Category: Conditions

Alcoholism can be devastating. And because drinking is both legal and socially acceptable, it can be difficult to recognize when you have a problem. But when you’re ready to seek help, there are many ways to get treatment for alcohol addiction.

This substance use disorder may interfere with your physical and mental health, your work, and your most important relationships. In extreme cases, it can even be fatal. In order to find the right kind of treatment, it’s important to understand the severity of the problem.

Defining Alcoholism

“Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition ((Understanding alcohol use disorder | national institute on alcohol abuse and alcoholism(Niaaa). (n.d.). Retrieved March 25, 2022, from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder)) characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.” While it’s possible to drink in moderation, many people use alcohol unsustainably. Because the overuse of alcohol may begin in response to stress, it can be hard to recognize when the drug itself is exacerbating that stress.

This disorder is extremely common, both in the U.S. and internationally. In fact, “alcohol is the most common drug of abuse in our society and, as a consequence, alcoholism is a devastating socio-economic problem estimated to account for 4% of the global burden of disease.” Because of this, alcohol addiction has been the subject of a great deal of study, ((Budygin, E., & Weiner, J. (2015). Exploring the neurochemical basis of alcohol addiction-related behaviors: Translational research. Translational Biomedicine, 6(Suppl Spec), http://www.transbiomedicine.com/translational-biomedicine/exploring-the-neurochemical-basis-of-alcohol-addictionrelated-behaviors-translational-research.pdf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4710378/)) as experts attempt to distinguish between appropriate and unhealthy alcohol use.

Occasional or purely social drinking does not necessarily constitute a substance use disorder. However, for people who are already vulnerable to addiction—because of trauma, genetics, social circumstances, and similar factors—these seemingly acceptable behaviors can lead to AUD. And any amount of drinking can be dangerous for people who have a history of misusing alcohol.

According to the American Psychological Association, moderate drinking “lies at one end of a range that moves through alcohol abuse to alcohol dependence.” ((Understanding alcohol use disorders and their treatment. (n.d.). Https://Www.Apa.Org. Retrieved March 25, 2022, from https://www.apa.org/topics/substance-use-abuse-addiction/alcohol-disorders)) And because alcohol use disorders can worsen over time, your behavior may slowly progress through the following patterns, leading up to a time when you need help.

Moderate Alcohol Consumption

In the U.S., moderate alcohol consumption is defined by the CDC ((Alcohol questions and answers | cdc. (2021, February 16). https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm)) and other government agencies as “limiting intake to 2 drinks or less in a day for men and 1 drink or less in a day for women, when alcohol is consumed. Drinking less is better for health than drinking more.” It’s important to note that the gender differences here are based on scientific research, not social norms.

According to the BBC, “researchers are finding that women’s bodies are affected differently by alcohol than men’s bodies ((Taylor, M. (n.d.). Why alcohol affects women more than men. Retrieved March 25, 2022, from https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20180618-why-alcohol-affects-women-more-than-men)) – for reasons that go beyond mere size. Scientists have discovered that women produce smaller quantities of an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), which is released in the liver and breaks down alcohol in the body.”

For people of any gender, 1 to 2 drinks per day may seem like a low number. The difference between American social norms and the CDC’s definition of moderation is illuminating. With this information in mind, it’s not surprising that alcohol abuse is so prevalent.

Alcohol Abuse

“Alcohol abuse is a drinking pattern ((Understanding alcohol use disorders and their treatment. (n.d.). Https://Www.Apa.Org. Retrieved March 25, 2022, from https://www.apa.org/topics/substance-use-abuse-addiction/alcohol-disorders)) that results in significant and recurrent adverse consequences.” People with AUDs may face problems at work, in school, or with family and friends. They may even encounter legal problems caused by drunken behavior, such as DUIs. Because alcohol misuse “is associated with poor decision-making,” ((Brevers, D., Bechara, A., Cleeremans, A., Kornreich, C., Verbanck, P., & Noël, X. (2014). Impaired decision-making under risk in individuals with alcohol dependence. Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research, 38(7), 1924–1931. https://doi.org/10.1111/acer.12447)) habitual drinkers often engage in reckless behavior. The results of that behavior can range from inconvenient to violent, and may have long-lasting effects on your life.

It’s never too soon to begin recovery. If you exhibit any of the signs of alcohol use disorder, it’s best to seek treatment immediately. And it’s even better if you can get help before developing a physical dependence on alcohol.

Alcohol Dependence

Over time, people who abuse alcohol often develop a dependence on the drug. In this stage, a person has “lost reliable control of their alcohol use.” You may be at this stage even if you occasionally take a day off from drinking. “Alcohol dependence is characterized by tolerance ((Understanding alcohol use disorders and their treatment. (n.d.). Https://Www.Apa.Org. Retrieved March 25, 2022, from https://www.apa.org/topics/substance-use-abuse-addiction/alcohol-disorders)) (the need to drink more to achieve the same ‘high’) and withdrawal symptoms if drinking is suddenly stopped.”

If you’re physically dependent on alcohol, you should absolutely not attempt to stop drinking on your own. Without proper medical supervision, detox can be extremely dangerous and even fatal. Alcohol withdrawal has “a broad range of symptoms ((Newman, R. K., Stobart Gallagher, M. A., & Gomez, A. E. (2022). Alcohol withdrawal. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441882/)) from mild tremors to a condition called delirium tremens, which results in seizures and could progress to death if not recognized and treated promptly. The reported mortality rate for patients who experience delirium tremens is anywhere from 1 to 5%.”

Although the prospect of withdrawal may be daunting, continuing to drink heavily is equally dangerous, if not more so. Long-term alcohol abuse can have countless physical effects, ((Alcohol’s effects on the body | national institute on alcohol abuse and alcoholism(Niaaa). (n.d.). Retrieved March 25, 2022, from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohols-effects-body)) possibly causing harm to the heart, liver, pancreas, and immune system, and even causing cancer. This behavior can also severely damage your interpersonal relationships.

