With so many states legalizing marijuana for medical and recreational use, many patients believe that cannabis is a safe drug that doesn’t cause addiction. But that’s not the case; you can become addicted. If you develop a cannabis addiction, Richard E. Repass, MD, at Revolution Psychiatric and Addiction Treatment offers a safe, natural detox program that’s done in the office and only takes about two weeks. To learn more about treatment for cannabis addiction, call the office in Mercer Island, Washington, to schedule an appointment.
Marijuana comes from the cannabis plant, which is typically dried, ground, and then smoked or mixed in with baked goods and candies. Depending on the form of marijuana, its perception-altering effect can be immediate and last for hours.
Marijuana doesn’t put you at risk for an overdose. However, it’s still responsible for more emergency room visits than any other drug except cocaine, mostly due to accidents and injuries that occur while using marijuana.
The risk of addiction is related to the amount of the active ingredient you consume. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive drug that affects neurotransmitters in your brain, leading to feelings of happiness, reduced anxiety, and mild hallucinations.
To produce its pleasant effects, THC blocks natural neurotransmitters and your brain is reprogrammed to need marijuana to feel normal. This need, called marijuana use disorder, turns into dependence when your brain adapts to the drug by reducing the production of its own neurotransmitters.
Marijuana use disorder becomes an addiction when you can’t stop using the drug even when you want to. The first sign of addiction often comes in the form of withdrawal symptoms that occur because your brain needs the drug. Patients who are addicted become irritable, restless, and have a hard time sleeping when they stop taking marijuana.
When you realize you can’t stop using marijuana, you can safely detox at Revolution Psychiatric and Addiction Treatment using one of several options. Dr. Repass may gradually taper your marijuana to let your brain slowly adjust, a method that causes less intense withdrawal. However, he may recommend that you stop taking all marijuana and use medications to relieve your withdrawal symptoms.
Dr. Repass also offers another outpatient detox program using one of today’s most advanced therapies: IV infusion of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD).
NAD is a natural substance produced in your body, where it’s responsible for turning food into energy, supports DNA repair, and stimulates neurotransmitter production. When you get megadoses of NAD, your brain function is restored, and you can regain control of your mind and your moods.
A special formula, BR+NAD™, stops marijuana cravings within a few days of starting your treatment. After 10-15 daily IV infusions of BR+NAD, most patients find that their cravings are gone. Studies show that the results last for 1-2 years.
As an expert in addiction treatment, Dr. Repass offers comprehensive and holistic care. He works with you to develop a treatment plan that supports your long-term recovery with ongoing therapy.