Rehab Centers for Synthetic Marijuana Addiction

Synthetic marijuana, or synthetic cannabinoids, has become an increasingly dangerous problem in the United States. Even though it is illegal to smoke synthetic marijuana in the U.S., the form of this drug called “Spice” is widely available.

Synthetic marijuana addiction occurs when a person becomes mentally reliant on the drug, while dependence occurs when they physically need the drug to continue functioning normally.

If you or someone you love have an addiction to or dependence on synthetic marijuana, it may be hard to know how or where to ask for help.

For information about synthetic marijuana rehab, continue reading to learn:

• What happens during rehab
• What you can expect after rehab
• Where to find treatment for synthetic marijuana
• The cost of treatment

Anyone who is addicted to synthetic marijuana may need rehab. Any use of synthetic marijuana is considered abuse, because the drug is illegal. And abusing synthetic marijuana can cause problems in many areas of your life.

If you are concerned that you or a loved one may have an addiction to synthetic marijuana, there are signs and symptoms you can look for.

Signs of addiction to synthetic marijuana:

• Sudden, extreme stints of hyperactivity or lethargy
• Sudden, unprovoked, and extreme bouts of anger
• Physical aggression and violent behavior
• Heart palpitations
• Hallucinations
• Disorientation and confusion
• Delusions and altered perceptions
• Elevated moods or extreme depressive episodes
• Paranoia
• Psychosis

Synthetic marijuana withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Severe anxiety
• Sweating
• Difficulty sleeping
• Cravings for the drug

If you are thinking of going to rehab for synthetic marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid dependence or addiction, you may be curious about what to expect in rehab.

There are many different types of treatment programs used to treat substance use disorders, including synthetic marijuana. They include inpatient and outpatient programs, detoxification, many different types of therapy, support groups, and more.

In drug detox, patients are medically supervised by doctors and nursing staff 24/7. They will monitor the patient’s vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate.

To start, a doctor will conduct a physical exam to assess the patient’s health and identify co-occurring conditions.

This time will also be used to acquire a complete drug use history and, based on the information gathered, will put together a unique treatment plan for the patient based on their specific needs.

After detox, patients may choose inpatient treatment services. Inpatient treatment programs are designed for patients who need an intense and frequent level of care from trained personnel and medical staff.

These programs are structured and offer multiple therapy sessions a day. These schedules have been shown to be effective in treating substance abuse, and they keep patients away from outside addiction triggers.

Co-occurring mental health disorders are common for many people who are dealing with synthetic marijuana abuse. Your treatment team at the addiction recovery center you choose may prescribe individual therapy sessions, family therapy sessions, and group therapy.

It is essential to take care of a person’s underlying mental illness while treating their addiction, too. The most commonly used therapy in treatment programs is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing.

Co-occurring disorders can include the following:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety disorders

People who have been through a detox program or who have graduated from inpatient treatment may need a lower level of intensity of care. This is where outpatient treatment programs come in.

Outpatient programs work in a step-down method, where the intensity of care gradually tapers off. Outpatient programs provide support for people through therapy, support groups, medication management, and overall mental and behavioral health.

Step-down outpatient treatment programs include:

• Partial hospitalization programs — These programs help patients transition from inpatient to outpatient treatment in a step-down approach designed to assist patients who need more frequent, intensive treatment.
• Intensive outpatient programs — This program is used as a step down from partial hospitalization programs. This could also be a program for patients who need less-intensive care than inpatient or partial hospitalization.
• General outpatient programs — This is considered the least-intensive level of outpatient programs. These programs help prepare patients for life in long-term recovery and will continue for as long as it is needed

Aftercare programs are designed to help people who have substance use disorders continue their sober living after they have completed inpatient and outpatient programs.

They generally consist of community-based self-help support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. These types of programs are meant to be used on an as-needed basis.

You can also seek individual therapy, group counseling, sober apps, or alumni sober network groups through your rehab center to help you continue your recovery process.

The amount of time substance abuse treatment will take can vary depending on the severity and length of time the person has been addicted to a substance.