The Impacts of Alcohol Abuse

Research has conclusively demonstrated that “alcoholism has a pervasive detrimental impact on family life. ((Rotunda, R., & Scherer, D. (1995). Family Systems and Alcohol Misuse: Research on the Effects of Alcoholism on Family Functioning and Effective Family Interventions. Professional Psychology Research and Practice, 26(1), 95–104. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/David-Scherer-2/publication/232449776_Family_Systems_and_Alcohol_Misuse_Research_on_the_Effects_of_Alcoholism_on_Family_Functioning_and_Effective_Family_Interventions/links/54c948580cf298fd262460b9/Family-Systems-and-Alcohol-Misuse-Research-on-the-Effects-of-Alcoholism-on-Family-Functioning-and-Effective-Family-Interventions.pdf)) Alcoholism contributes to marital and family discord, loss of employment and difficulty sustaining job performance, legal conflicts, verbal and physical abuse, inadequate parenting, and sexual inadequacy.”

Many people with AUDs struggle with unhealthy interpersonal dynamics, and report that the quality of their intimate relationships has suffered. This applies not only to romantic partnerships, but also to more complex dynamics. If just 1 person in a family has an alcohol use disorder, ((McCrady, B., & Flanagan, J. (2021). The role of the family in alcohol use disorder recovery for adults. Alcohol Research Current Reviews, 41(1). https://arcr.niaaa.nih.gov/recovery-aud-part-2/role-family-alcohol-use-disorder-recovery-adults#article-toc2)) the entire family is affected. For example, their spouse, children, or siblings may need to take on additional responsibilities in order to make up for their poor behavior. Social events may also be disrupted, including important milestones like weddings or graduations.

Alcohol abuse can even represent a physical danger to family members. According to the WHO, “Evidence suggests that alcohol use increases the occurrence and severity of domestic violence.” This can quickly lead to a vicious cycle, because intimate partner violence “can lead to alcohol consumption ((Intimate partner violence and alcohol. (n.d.). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/violence/world_report/factsheets/fs_intimate.pdf)) as a method of coping or self-medicating.”

Unfortunately, these aren’t the only relationships that may be affected by alcohol abuse. ((Alcohol, violence, and aggression—Alcohol alert no. 38-1997. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa38.htm)) “Scientists and nonscientists alike have long recognized a two-way association between alcohol consumption and violent or aggressive behavior.” And that aggression may alienate people close to you, exposing you to triggers without the benefit of social support. It can be extremely difficult to find your way out of this cycle without professional help.

Why People Stop Drinking

It can be hard for some people to know when to stop drinking, either for the night or for good. And there’s a scientific reason for that. Karen Szumlinski, Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Santa Barbara, recently discovered a mechanism by which the human brain develops a temporary aversion to alcohol, which is activated when you’ve had enough (or too much) to drink.

Specifically, Szumlinski and her team studied a chemical process in a brain structure called the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). This process, she says, “serves as a brake to reduce or at least curb your alcohol consumption. ((Tampering with the Brakes. (n.d.). The UCSB Current. Retrieved March 25, 2022, from https://www.news.ucsb.edu/2019/019354/tampering-brakes)) But if any kink happens in that little bit of signaling there, you lose the brakes. Your brake line has been cut, and now you exhibit uncontrolled drinking behavior.”

If you struggle to regulate your drinking habits, you may need help to realize you have a problem. Many people enter recovery due to the advice of loved ones.

Social Pressure to Reduce Drinking

According to experts, receiving social pressure to reduce drinking ((Polcin, D. L., Korcha, R., Greenfield, T. K., Bond, J., & Kerr, W. (2012). Pressure to reduce drinking and reasons for seeking treatment. Contemporary Drug Problems, 39(4), 687–714. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3888964/)) is the main reason that most patients get help. One study found that more than 90% of respondents “received pressure from at least one source,” which may have been a loved one, an employer, or even the legal system.

It’s clear that the majority of people recovering from AUD depend on external voices to provide feedback and set boundaries. You may also decide for yourself that you want to improve your relationships. In the same study, 25% of people cited this desire as a reason to stop drinking.

Desire to Improve Health

Although interpersonal dynamics rank highest, some people also seek recovery to improve their own health. Alcohol abuse causes significant physical problems. This is true even for “functional alcoholics,” who may not notice the relationship issues caused by their drinking.

According to the National Institutes of Health, this subtype of people who misuse alcohol ((Researchers identify alcoholism subtypes. (2015, September 29). National Institutes of Health (NIH). https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/researchers-identify-alcoholism-subtypes)) makes up “19.5% of U.S. alcoholics. Typically middle-aged, well-educated, with stable jobs and families. About one-third have a multigenerational family history of alcoholism, about one-quarter had major depressive illness sometime in their lives, and nearly 50% were smokers.”

Although these patients may not exhibit visible or dramatic signs of an alcohol use disorder, they may experience dangerous physical symptoms that worsen over time. Perhaps for this reason, 15% of those in recovery have cited a desire to improve their health as a reason to stop drinking. ((Polcin, D. L., Korcha, R., Greenfield, T. K., Bond, J., & Kerr, W. (2012). Pressure to reduce drinking and reasons for seeking treatment. Contemporary Drug Problems, 39(4), 687–714. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3888964/))

Treatment for Alcohol Addiction

When you’re ready to get help for alcohol abuse, there are numerous available treatments. You can choose between these options based on the severity of your addiction, and whether you’re physically dependent on alcohol. And as you progress through the stages of recovery, you’ll likely benefit from different forms of therapy.

Medical Detox

Medically supervised detox normally lasts for a matter of days. During this time, you’ll be closely monitored by a medical team, who may prescribe non-addictive medications to alleviate the physical symptoms of withdrawal. If you’re physically dependent on alcohol (or any other substance), detox can be uncomfortable or even dangerous. For that reason, it’s extremely important to undergo detox with proper medical care.

