How to Overcome Marijuana Addiction

Over 15 percent of individuals who enter drug rehabilitation programs report addiction to marijuana. Marijuana addicts often withdraw from social groups, neglect work and family responsibilities, become depressed and center their lives around getting and using the drug. If marijuana use is destroying your mental and physical health, it's time to get help. Here's how to overcome marijuana addiction and get your life back.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Admit you have a problem. Recognizing your addiction and acknowledging your powerlessness over the drug is the first step toward recovery. You must be fully devoted to discontinuing marijuana use for successful rehabilitation.
2. Get professional help. The likelihood of overcoming marijuana addiction without formal treatment is very low. Make an appointment with a therapist to discuss appropriate treatment options.
3. Detox. Before beginning treatment, you must rid your body and mind of marijuana. Coping with the physical withdrawal symptoms of marijuana is challenging, but emotional withdrawal is often the most difficult component of detoxification. Good treatment facilities closely monitor the detox process and provide medical and psychological assistance during this challenging period.
4. Enter a treatment program. Whether you receive impatient treatment, outpatient treatment or a combination of both, largely depends on the severity of your addiction. If you use other drugs, like many marijuana addicts, your treatment program will address those problems as well.
5. Follow the treatment plan. Marijuana addicts who prematurely terminate treatment usually relapse. Attend all appointments and meetings associated with your recovery. Actively participate in group sessions and cooperate with professional staff. Ask questions about your treatment and learn about the physical and psychological mechanisms that cause addiction.
6. Use your resources. Overcoming marijuana addiction is difficult, but you are not alone. If you are tempted to use or experience troublesome withdrawal symptoms, speak to your sponsor, your therapist or seek medical attention. Your chances for success are much higher if you maintain strong ties with your treatment team.

Tips & Warnings

• Twelve-step programs, like Marijuana Anonymous, are effective in helping people overcome drug addiction. Ask your therapist for information about local groups and attend a meeting to decide whether you like this treatment model.