Marijuana Rehab

Deciding to seek treatment for marijuana abuse and addiction can be a confusing and frightening proposition.  Understanding the landscape can help you figure out just what you need to do to treat marijuana addiction, whether for yourself or someone you love.

Types of Treatment Programs

Three are two major types of treatment for marijuana addiction, including inpatient and outpatient facilities.  Both types of facilities will offer the same basic care; however, not all facilities are created equally.

Inpatient care facilities range from medical settings that are very similar to or are attached to a traditional hospital to luxury surroundings known as inpatient residential treatment programs.  A residential treatment program is often located in beautiful, serene surroundings.  They sometimes will offer private rooms, more one-on-one attention due to higher resident-to-staff ratios, and higher quality meals and activities.

A medical treatment facility will provide the basics of shelter and meals, but they may not create a homey atmosphere. These facilities often cost far less than their luxury counterparts, however, and they may still provide alternative therapies and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for marijuana addiction.

Both types of inpatient care are effective, so the decision should be based upon several factors:

• The overall cost of the treatment facility
• The benefits offered for individual treatment facilities
• Staffing
• Success rates

A luxury facility that does not offer the kinds of treatment programs that would be most effective for marijuana addiction may not be as valuable a resource as a traditional inpatient program with a higher level of expertise.

Outpatient programs can also be very successful in the treatment of marijuana abuse and addiction.  These types of treatment programs offer several benefits that an inpatient program may not provide, for instance:

• Allowing the recovering addict to continue working to support their family
• Permitting the recovering addict to choose between day and night counseling and other programs
• Providing a means for the recovering addict to continue caring for minor children or aging parents
• Developing confidence through overcoming daily temptation to use marijuana
• Incentive programs for continued sobriety

It is possible that an individual may be subjected to random or daily drug testing when receiving treatment at an outpatient facility.  Continued treatment may be contingent upon clean tests.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a very specific yet versatile treatment program that has proven effective for the treatment of marijuana addiction. The treatment teaches a recovering marijuana user healthy and effective ways to think about their lives and their addiction while providing alternatives and coping skills to avoid continued drug use.

This very flexible and individualized approach to marijuana rehab was used originally to treat alcoholism; however, it was modified to treat cocaine addiction and proved successful.  In more recent years, it has proven beneficial for marijuana abuse among other modalities.

Based upon the idea that one’s thoughts and perceptions (cognitive resources) can drastically affect one’s behavior, CBT focuses attention on the recovering addict’s ability to make good choices.  By helping the individual find better ways to identify dangerous situations — situations that may involve the use of marijuana — the individual is better prepared to withstand the temptation and make clear, healthy decisions.

Motivational Enhancement Therapy

In many cases, an individual who abuses marijuana may not consider that they have a problem.  The argument that marijuana is a natural substance abounds, complicated by the fact that several states have legalized the drug for medicinal use.

In cases like this, motivational enhancement therapy (MET) can play an important role in recovery.  The process includes an intake interview where the patient is given a series of questions they must answer.  The intake is followed by several individual therapy sessions where they receive the results of the intake questions.  In further sessions, motivational techniques are employed to help the recovering addict find their own reasons to successfully continue and complete the treatment process.

This has proven to be a great tool when an individual is reluctant to therapy, rather than taking them through the motions of a treatment program in which they do not wish to participate.

Costs of Treatment

Depending upon which type of facility one chooses, the costs associated with marijuana addiction treatment can range from moderate to extreme.  An inpatient residential facility that provides luxury surroundings and a wide range of alternative therapies can cost as much as $20,000 per month or more.  Other inpatient residential facilities with more moderate amenities may cost far less.  It is very difficult to determine the actual cost of a marijuana rehab facility due to the varying lengths of stay for each individual, as well the add-on costs that may not be included in treatment.

The lowest cost treatments are generally outpatient programs.  Many insurance companies provide more benefits to covered individuals for outpatient programs than they do for inpatient facilities.  There are often requirements among insurance providers that an individual attempt outpatient treatment before they will consider any coverage for inpatient facilities.

Expectations When Entering Rehab

When an individual checks into a rehab facility, particularly when he or she will be a resident in an inpatient program, they can expect a certain sequence of events.  The first is generally a search of their person and belongings.  Some items are not allowed in drug rehabs, including items that an individual may use to harm themselves.  These items might include:

• Shoelaces and belts
• Razors
• Knives
• Prescription medications
• Illicit drugs or alcohol

Even if the individual checking in is not a risk to his person or others, these items are often confiscated to prevent other residents — who may be a risk to themselves — from obtaining them.

The next step, depending upon the time of day, may be an intake interview that consists of specific tests.  These tests will help the treatment providers determine whether there is a possible dual diagnosis that needs attention, how severe the addiction is, and which treatment models may be most effective.

Once the intake has been completed and reviewed, the resident will receive any prescriptions they may need and the appropriate treatment processes will begin.  This might include group therapy, individual therapy, alternative therapies or any combination of therapies.

In a rehab setting, it is also possible that specific hours are set for waking and showering in the mornings, as well as bedtime in the evening.  Mealtimes are generally consistent as well.  All of these routines can play a part in regulating the stress and health of the individual residents.

Finally, the diet and nutrition of the residents will be closely monitored to increase overall health.

Common Questions to Ask Prospective Treatment Centers

If you are considering a treatment center for marijuana rehab, there are several questions you may want to ask the providers before you agree to be admitted.

• What are the overall costs of the program, and is the program “all inclusive?”
  At some facilities, there may be added costs for alternative therapies such as yoga or massage.  These charges can be added to the bill at the end of the program, so it is important to understand the billing and fee structure prior to enrolling in the facility.
• Does the facility provide follow-up care?
  Some facilities will allow the former residents to return for “tune ups” over the course of their lifetimes.  These short visits — usually a weekend stay — are free of charge in some cases and provide an extra boost of courage and conviction during times of stress that may lead to relapse.
• Will the treatment center allow former residents or patients to re-enroll should the need arise?
  Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease.  Relapse is often part of the overall recovery process and a good treatment center will understand that some participants may need to repeat the process.  These “do-overs” will incur new costs, but it is valuable to make sure that re-enrollment is not only allowed, but encouraged if needed.
• Does the facility allow communication between children and parents on a regular basis?
  When a parent turns the care and well-being of their child over to strangers, the process can be stressful.  While the facility may not allow direct communication for the first few weeks of intensive treatment, it is important that they encourage communication between the care providers and the parents on a regular basis.

Follow-up and Support for Marijuana Addiction

Once the treatment program has ended, the recovering marijuana addict will return to their previous life, complete with the same temptations they left behind.  In order to put their newfound sobriety skills to work, some changes may be in order.  For instance, spending social time with a new group of friends who have also chosen sobriety is a great start.  Attending support group meetings at least once per day can provide the lasting friendships one needs to avoid the pitfalls of relapse.