If you think you’d benefit from this type of care, you can learn about your options by reviewing our directory of medical detox centers here.

Either before or during your stay at a detox facility, you’ll work with a team to figure out what comes next. Physical healing is just the first step; focusing on mental health will help you avoid relapse and begin moving forward. If your addiction is severe enough to require inpatient detox, it’s absolutely vital that you also make a plan for longer-term recovery.

Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient rehab for alcohol misuse usually lasts for at least a few weeks, although some programs may allow you to stay longer. During your time in residence, you will probably engage in some combination of one-on-one talk therapy, group sessions, recreational therapy, experiential therapy, and other modalities. You may also work with a medical team to improve your physical health.

Remember that inpatient rehab is just one step in the long process of recovery. No matter how effective the program is, it’s unlikely that you’ll be completely “fixed” by the time you leave. Fortunately, most rehab providers are well-equipped to help you plan for life after rehab.

Intensive Outpatient Programs

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) provide addiction treatment while you live at home or in another facility. These programs can be appropriate for patients whose insurance won’t cover residential rehab.

In an IOP, you’ll likely attend daily therapy sessions, including individual counseling and support groups. Some programs let patients go to work or school at the same time. Others have a rigorous schedule, requiring you to attend therapy the way you might attend a job.

While these programs provide sufficient treatment for many patients, they don’t offer the same protected environment that you’d find in an inpatient rehab. This can leave you vulnerable to external triggers, including unstable relationships. However, people with strong community support may benefit from staying close to home during recovery.

Sober Living Environments

After initial treatment, such as detox or inpatient rehab, some patients move into sober living environments. Here, you’ll share a living space with a cohort of people who are also in recovery. This allows residents to both receive and provide support, practicing interpersonal skills.

Some sober living environments enforce a strict set of rules, such as a curfew or a minimum number of weekly support groups. You may also be required to attend individual therapy during your stay.

Alternatively, you may choose to live in a therapeutic community. These environments also have certain rules, and usually maintain a zero-tolerance policy regarding substance use. However, they use a more collaborative framework than some other facilities, giving residents greater responsibility and more say in how the house is run. These groups believe in the power of mutual support, and members rely on each other for mutual support throughout recovery.

You may be required to attend inpatient rehab before moving into a sober living environment. Every one of these programs has its own guidelines about each person’s length of stay. Some residents think of this time as a transitional period, spending only a few weeks on-site between receiving treatment and returning home. Other patients join these communities for the long term.

Support Groups

Support groups can be helpful at any stage of recovery. During inpatient rehab, most patients will attend some form of regular group meeting, whether it’s a peer-led program or a more structured therapy session. Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) is one well-known support group specifically designed to help AUD patients.

12-Step programs like A.A. are faith-based support groups. Members of A.A. are encouraged to “cultivate spirituality ((Kelly, J. F. (2017). Is Alcoholics Anonymous religious, spiritual, neither? Findings from 25 years of mechanisms of behavior change research. Addiction, 112(6), 929–936. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.13590)) and related practices as a new way of living.” Data has shown that this is an extremely effective way to approach recovery from alcohol abuse.

If faith-based recovery isn’t a good fit for you, there are a number of other support groups available, like SMART Recovery. ((Self-Help Addiction Recovery Program. (n.d.). Smart Recovery . https://www.smartrecovery.org/)) During SMART Recovery meetings, “participants find and develop the power within themselves to change and lead fulfilling and balanced lives.” Rather than following 12 predefined steps, each person creates their own personal plan for sustainable healing, and receives mutual emotional support from other members.

No matter which philosophy resonates with you, support groups can be helpful at every stage of recovery. Because most groups are free of charge, they are extremely accessible to people from all walks of life. And you can attend sessions as often as you need to; in many cities, it’s possible to find a different session for every day of the week.

This can help you meet new people in a healthy context. You’ll be able to join a community and learn valuable interpersonal skills. And by sharing this mutual support, you may gain insight into how to heal your relationships with people outside the group.

Healing Relationships From Alcohol Addiction

When you love someone with an AUD, it can be hard to know what to do. Before they get help, you may be called on to handle emergency situations, ranging from the inconvenient to the dangerous. And if the person is a close enough family member, you may feel obligated to help, no matter what it costs you.

There are a number of ways to help your loved one get into treatment. In extreme cases, you may even consider sending them to rehab involuntarily. ((Faq: Involuntary rehab – draft v1. (n.d.). Google Docs. Retrieved March 25, 2022, from https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-5xGTDuIQavxjnvFNvLdMkW_KIWBN40GWPQ5sQUzwCU/edit?usp=embed_facebook)) However, it’s important to remember that your needs matter, too. Whether or not they get help, you may need to heal from your own experiences of their addiction.

Some residential rehabs offer family programs, which may take place on-site or remotely. Depending on the specific facility, you might be able to participate in family therapy with a loved one in treatment, or you might even attend a group that’s only open to people outside the program. Either of these options may help you get the professional support you need, from a provider who understands the impact addiction can have on loved ones.

If your loved one doesn’t attend treatment, or if their rehab doesn’t have a family program, you might consider going to a free Al-Anon ((Scot. (n.d.). Al-anon family groups. Al-Anon Family Groups. Retrieved from https://al-anon.org/)) meeting. This 12-Step group is specifically designed for friends and family members of people with substance use disorders, including alcoholism.

Your personal healing process is different from that of healing your relationship. First, take some time to get support, center yourself, and learn how to meet your own needs. After that, you can start thinking about whether you want to work through things with your loved one.

Like any other type of recovery, this can be a complex and alinear process. Be patient with yourself—and with your loved one, if you decide to maintain the relationship. It’s okay to go slowly.

Life in Recovery from Alcohol Addiction

After you get treatment for alcohol abuse, life may look very different. Because alcohol is legal and widely available, it can be especially hard for people with AUDs to avoid triggering situations. Over time, though, you can learn when it’s appropriate to challenge yourself, and when you need to set firm boundaries. For example, you may be able to sit in a friend’s kitchen while they drink a glass of wine, even if you never feel comfortable going to a bar. There is no right or wrong way to proceed here; just the right or wrong way for you.

