addiction and recovery, offering clients the empathy and guidance they need to successfully complete their program.  

As different individuals have different needs, personalized care is available to give all clients the best chance at long-term recovery. While Liberty Bay helps clients from all over the country, those located in the Portland, ME area are especially suited for this facility, as it offers proximity to family and friends and the ability to recover in your own community. 

Choosing the Right Marijuana Rehab Center 

When choosing treatment options in Portland, ME, consider the following factors to gain the benefits of marijuana rehab: 

• Treatment approaches offered
• Expertise and professionalism of the staff
• Accreditation of the facility

The best marijuana recovery programs are accredited and licensed. They also employ a credentialed and experienced staff. At Liberty Bay Recovery Center, we offer clients all that plus an unwavering dedication to individualized support and client care. In addition, its marijuana rehab in Portland provides clients with individualized support and evidence-based care to facilitate the recovery process. 

Benefits of Professional Marijuana Rehab 

Addressing any addiction requires a multifaceted approach. Those struggling with marijuana use disorder must overcome the physical, emotional, psychological, and behavioral aspects of their dependence.  

Debunking the Myth That Marijuana Is Nonaddictive 

A prevailing myth surrounding marijuana holds that it’s impossible to become addicted. This stems from the common misconception that a person is only truly addicted to a substance if they develop a physical dependence, the kind that leads to physically unpleasant withdrawals. 

The truth is that the severity of withdrawals isn’t what defines addiction. An addiction is any compulsive substance use that a person feels incapable of stopping, even when such behavior is having a negative impact on their life. 

Contrary to what you might have heard, 10% to 30% of marijuana users will likely develop an SUD. Addiction to marijuana poses several dangers, including: 

• Reduced cognitive function
• Decreased motivation
• Increased anxiety
• Inability to stop use despite consequences at work or school
• Relationship problems

How Marijuana Addiction Treatment Can Help 

While some marijuana users might be able to kick the habit on their own, those who are experiencing severe symptoms or have tried to quit and failed may need to seek marijuana addiction treatment. Treatment centers offer many benefits, both during a client’s stay and afterward. They include: 

• Personalized strategies for overcoming addiction
• Management of withdrawal systems
• Medical care
• Education for relapse prevention 
• Development of coping mechanisms
• Therapy for underlying mental health issues
• Aftercare programs

What to expect During Marijuana Rehab 

The marijuana rehab process typically begins with an intake assessment, where a professional asks you about your history of marijuana use, medical and mental health status, and personal goals. After the evaluation, you work with a professional to develop a treatment plan. During your program, adjustments to your treatment plan may be made to address your evolving needs. Discharge from marijuana rehab involves aftercare planning to help you avoid a relapse. 

Psychological support and therapy, both individual and in a group, play a pivotal role in substance use disorder programs. Therapy sessions allow clients to explore the complex psychological factors that lead them to struggle with addiction. Therapy can be challenging, as it often forces clients to come face-to-face with parts of themselves that they have neglected to confront, in addition to aspects of their past that put them on the road to substance use disorder. 

Therapists use many strategies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, to help individuals recognize and modify the negative thought patterns that lead them to reach for a substance instead of coping in a healthy way. By improving how one reacts to negative thoughts and emotions, clients are able to learn how to cope and emotionally self-regulate, giving them the tools they need to avoid addictive substances even during life’s most challenging moments. 

Individual therapy is augmented by group therapy, in which clients can work through their program with the support and aid of their peers. Group therapy sessions can be intimidating to those who’ve never experienced them before, but they are invaluable in the recovery process. By hearing the stories and experiences of those with similar issues, clients come to realize that their situation isn’t unique, which helps them to feel less alone. By sharing with others, clients receive emotional support and feedback. 

The duration of rehabilitation programs varies depending on an individual’s needs and the severity of their addiction. While some clients do well with shorter-term options spanning four weeks to several months, others may require a program that lasts much longer. Longer programs provide ample time for exploring underlying issues, skill-building, and relapse prevention. Factors such as co-occurring mental health disorders and the level of social support a client has outside the rehab center also influence the duration of treatment.  

Aftercare and Additional Support 

In a perfect world, once a client has completed marijuana addiction treatment, they would be able to jump back into daily life head-first and declare their previous problem completely solved. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world. In the real world, relapse is a harsh and unfortunate truth about the treatment process. 

Recovery isn’t a process with a defined beginning, middle, and end. Instead, it’s a journey that takes the rest of a person’s life. This can be overwhelming for many people to hear. Most treatment centers encourage clients to take each day as it comes and focus on what they can control in the here and now. While relapse might be a common part of the treatment narrative, it isn’t inevitable. Clients who are committed to marijuana addiction treatment can arm themselves with the tools they need to maintain their sobriety.  

In addition to therapy, clients will receive an education about addiction, from how it begins to how people embrace a sober lifestyle despite its challenges. Knowledge is power, and education empowers individuals to make informed decisions when it comes to navigating their lives. By combining education and therapy, clients will build the coping mechanisms and skills required to cope with challenges as they arise. 

Upon leaving rehab, clients aren’t left to fend for themselves. Ongoing therapy is available, and many clients will continue to meet with a counselor. Many treatment centers also offer an alumni program, hosting events and activities that allow alumni to connect with others in recovery in a positive and supportive environment. Clients who have completed treatment are also advised to participate in support groups like Marijuana Anonymous (MA), a free, 12-step program in which individuals receive ongoing encouragement, accountability, and support from their peers. 

Conclusion: Empowering Recovery in Portland, ME 

While society at large might have a casual attitude towards marijuana usage, for those struggling with a marijuana addiction, there’s nothing casual about this substance and its ramifications. Individuals who know that marijuana is negatively affecting their lives have the option to seek treatment. 

During marijuana rehab, clients will tackle the behavioral and psychological issues that led them to abuse substances. While this work can be challenging, it’s an essential part of embracing a sober lifestyle and lays the groundwork for overall success in recovery. Unlike trying to overcome an addiction on your own, marijuana rehab offers a safe and compassionate environment where you can heal, grow, and move forward. 

Breaking free from the cycle of addiction doesn’t occur overnight, and the journey to lasting recovery will always have its ups and downs. However, the road to taking back control of your life begins with the first step, admitting you have a problem and considering your rehab options in Portland, ME. Contact our caring professionals at Liberty Bay Recovery Center today to learn more about our treatment programs and how we can help you get on the road to recovery.