Marijuana Rehab

The active substance found in marijuana which produces its psychologic and physiologic effects which leads to marijuana addiction is called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This attaches to natural cannabinoid receptors (proteins) in the brain to bring about relaxation, euphoria, increased appetite, impaired concentration, impaired muscle coordination, and problems with learning. Over time, this may lead to a general loss of motivation.

For years, it was thought that there was not a significant withdrawal state associated with abruptly stopping marijuana. However, research has revealed that, indeed, people who have been using it regularly do experience irritability, anxiety, depression, restlessness, lack of appetite, insomnia, and severe craving. We do not yet have specific medicines to help with marijuana withdrawal, although some studies have shown a medicine called dronabinol (a synthetic version of THC) to be effective at reducing some of these symptoms including craving. Ongoing studies are looking at its use to decrease relapse back to use.