As you approach treatment and recovery, remember that it’s still possible to enjoy life. There are countless ways to have fun without drinking. Living healthily doesn’t just mean being sober; it also means learning how to enjoy yourself in a sustainable way.

If you or a loved one struggles with alcohol abuse, you can learn more about our rehab programs for alcohol addiction here.

Reviewed by Rajnandini Rathod

It’s all too easy to become addicted to opiates. Once you develop a tolerance for painkillers, it can be difficult to imagine life without them. This is true even for people who started by using opioids under medical supervision. And because they are so commonly prescribed, the misuse of these drugs is extremely prevalent. Because of this, there are many rehab programs for opioid use disorders.

It’s possible to use painkillers appropriately. For some patients, they can even be necessary. However, that’s not true for everyone. Opiate misuse can quickly become a vicious cycle. This is partly because these drugs not only impact brain chemistry; they also have an effect on physiology.

Chemical Effects of Opioid Use

Opioids are narcotics derived from the poppy plant, including heroin, morphine, codeine, fentanyl, methadone, tramadol, and more. Because these drugs can cause breathing difficulties, “opioid overdose ((Opioid overdose. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/opioid-overdose)) can lead to death.”

Opioids bind to the opioid receptors, which are located both in the brain and throughout the body. These receptors are involved in the experience of pleasure and pain. When any of these drugs, including illicit and prescription opioids, ((Abuse, N. I. on D. (2021, June 1). Prescription opioids drugfacts. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-opioids)) bind to these receptors, “they block pain signals sent from the brain to the body and release large amounts of dopamine throughout the body. This release can strongly reinforce the act of taking the drug, making the user want to repeat the experience.”

Experts are concerned that narcotics are overprescribed ((Mann, B. (2020, July 17). Doctors and dentists still flooding u. S. With opioid prescriptions. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2020/07/17/887590699/doctors-and-dentists-still-flooding-u-s-with-opioid-prescriptions)) for any type of acute or chronic physical pain. Because of this, opioids are widely available, even to people without their own prescriptions. And without proper medical supervision, these highly addictive drugs can have seriously harmful effects on a patient’s body, mind, and interpersonal relationships. The misuse of prescription opioids ((Lost in Translation: Does regular misuse of prescription opioids affect one’s ability to understand others’ emotions? (n.d.). Retrieved March 25, 2022, from https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/lost-in-translation-does-regular-misuse/)) can cause “difficulty with memory and in reading certain types of emotions in other people, which they are unaware of.”

In addition, opiate misuse can lower a patient’s acute pain tolerance. ((Wachholtz, A., & Gonzalez, G. (2014). Co-morbid pain and opioid addiction: Long term effect of opioid maintenance on acute pain. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 145, 143–149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.10.010)) As you become more sensitive to pain, you may feel stronger urges to misuse painkillers, which results in an even lower tolerance. Although patients’ “tolerance to pain does appear to increase after the completion of treatment” for opiate use disorders, it’s hard to move past this addiction without help. And because of how easy it is to get caught in the cycle, opioid use disorders are so common, they are considered to be a national crisis in the U.S.

The Opiate Crisis

Opiate addiction often starts with the intention to treat pain. ((Treating opiate addiction, Part I: Detoxification and maintenance. (2005, April 1). Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/treating-opiate-addiction-part-i-detoxification-and-maintenance)) And at one time, prescribing great quantities of narcotics was considered a best practice in the medical field. “During the 1990s, there was a push by public health officials to improve pain treatment in the United States. This led to pain becoming the ‘fifth vital sign.’ Doctors and nurses were given the impression that pain should be totally relieved. Narcotics are excellent pain relievers and too often they became the ‘go to’ treatment for pain. Although the public health effort was well intentioned, the consequences are now very well recognized. Overuse of prescription opioids has been a major contributor to the current ‘opioid epidemic.’”

The statistics of the opiate crisis ((Opioid crisis statistics [2022]: Prescription opiod abuse. (n.d.). NCDAS. Retrieved March 25, 2022, from https://drugabusestatistics.org/opioid-epidemic/)) paint a chilling picture. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, over 10 million people misuse opiates every year. In that same time frame, nearly 50,000 people die from opiate overdoses. This class of drugs is a factor in 72% of all overdose deaths.

And the numbers are going up. “In 2020, more than 92,000 Americans died from drug overdoses, a nearly 30% increase over 2019.” If you suspect you may have an opiate use disorder, ((Opioid Use Disorder | psychiatry.org. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/addiction/opioid-use-disorder)) you don’t have to be part of that statistic.

Breaking the cycle is hard, but it is absolutely possible. Data suggests that many adults in the U.S. have recovered from opioid use disorders. ((Hoffman, L. A., Vilsaint, C., & Kelly, J. F. (2020). Recovery from opioid problems in the us population: Prevalence, pathways, and psychological well-being. Journal of Addiction Medicine, 14(3), 207–216. https://doi.org/10.1097/ADM.0000000000000561)) And for many patients, the process of recovery begins with detox.

Detoxing from Opiates

Detox can be physically dangerous. This is true for any substance, and especially for opiates. Because of this, it’s extremely important to undergo detox with proper medical supervision. Fortunately, doctors have many tools for withdrawal management. ((Information, N. C. for B., Pike, U. S. N. L. of M. 8600 R., MD, B., & Usa, 20894. (2009). Withdrawal management. World Health Organization. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310652/)) For example, your symptoms may be monitored using the Short Opiate Withdrawal Scale. This scale ranks patients symptoms, such as gastrointestinal distress, muscle spasms, aches and pains, etc., on a scale of zero to three. The severity of your symptoms will determine your eligibility for certain non-addictive medications.

