When is an intervention for marijuana addiction necessary?

Family intervention for marijuana addiction should be done as early as possible. Early intervention involves having a conversation with the drug user about their marijuana use. When family or friends begin to notice the signs of addiction, whether physical, psychological, or behavioral, it is time to step in. A good place to begin is a one-on-one conversation and have an open and loving discussion about marijuana use. Marijuana is socially accepted in many parts of the country like alcohol, and it is easy to justify using the drug. Unfortunately, marijuana is an addictive drug and does cause physical and psychological addictions. The THC in cannabis is a mind-altering substance, and when combined with other drugs, the effects are amplified.

When the family or friends have the first conversation with the drug user, and it does not go anywhere productive, it is time to begin to organize a family intervention. Family intervention is done with a professional interventionist. Certified interventionists are trained and qualified to organize interventions and counsel families. There are often barriers to work through, such as enabling and co-dependency, which an interventionist helps a family overcome. For example, this could be the parents allowing their son or daughter to use marijuana in the house. Other family members could be using marijuana with the individual. The people who attend the intervention are those close to the addict but are also those who are not enabling the addict.

When the intervention takes place, emotions can run high, which is why hiring a professional interventionist is essential. Interventionist act as third party mitigators and keep the intervention on track. The message coming from the family should be one of love and support, but not backing down from their loved one receiving help. When the intervention is successful, the interventionist escorts the individual to treatment and will continue to work with the family during the rehabilitation process. Rehabilitation for a marijuana addiction involves detox and inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation. Residential drug rehab centers offer short-term and long-term options; typically, the severity of addiction determines the length of time needed in treatment.

Detox is the first step, and the severity of withdrawal symptoms determines what method of detox is required. Most addictions involving marijuana require conventional detox options because the withdrawal symptoms are not severe. Medical detox will be required if the drug user is misusing opioids, prescription drugs, or large amounts of alcohol. Following detox is therapy and counseling, which is done within a residential or outpatient center. Inpatient treatment is the best option, and intervention would help convince the person they need residential rehabilitation.

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