Jim V.
With the legalization of marijuana and cannabis-related products taking effect in 2016 under the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA) (Proposition 64) the availability of marijuana is at an all-time high in Orange County. And similar to alcohol, there is now a greater danger of overusing and becoming addicted to marijuana.
Prolonged cannabis use can lead to high tolerance, dependence, and eventually addiction. Historically, marijuana (also known as weed) was thought to be non-addictive, we now know that to be wrong. Detox is often the first stage of any recovery journey. Cornerstone is able to provide compassionate, non-judgmental, personalized marijuana detox programs. Our experience is that, when carried out with the correct support and guidance, detox can propel you toward a life free of drugs.
A team of medical addiction professionals will initially assess your detox needs. Marijuana detox symptoms, especially in early stages, produce a combination of psychological and physical symptoms. At Cornerstone, our team will guide you through these difficult stages. Your comfort is important and during detox this will remain central. If necessary, medication can be given to alleviate the more severe aspects of withdrawal. At all times you will be monitored and our round-the-clock care team is always available to address any specific needs that arise.
The timeline for marijuana detox typically varies between 7 and 14 days. Generally speaking, withdrawal symptoms from cannabis will have ended after 14 days. Effective management and care within this time could be the difference between failure and success. We are confident, having years of experience of detoxing people from all drugs, that we can provide a detox from marijuana that will help you take your first steps on your recovery journey.
We need to know if you are taking any prescription medications. You will be given an opportunity to discuss this at your initial assessment. Your safety is paramount and medication may be needed to lessen the impact of withdrawal, as such we need this information to avoid any contraindications. This occurs when medications combine to produce adverse effects. If you are unsure of the medications you are currently prescribed, you can obtain a list from your physician.
Addiction to one substance alone is rare. Polydrug use (using more than one drug) is something we are used to treating. During your assessment with us you will be given an opportunity to disclose, in confidence, the relevant information regarding your substance use. This honesty will make your detox process easier. The more we understand about your drug use and history, the better we will be able to manage your withdrawal symptoms. Our medical professionals have a vast experience of caring for polydrug users.
The symptoms associated with marijuana withdrawal are incredibly difficult to manage alone. Physical and psychological symptoms combine to produce cravings that most people can find unbearable. Cornerstone knows that by treating these symptoms and the individual, detox and recovery are possible.
Headaches are a common symptom of marijuana withdrawal, especially in the first few days. The headaches will then become milder and generally subside after around two weeks. Night sweats are also common, the body naturally expels toxins by sweating. Though this can be alarming and uncomfortable, rest assured that it is normal. Stomach problems may also occur – cramps, nausea, and digestive issues are some of the physical symptoms you may experience.
Drugs produce a chemical imbalance within the brain. Prolonged drug use alters brain chemistry significantly as dependence takes hold. Marijuana withdrawal can produce psychological symptoms that are difficult to endure. Marijuana regulates emotion and when in withdrawal, anger and anxiety are common. Outbursts of rage are also to be expected, as are feelings of overwhelming depression. Sleep can be disrupted by vivid and scary dreams, or some may experience bouts of insomnia.
A detox at Cornerstone will allow us to plan for these symptoms and treat any others as they arise. We can guide you through detox and most symptoms will be lessened considerably, and the road to recovery made much easier.
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It is impossible to say with accuracy how long your symptoms will last, as each person’s recovery and withdrawal will be as unique as the individual experiencing it. THC is fat-soluble, meaning it gets stored in fat cells in the body as opposed to water-soluble chemicals that get flushed out of the system quickly. Marijuana, therefore, can stay in your system for extended periods of time.
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What we can say is that by allowing us to care for you, your journey will be made as gentle as possible. Standard cannabis withdrawals usually last for around two weeks, although sometimes they may be felt in a much milder form for a month or two. We feel that any addiction is addressed by therapy post detox, this will give us a chance to monitor any protracted withdrawal symptoms and address your underlying causes beneath the addiction.
We have noticed through years of experience that if an addicted individual is aiming for long term recovery, they stand a much better chance of success if their treatment program is designed to include a stay in a residential treatment center. Detox alone is rarely enough to undo years of addiction and damage. Of course, detox is important, but without an opportunity to explore your addiction and prepare for life without the use of drugs, achieving long-term recovery is nearly impossible. Professionals now agree that beneath the presenting symptom of addiction there is a driving cause. The best way to address these underlying causes is within a therapeutic environment. A treatment facility is designed, not only to give you the space and time needed away from your drug of choice but also to discover the reasons behind your addiction.
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Detox is the vital first step on the road to recovery but should be then followed with a stay in Residential Inpatient Treatment, Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP) or Day Treatment. If long-term recovery is the goal, there is no better way to achieve it than by furthering your recovery knowledge.
Our carefully designed treatment programs boast a whole host of varied therapeutic modalities including encouraging mindfulness practices such as yoga, meditation, and music therapy. We also have individual and group therapy sessions, days out to the beach, bowling and playing miniature golf. All components of a program that encourages discovery, knowledge, and fun.
Healing the family as a unit is important to us, therefore we offer family or couples therapy at no extra cost.
Transportation will be made available (five nights a week) to and from 12-Step fellowship meetings. Many find this extra-curricular activity a vital component to achieving long-term recovery.
Detoxing from marijuana can be achieved at home. The problem, more often than not, is that without addressing the underlying causes for your addiction and removing yourself for a period of time from the environment where you were using cannabis, relapse is common.
Most problematic drug users will attempt to stop before accessing a professional detox facility. Some will stop, never to use again. But not the addict, the addict may or may not be able to stop, and those who do stop often return to drug use within a short period of time. This is the sad nature of drug addiction. Realizing you need help to stop and stay clean is a vital component of recovery. Once this is understood, recovery becomes possible.
Although the symptoms of a marijuana detox can be extremely uncomfortable, they are not overly dangerous. However, without professional help, the likelihood of relapse is high. The psychological issues that often accompany an addiction to marijuana, such as paranoia, extreme anxiety, and even psychosis can be dangerous to a cannabis addict.
Unlike other drugs such as heroin, a marijuana detox does not usually require specific medication. By monitoring you throughout the process we are able to combat many of the symptoms as they arise. Our team of addiction professionals will administer any medications you require during the detox stage of recovery.
Overcoming a dependency on marijuana can be difficult. Cornerstone offers the guidance, support, and knowledge needed to beat cannabis addiction. A residential detox helps to focus the mind in an environment designed to promote recovery. A life in recovery can be full of opportunity and hope. We can get you there, you just have to take the first step.