Many patients benefit from medically-assisted treatment (MAT) for opiate detox and continued recovery. In this protocol, you may be prescribed medications such as clonidine, buprenorphine, or methadone. The latter is an especially common treatment for people in recovery.

Methadone Treatment for Opiate Use Disorders

Methadone is a synthetic opioid, and commonly used medication for opiate use disorders. ((Abuse, N. I. on D. (–). How do medications to treat opioid use disorder work? National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction/how-do-medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction-work)) This drug “eliminates withdrawal symptoms and relieves drug cravings by acting on opioid receptors in the brain—the same receptors that other opioids such as heroin, morphine, and opioid pain medications activate. Although it occupies and activates these opioid receptors, it does so more slowly than other opioids and, in an opioid-dependent person, treatment doses do not produce euphoria. It has been used successfully for more than 40 years to treat opioid use disorder and must be dispensed through specialized opioid treatment programs.”

As effective as it can be for some patients, methadone is not an appropriate treatment for everyone. It may interact with other prescribed medications, causing heart conditions. Furthermore, its active ingredients remain in the body even after its noticeable effects wear off. Because of this, patients may unintentionally overdose if they fail to take methadone ((Methadone. (n.d.). Retrieved March 25, 2022, from https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions/methadone)) exactly as prescribed.

When used improperly, methadone can also become addictive. Despite this, it is often an effective treatment. The neurobiology of opioid use ((Kosten, T. R., & George, T. P. (2002). The neurobiology of opioid dependence: Implications for treatment. Science & Practice Perspectives, 1(1), 13–20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2851054/)) is extremely complex, and it is absolutely essential for patients in recovery to stay in close communication with a medical team when using any prescribed alternative to narcotics.

Methadone treatment ((Methadone. (n.d.). Retrieved March 25, 2022, from https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions/methadone)) can take place in an inpatient or outpatient setting. If you’ve been cleared by a physician, you may even be able to take this drug by yourself, at home. However, this option will only become available after a period of stricter supervision.

Methadone may be prescribed for short-term use, or may help you navigate later stages of healing. Whether or not you plan to use this medication after your initial detox, it’s important to make a long-term plan for recovery.

Long-Term Treatment for Opioid Addiction

When you’re planning for life after detox, ((Life after detox: Can medication and residential treatment for opioid use disorder reduce risk of death? (n.d.). Recovery Research Institute. Retrieved January 24, 2022, from https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/medication-residential-treatment-opioid-use-disorder-reduce-risk-death/)) it’s important to consider residential treatment. According to one study, medication and/or inpatient treatment have been “associated with reduced risk of death when compared to no treatment post detox” for people with opioid use disorders.

Various rehab programs offer different types of therapy. You may find that certain types of therapy resonate with you more than others, and this may change over time. Some experts believe that different treatments are appropriate at different stages of recovery from opiate addiction. ((Treating opiate addiction, Part II: Alternatives to maintenance. (2005, May 1). Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/treating-opiate-addiction-part-ii-alternatives-to-maintenance)) For example, “psychotherapy may help at the pre-contemplation and contemplation stages, while cognitive and behavioral therapies may be more appropriate for the action and maintenance stages.” A few types of therapy can be especially helpful for patients recovering from opiate misuse.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, is a highly effective treatment for this condition. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), MAT is an extremely important component of treatment for opiate use disorders. ((Abuse, N. I. on D. (–). How effective are medications to treat opioid use disorder? National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction/efficacy-medications-opioid-use-disorder)) “Abundant evidence shows that methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone all reduce opioid use and opioid use disorder-related symptoms.”

Using prescribed substances to treat the misuse of other substances may seem counterintuitive. However, for these particular patients, psychotherapy and behavioral health treatment may be enough. In fact, research has found that medication can improve the outcomes of opiate use disorder treatment, ((Medications for opioid use disorder improve patient outcomes. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://pew.org/34ixgdT)) with or without the addition of talk therapy or behavioral therapy.

This data confirms the effectiveness of medical treatment for these patients. Regardless, patients in certain programs in the U.S. may be required to receive at least one form of counseling. According to federal law, patients who receive MAT for opiate use disorders ((Mat medications, counseling, and related conditions. (n.d.). Retrieved March 25, 2022, from https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions)) in accredited and certified opioid treatment programs (OTPs) “must receive counseling, which may include different forms of behavioral therapy. These services are required along with medical, vocational, educational, and other assessment and treatment services.”

Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a style of talk therapy in which the patient learns specific, practical skills for navigating difficult thought patterns. CBT is an effective treatment for substance use disorders ((McHugh, R. K., Hearon, B. A., & Otto, M. W. (2010). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for substance use disorders. The Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 33(3), 511–525. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2010.04.012)) in general, and opiate use disorders in particular.

CBT may be especially helpful for patients recovering from opioid use disorders ((Psychologists’ role in helping to treat opioid-use disorders and prevent overdoses. (n.d.). Https://Www.Apa.Org. Retrieved March 25, 2022, from https://www.apa.org/monitor/2017/04/ce-corner)) that began with the misuse of prescriptions for chronic pain. This is because CBT “may be used effectively to treat chronic pain, either as a stand-alone treatment or with other nonopioid pharmacological treatments. CBT improves pain-related outcomes along with mobility, quality of life, and disability and mood outcomes.” This data suggests that CBT may be an effective replacement for prescribed narcotics, whether or not the patient has a substance use disorder.

CBT has also been shown to increase the likelihood of long-term drug abstinence ((Psychologists’ role in helping to treat opioid-use disorders and prevent overdoses. (n.d.). Https://Www.Apa.Org. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/monitor/2017/04/ce-corner)) for certain patients. In one study, “those in the CBT group had more than twice the mean number of weeks of drug abstinence compared with those who received medical management alone.” This treatment was found to be more effective for people who misused prescriptions than for those who used illicit opioids, like heroin.

