Though cannabis has gained both medical and recreational legality in certain states, that doesn’t mean it’s completely safe. As with any mind-altering substance, the psychoactive compound within cannabis — tetrahydrocannabinol or THC — can promote substance abuse in sensitive individuals. The media might support cannabis as a medical therapy and non-addictive substance. However, the reality is this: THC is a drug, and as with all drugs, it can become addictive. If you struggle with excessive cannabis consumption, you’ve probably wondered: “Do I need THC treatment?” Below, you’ll find more information on the signs you may need professional help and which treatment options are available to you.
What Is THC Addiction Treatment?
Marijuana addiction treatment is designed to provide ongoing support and therapy for people who struggle with addiction to the psychoactive compound THC. The goal of treatment is to help those who struggle with substance abuse better recognize their marijuana use triggers. With ongoing counseling, they can develop healthier coping mechanisms that do not involve the use of cannabis.
How Addictive Is Marijuana Really?
If you’ve ever asked yourself: “Do I need THC addiction treatment?” you’ve probably wondered whether cannabis is actually addictive, or if that’s simply a scare tactic. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, approximately nine percent of marijuana users develop a reliance on the drug with prolonged use. That number jumps to nearly 17 percent if users begin their marijuana habit during their adolescent years.
In susceptible individuals, THC triggers changes in the brain over time. As with many other drugs, the compound binds to receptors in the user’s brain, thereby producing feelings of relaxation, bliss, or euphoria. Eventually, the brain associates THC with a positive emotional state, which causes people to seek out the drug in an effort to manage negative emotions and the stresses of daily life.
Do I Need THC Addiction Treatment? Warning Signs You Need Help
If you regularly use marijuana and are worried you may have developed an addiction to the substance, there are a variety of telltale signs that indicate you may need professional help. If you find yourself wondering: “Do I need THC addiction treatment?” you likely already suspect that guided counseling is necessary for your recovery but may not be certain whether your substance abuse has reached a critical point. Here are the most common symptoms of a THC abuse problem:
- Declining performance at work or school
- Failing to meet responsibilities in your home or family life
- Buying multiple products designed to help you consume marijuana
- Performing research on the various strains of cannabis to define which ones contain the most THC
- Spending substantial time with other people who also use marijuana
- Practicing deceptive behaviors to fund your marijuana habit
- Withdrawing from historically pleasurable activities so that you can use marijuana in secret
Researchers have found that approximately 30 percent of people who consume THC have a precarious relationship with the substance. If you experience withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to reduce or stop your consumption — difficulty sleeping and depression symptoms are common — there’s a high likelihood you’ll return to the substance. Professional counseling can help you develop the healthy coping mechanisms you need to avoid future relapse.
What Forms of Treatment Are Available at Serenity Light Recovery?
If you’re struggling with substance abuse and asking yourself: “Do I need THC addiction treatment?” at Serenity Light Recovery, we have a variety of resources to help you succeed. Whether you prefer one-on-one attention or a group therapy setting, our compassionate staff strives to provide the ongoing guidance and support you need to reach and maintain your sobriety. Some of the recovery programs available at our treatment center include:
- Intensive outpatient program
- 12-step therapy program
- Full medical detox treatment
- Holistic recovery center
- Family therapy program
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Yoga and fitness programs
- Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing therapy
Struggling With THC Addiction? Find the Help You Need at Serenity Light Recovery
If you’ve been asking yourself: “Do I need THC addiction treatment?” or if you’re trying to help someone you love, the first step toward a healthy, happy recovery is reaching out for the help you need. At Serenity Light Recovery, we don’t view asking for help as a weakness; we view it as a sign of strength, and when you have the courage to ask for help, you have the strength to succeed. At our Angleton treatment center, we strive to be a beacon of hope and guidance for those in need, so no matter what you’re going through, our compassionate team is here to help.
If you’re ready to take the first courageous step toward changing your life, please feel free to give our team a call at (281) 431-6700 to learn more about your treatment options.
As our CEO, Heather’s main calling is to stay true to the vision of the organization, which is saving lives and striving to redefine statistics by raising the standard of care with evolving treatment methods. Heather studied psychology at LSU and both the main and Clear Lake campuses of the University of Houston, and she is a certified IASIS provider and CPI instructor. She’s been helping people in recovery since 2011. Heather’s motto to live by is “I am not what I’ve done; I am what I’ve overcome.”