Long-term inpatient treatment programs, also known as residential treatment, can last for over a year in some cases, but short-term programs are usually divided into 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day stays.

Outpatient and aftercare treatment programs are not under time constraints and are meant to be used as often as needed.

Recovery from synthetic marijuana addiction can be a life-long journey. During inpatient rehab, you are surrounded by people dedicated to your sobriety and overall health. The medical staff has helped you develop a new routine for your new normal.

In outpatient rehab, you have learned to incorporate your substance abuse treatment into your everyday routine with the help of your therapist and support group.

However, after formal treatment programs are complete, you may need a form of continuing care or counseling to stay sober.

Continuing care is any ongoing treatment you may receive for chemical dependency on synthetic marijuana or other drugs, or mental health conditions. This can be in the form of individual therapy, family counseling, and group support.

Studies have shown that people who utilize continuing care opportunities are more likely to remain sober. Your chance of living a successful sober life greatly increases when you continue seeking support.

These days there are many options when considering continuing care. Dedicated addiction specialists, therapists, and people who have experience with addiction have created many methods to choose from.

With so many options available, you are bound to find one that fits into your schedule and works the best for your lifestyle.

Sober living is an incredibly helpful method of continuing care that assists people who have graduated from inpatient and outpatient treatment programs.

It can be a big shock to leave a structured environment and return to your old surroundings. Sober living is transitional housing for people who still need the support of a strictly sober and regimented household.

Sober apps are another way that people who are dealing with substance abuse can quickly connect with support from sobriety coaches, counselors, and support groups.

Support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous have been proven to be incredibly helpful in maintaining sobriety. There are usually meetings going on constantly at many locations across the United States.

After you get help and leave a treatment center, you will continue to face obstacles every day. Hopefully, though, after your addiction intervention, you will have gained new coping skills for life without synthetic marijuana.

Some ways that you can prevent relapsing include:

• Learn how to manage cravings.
• Avoid people, places, and things that may lead to relapsing.
• Monitor yourself and report any health concerns immediately.
• Continue therapy and attend support groups.

The amount of synthetic marijuana abuse treatment you need will depends on a number of factors, including the length of time the addiction has been present, your age, genetics, overall health, and dependency level.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, rehab programs can cost anywhere from $2,200 to $32,000. Factors that affect this price can include where you get treatment, what insurance you have, and how much treatment you are going to need.

Most major insurances provide coverage for substance abuse treatment, at least partially. Many addiction treatment centers also provide options for self-pay, including payment assistance and scholarships.

Addiction to synthetic marijuana is treatable but not curable. Addiction is similar to other chronic illnesses in that you will need to continue to treat the addiction with therapy and other aftercare options.

Your case manager from your addiction treatment center can go over the various treatment options available to you. It will be a life-long journey, but you will have many tools available for your success.

There are many benefits to seeking help for your addiction to synthetic marijuana. Synthetic marijuana can be considered false advertising, claiming that it is just like marijuana.

However, it is a dangerous drug, and the chemical compounds of synthetic marijuana are not like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The effects of synthetic marijuana can be life-threatening for the person who is using it.

Getting help for synthetic marijuana addiction can improve your quality of life and improve your overall health. Drug rehab can help you reconnect with friends and family members that you may have lost during the addiction.

While you may not be able to recover the time you lost while dealing with synthetic marijuana abuse, you have a chance to regain control of your life with rehab.

When you are ready to seek treatment for synthetic marijuana, you may not know where to begin. You are likely to find treatment facilities in most major hospital systems, VA centers, and other medical centers and clinics.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has created a searchable database at Findtreatment.gov, where you can anonymously locate a treatment center near you.

There are many different criteria you can search for on the website in order to maximize your chance of finding the best treatment center for your needs.

Every state in the U.S. has its own system of state-run hospitals and substance abuse treatment facilities.

Find the treatment center closest to you.

If you or a loved one are ready to end your dependence on or addiction to synthetic marijuana, you are not alone. Help is ready and available for you today.

When you are ready to seek help for your substance use disorder, contact our addiction specialists today. They will help you take the next steps forward in this important journey.