Contingency Management

Contingency management (CM) ((Abuse, N. I. on D. (–). Contingency management interventions/motivational incentives(Alcohol, stimulants, opioids, marijuana, nicotine). National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/evidence-based-approaches-to-drug-addiction-treatment/behavioral-therapies/contingency-management-interventions-motivational-incentives)) is a type of therapy that works well for patients who have misused any type of opioid. Some versions of CM, like voucher-based reinforcement, work especially well for recovering heroin users.

These programs involve “tangible rewards to reinforce positive behaviors such as abstinence.” ((Abuse, N. I. on D. (–). Contingency management interventions/motivational incentives(Alcohol, stimulants, opioids, marijuana, nicotine). National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/evidence-based-approaches-to-drug-addiction-treatment/behavioral-therapies/contingency-management-interventions-motivational-incentives)) For example, a patient might receive a voucher every time they test negative for opioid use. These vouchers can then be exchanged for rewards such as food items, movie tickets, or other prizes. Some versions of CM reward patients with actual money.

It is important to combine contingency management with other forms of therapy, ((Bolívar, H. A., Klemperer, E. M., Coleman, S. R. M., DeSarno, M., Skelly, J. M., & Higgins, S. T. (2021). Contingency management for patients receiving medication for opioid use disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry, 78(10), 1092–1102. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2021.1969)) because “treatment effects often dissipate after contingency management is discontinued.” In order to achieve long-term recovery, patients should consider long-term treatment options such as talk therapy and support groups, such as 12-Step programs.

No single type of treatment is right for everyone. As you consider whether inpatient treatment is right for you, remember that there are many different options available. If you can, it’s best to talk to the admissions teams at a few facilities, and learn which types of therapy they offer.

Continued Recovery from Opiate Misuse

Recovering from an opiate use disorder is an extremely personal process. And healing isn’t always a straightforward path. But no matter what your experience has been so far, change is always possible.

As you start to plan for recovery, remember that you, too, deserve to heal. You deserve support and care. And with the right resources, you can begin to create a meaningful and sustainable life.

If you’d like to learn more about inpatient treatment, you can browse our list of rehabs for opioid use disorders here.

Reviewed by Rajnandini Rathod

Marijuana addiction can be challenging to manage. If you’ve just arrived at this diagnosis, you probably have a lot of questions about what to do next. For some people, finding a rehab program that specializes in cannabis use disorder is a next step that makes sense.

Marijuana is the most widely consumed recreational drug in the world. Fortunately, there are many rehab centers and resources available for you to choose from.

Prevalence of Marijuana Addiction

You may be wondering if you really need a treatment as serious as rehab for something that’s generally not thought of as a “hard” drug. Is marijuana addiction real and something to be concerned about?

The answer is that yes, marijuanna addiction is real, even if it may look different than other kinds of substance addiction. And many people benefit from inpatient rehab, as well as other kinds of treatments.

Nearly 18% of people aged 12 or older reported that they had used cannabis in the past year. About 5% of people in the U.S. (or about 14.2 million people) had cannabis use disorder symptoms ((Abuse, N. I. on D. (–). What is the scope of cannabis (Marijuana) use in the United States? National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-scope-marijuana-use-in-united-states)) in the past 12 months.

The main chemical in marijuana that produces most of its psychoactive (mind-altering) effects is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Over the years, cannabis has become much more potent, ((Abuse, N. I. on D. (–). Is marijuana addictive? National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-addictive)) and this may complicate your attempts to stop or decrease how much you use.

Legalization of medical cannabis in the U.S. has made it easier to know how much THC you’re ingesting. Legalization has also played a role in shifting the consequences for using cannabis, and how easy it is to access it.

Because of these considerations, your marijuana use may have negative effects on your life even while you’re doing your best to manage it. The good news is that professionals have developed an understanding of what you’re experiencing and how to best support you.

Risk Factors for Marijuana Addiction

Certain demographics have a heightened vulnerability to marijuana misuse. ((Hasin, D. S., Kerridge, B. T., Saha, T. D., Huang, B., Pickering, R., Smith, S. M., Jung, J., Zhang, H., & Grant, B. F. (2016). Prevalence and correlates of dsm-5 cannabis use disorder, 2012-2013: Findings from the national epidemiologic survey on alcohol and related conditions–iii. American Journal of Psychiatry, 173(6), 588–599. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2015.15070907)) For example, people who start using marijuana before the age of 18 ((Abuse, N. I. on D. (–). Is marijuana addictive? National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-addictive)) are four to seven times more likely to develop a marijuana use disorder than people who start at a later age.

More and more older adults are using marijuana and need support for cannabis use disorder, ((Choi, N. G., & DiNitto, D. M. (2019). Older marijuana users in substance abuse treatment: Treatment settings for marijuana-only versus polysubstance use admissions. Journal of substance abuse treatment, 105, 28-36.)) along with other substance use issues.

Additional risk factors for cannabis use disorder  include having a mental health diagnosis like anxiety or depression, as well as the following:

• family history
• peer pressure
• loneliness or social isolation
• lack of family involvement
• drug availability

The Impact of Marijuana Addiction

Many people use marijuana without issue, but it’s important to notice whether it’s negatively affecting your life. There are short- and long-term consequences for using marijuana.

Immediate Effects

“Instead of relaxation and euphoria, some people experience anxiety, fear, distrust, or panic” ((Abuse, N. I. on D. (–). What are marijuana’s effects? National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-are-marijuana-effects)) when using marijuana, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

“These effects are more common when a person takes too much, the marijuana has an unexpectedly high potency, or the person is inexperienced. People who have taken large doses of marijuana may experience an acute psychosis, which includes hallucinations, delusions, and a loss of the sense of personal identity,” says NIDA.

Dependence

Marijuana dependence ((Abuse, N. I. on D. (–). Is marijuana addictive? National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-addictive)) happens when your brain adapts to large amounts of the drug by reducing production of, and sensitivity to, its own endocannabinoid neurotransmitters.

People who use marijuana frequently often report irritability, mood and sleep difficulties, decreased appetite, cravings, restlessness, or physical discomfort. These effects peak within the first week after quitting and last up to 2 weeks.

Cannabis Use Disorder Symptoms

The diagnosis that used to be named cannabis addiction has been changed to cannabis use disorder. Symptoms of cannabis use disorder include the following:

• using more marijuana than intended
• trying but failing to quit using marijuana
• spending a lot of time using marijuana
• craving marijuana
• using marijuana even though it causes problems at home, school, or work
• continuing to use marijuana despite social or relationship problems
• giving up important activities with friends and family in favor of using marijuana
• using marijuana in high-risk situations, such as while driving a car
• continuing to use marijuana despite physical or psychological problems
• needing to use more marijuana to get the same high
• experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping marijuana use

In withdrawal, you might experience irritability, nervousness, difficulties with sleep, restlessness, depressed mood, stomach pains, chills, and headaches. For some people, cannabis withdrawals cause unpleasant, vivid dreams and notice changes in their appetite. ((Hesse, M., & Thylstrup, B. (2013). Time-course of the DSM-5 cannabis withdrawal symptoms in poly-substance abusers. BMC Psychiatry, 13(1), 258. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-13-258))

Long-term Effects

Over time, there’s a possibility that you’ll experience problems with attention, memory, and learning related to marijuana misuse.

Beginning to acknowledge the impacts of substance use on the rest of your life can feel challenging. Remember that you deserve care and support in that process. And it’s heartening to remember that available treatments are specifically designed to support you in changing your marijuana use in the way that’s most helpful for you.

Marijuana Addiction, Other Substance Use Disorders, and Mental Health

Cannabis use disorder is associated with other diagnoses, ((Hasin, D. S., Kerridge, B. T., Saha, T. D., Huang, B., Pickering, R., Smith, S. M., Jung, J., Zhang, H., & Grant, B. F. (2016). Prevalence and correlates of dsm-5 cannabis use disorder, 2012-2013: Findings from the national epidemiologic survey on alcohol and related conditions–iii. American Journal of Psychiatry, 173(6), 588–599. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2015.15070907)) including mood disorders like depression and anxiety, personality disorders, and other substance use disorders. This means that lots of people who seek help for substance use have co-occurring disorders.

Is Marijuana a Gateway Drug?

People who used marijuana and already had an alcohol use disorder may be at greater risk of their alcohol use disorder getting worse. Marijuana use is also linked to other substance use disorders including nicotine addiction.

But most people who use marijuana don’t go on to use other, “harder” substances. ((Abuse, N. I. on D. (–). Is marijuana a gateway drug? National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-gateway-drug)) In fact, cross-sensitization is not unique to marijuana. What this means is that substances like alcohol and nicotine also prime the brain to have a greater response to other drugs. This isn’t something that’s the case for marijuana specifically.

Marijuana and Risk of Psychosis

Cannabis-induced psychosis is a concern, particularly if you have a genetic predisposition to the experience, schizophrenia and other psychiatric diagnoses, or different types of vulnerabilities.

According to a group of researchers in the Department of Psychosis Studies at King’s College London, people who use marijuana and carry a specific variant of the AKT1 gene are at increased risk of developing psychosis. People with the AKT1 gene who used marijuana daily were 7 times more likely to develop psychosis than people who used marijuana infrequently or not at all.

Another study found elevated levels of psychosis among adults who had used marijuana in adolescence and also carried a specific variant of the gene for catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT).

If you’re struggling with your relationship with marijuana and also experiencing mental health challenges or problems with another substance, there are a number of rehab programs and treatment approaches that are tailored to your unique needs.

Treatments for Marijuana Addiction

Why reduce or stop using cannabis? In one study, participants reported that they had 3 main reasons for decreasing or stopping their marijuana use: ((Stea, J. N., Yakovenko, I., & Hodgins, D. C. (2015). Recovery from cannabis use disorders: Abstinence versus moderation and treatment-assisted recovery versus natural recovery. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 29(3), 522.))

1. Self-incompatibility: Using marijuana wasn’t in line with their values and life goals.
2. Social incompatibility: Friends and family held values that weren’t consistent with marijuana use.
3. Mental health concerns: Using marijuana caused or worsened their depression or anxiety.

Maybe these reasons resonate with you too, or maybe you have different reasons for wanting to make a change. Science supports the efficacy of certain treatments for this condition.

Something to keep in mind: in one study that focused on outcomes of marijuana use treatment, interventions for cannabis use disorder ((Gates, P. J., Sabioni, P., Copeland, J., Foll, B. L., & Gowing, L. (2016). Psychosocial interventions for cannabis use disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 5. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005336.pub4)) had the best short-term effectiveness when they lasted more than 4 sessions and over a month’s time, as compared to more brief, lower‐intensity interventions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy for cannabis use disorder ((Litt, M. D., Kadden, R. M., Tennen, H., & Petry, N. M. (2020). Individualized assessment and treatment program (Iatp) for cannabis use disorder: Randomized controlled trial with and without contingency management. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors : Journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors, 34(1), 40–51. https://doi.org/10.1037/adb0000491)) “targets the (perceived) functional role that cannabis use plays in a patient’s life and seeks to alter the cognitive and behavioral mechanisms precipitating use. Patients are taught skills to aid cannabis reduction/cessation and maintain this change. This could involve, for example, teaching patients to identify situations likely to trigger motivation to cannabis use and how to avoid them, or how to address the thoughts and emotions underlying the motivation to use.

“Other components of CBT include building drug refusal skills and problem-solving skills, and making healthy lifestyle modifications. The main goals of CBT are to increase patient self-efficacy to resist cannabis use and expand their repertoire of coping skills.”

An individualized approach to treatment planning may increase effectiveness of CBT for marijuana use treatment. ((Litt, M. D., Kadden, R. M., Tennen, H., & Petry, N. M. (2020). Individualized assessment and treatment program (Iatp) for cannabis use disorder: Randomized controlled trial with and without contingency management. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors : Journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors, 34(1), 40–51. https://doi.org/10.1037/adb0000491)) It involves using your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to identify what situations put you at the highest chance for relapse.

To learn more about this approach, see our list of rehabs that offer individualized treatment for marijuana addiction.

Motivational Enhancement Therapy

Motivational enhancement therapy for cannabis use disorder ((Gates, P. J., Sabioni, P., Copeland, J., Foll, B. L., & Gowing, L. (2016). Psychosocial interventions for cannabis use disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 5. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005336.pub4)) is set up to mobilize your internal resources to help you make change and engage fully in treatment. This approach gives you a space to explore feelings of resistance that may be coming up, and strengthen your sense of self-efficacy.

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy

In rational emotive behavior therapy, ((Ellis, A., & MacLaren, C. (2008). Rational emotive behavior therapy. The quick theory reference guide: A resource for expert and novice mental health professionals, 127-139.)) the therapist works through a set of target problems with you and helps you decide on your goals for the course of treatment. You work together to discover emotions, behaviors, and beliefs related to those problems based on your values and goals. The goal is for you to apply what you learn in session to real-life situations.

Contingency Management

Contingency management ((Litt, M. D., Kadden, R. M., Tennen, H., & Petry, N. M. (2020). Individualized assessment and treatment program (Iatp) for cannabis use disorder: Randomized controlled trial with and without contingency management. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors : Journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors, 34(1), 40–51. https://doi.org/10.1037/adb0000491)) is an approach that allows you to track how often you use marijuana and compare that to a goal. Based on whether or not you use marijuana each day or week, you either earn rewards, or they are removed. During future days, you have more chances to keep earning rewards.

Parent involvement in contingency management ((Contingency management + parent participation = further benefits to adolescents? (n.d.). Recovery Research Institute. Retrieved March 1, 2022, from https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/contingency-management-parent-participation-further-benefits-to-adolescents/)) procedures can also be helpful for teens who are trying to reduce or stop their marijuana use.

Community-Based Strategies

Your substance use, and positive changes you make, happen within your environment. A community-based strategy approach uses support strategies such as celebratory events, involving people in decision-making, and building available resources.

Medication Interventions

Currently, the FDA hasn’t approved any medications to treat cannabis use disorder, but research is active in this area.

Some medication-based treatments for marijuana addiction ((Abuse, N. I. on D. (–). Available treatments for marijuana use disorders. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/available-treatments-marijuana-use-disorders)) target sleep issues, a big part of marijuana withdrawal. “Medications that have shown promise in early studies or small clinical trials include the sleep aid zolpidem (Ambien®), an anti-anxiety/anti-stress medication called buspirone (BuSpar®), and an anti-epileptic medication called gabapentin (Horizant®, Neurontin®) that may improve sleep and, possibly, executive function.”

In addition, THC, antidepressants, buspirone, N-acetylcystine, and mood stabilizers have been studied, and may be helpful in some cases. However, they may not be significantly more effective than a placebo. ((Nielsen, S., Gowing, L., Sabioni, P., & Le Foll, B. (2019). Pharmacotherapies for cannabis dependence. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (1).))

Finding a treatment that works well for you is possible. By making changes at the psychological, physical, or community level, you open up the possibility for new patterns of behavior.

Long-Term Recovery from Marijuana Addiction

What to Expect in Recovery

There are positive changes that start to happen after you reduce or stop using marijuna. For example, young people between the ages of 16 and 26 showed increased performance on sustained attention tasks after stopping their cannabis use ((Wallace, A. L., Wade, N. E., & Lisdahl, K. M. (2020). Impact of two-weeks of monitored abstinence on cognition in adolescent and young adult cannabis users. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society : JINS, 26(8), 776–784. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1355617720000260)) for 2 weeks.

Participants in another study showed improvements in memory after 1 month of not using marijuana. ((Schuster, R. M., Gilman, J., Schoenfeld, D., Evenden, J., Hareli, M., Ulysse, C., Nip, E., Hanly, A., Zhang, H., & Evins, A. E. (2018). One month of cannabis abstinence in adolescents and young adults is associated with improved memory. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 79(6), 17m11977. https://doi.org/10.4088/JCP.17m11977)) Treatment of cannabis use disorder also improves depressive symptoms ((Arias, A. J., Hammond, C. J., Burleson, J. A., Kaminer, Y., Feinn, R., Curry, J. F., & Dennis, M. L. (2020). Temporal dynamics of the relationship between change in depressive symptoms and cannabis use in adolescents receiving psychosocial treatment for cannabis use disorder. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 117, 108087. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2020.108087)) in adolescents.

Setting Yourself up for Success

Once you’re better able to manage your cannabis use, it’s important to arrange your environment to make yourself as successful as possible.

In one study, participants shared 3 main helpful strategies for maintaining their change of stopping or decreasing their marijuana use: ((Stea, J. N., Yakovenko, I., & Hodgins, D. C. (2015). Recovery from cannabis use disorders: Abstinence versus moderation and treatment-assisted recovery versus natural recovery. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 29(3), 522.))

1. Cognitive strategies: They weighed the benefits and costs of use, identifying reasons that cannabis use might be incompatible with their goals and values, and also identifying the mental health consequences of use.
2. Social shifts: They spent less time with marijuana users and more time with non users.
3. Stimulus control/avoidance: They spent less time at places and in situations that used to be associated with cannabis use, and more time on new hobbies and in places where wellness is emphasized, like the gym.

Making a Positive Change

Navigating substance misuse can be difficult. Your journey up to now is unique and the support you receive should make sense for you.

Many rehab programs offer specialized programs to help you change your relationship with marijuana and build new habits. Taking the next step is possible, and there are lots of tools available to help you find stability and hope.

If you want to learn more about programs that treat this issue, you can browse our list of rehabs that treat marijuana addiction here.