Marijuana experimentation is still on the rise, despite the wealth of drug education, clinical studies and addiction research that shows marijuana use as detrimental to physical and psychological health. Though experimentation occurs largely in young adults between the ages of 18 and 25, users of all ages can develop marijuana dependency. Though not strongly physically addictive, as a psychoactive drug, marijuana can lead to psychological addiction over time, even to the point where users experience withdrawal symptoms.

After years of experience in treating marijuana addiction, the experts at Passages attribute dependency to one of four conditions:

1. Chemical imbalances that occur within the brain.
2. Unresolved trauma from the past.
3. Inaccurate and negative beliefs about oneself or the world.
4. Lack of adequate coping skills for current challenges.

At Passages, the staff does not embrace the notion of addiction as a genetic, incurable "disease." Countless individuals struggle with addiction, despite the fact that family members are not chemical dependent. Additionally, there are individuals whose parents, grandparents and other relatives have histories of chemical dependency and never encounter addiction. All forms of addiction are essentially symptomatic of underlying issues that once resolved, can lead to a cure for chemical dependency. At Passages, relapse is simply an indication that prior treatment did not treat the heart of the problem. Relapse is not simply "part of recovery." Relapse signifies recovery attempts that did not work. Countless graduates of the Passages drug and alcohol addiction programs resolve deeply rooted causes for addiction and continue to live relapse-free, sober lives.


THE FACTS OF MARIJUANA ADDICTION

From the first inhalation, marijuana begins to slow reactions, cognition and create subtle feelings of euphoria. During a marijuana high, psychological effects begin to take hold, including short-term memory loss, paranoia and skewed spatial relations. Due to the mild hallucinogenic properties of marijuana, some users experience visual or sensory hallucinations after chronic or intense usage. Psychologically, chronic marijuana use tends to lead to lethargy, depression, lowered self esteem and isolation.

Chronic marijuana use can also have serious long-term effects. Marijuana cigarettes ("joints," "blunts" or "spliffs") are many times more carcinogenic than tobacco cigarettes. Repeated and ongoing marijuana use can create respiratory issues such as frequent chest colds, increased risk of secondary infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia, chronic coughs and lung cancer. Over time, marijuana takes a toll on the immune system and can even lower sexual function and fertility.


THE MYTH OF MARIJUANA AS A HARMLESS DRUG

Because marijuana does not generally lead to physical dependency in most users, cultural perceptions persist that cannabis is a relatively harmless drug. However, countless individuals find themselves unable to stop using marijuana, even when the physical and mental effects of the drug create the desire to cease use. Many facing marijuana addictions have become reliant on the drug to self-medicate psychological, emotional or even physical conditions that remain unsuccessfully treated. Many marijuana users attempt to use the drug to medicate chronic pain, unhealed physical injuries, neurological disorders and psychological conditions from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) to Bipolar Disorder (BPD) or major depression. Unfortunately, marijuana ultimately provides an escape from the symptoms of these conditions and rarely provides lasting relief.

Throughout the nation, people accept marijuana more socially than other drugs. Questionably researched studies contribute to the widespread use of marijuana. However, studies show that marijuana often acts as the first drug of choice for those who develop alcohol and drug addictions. Studies also indicate that young people who use marijuana early in life have a much higher chance of developing serious addictions in adulthood.

The strength of marijuana also creates a higher potential for addiction, as modern marijuana is more potent than the strains people smoked two or three decades ago. Joints sometimes contain hashish oil, PCP or even formaldehyde. These "laced" joints can cause a host of physically and psychologically dangerous effects. Combination use can also create dangerous drug cocktails, as some people smoke marijuana in combination with crack cocaine, mixed with alcohol, in conjunction with stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamines.

Want to learn more about marijuana abuse, drug education and marijuana recovery programs? Call Passages anytime. The addiction intake counselors are available 24 hours a day to speak to those struggling with marijuana addiction and concerned loved ones about healing marijuana dependency.


THE PASSAGES MARIJUANA TREATMENT PROGRAM

At Passages, clients struggling with marijuana addiction receive addiction treatments. Because marijuana addiction often segues to alcohol or harder drug addictions, it is important to treat the core causes of addiction before further chemical dependency develops. Passages also treats those who use marijuana as a mainstay in daily life, despite its negative effects on goals and emotional or physical health problems.

The scenic, tranquil addiction treatment facility at Passages comes from the natural landscape of Malibu, California. The geography of Passages offers a dedicated atmosphere to heal marijuana dependency. Upon arrival, each client undergoes thorough physical diagnostic tests, including blood chemistry analysis and urinalysis, during the complete intake process. The breakthrough Marijuana Detox Program uses cutting-edge science to provide natural detoxification from marijuana, while managing psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms.

Once the body detoxifies from chronic marijuana use, each client receives personalized attention from a dedicated team of physical, mental health and addiction experts as part of the Passages Malibu Marijuana Treatment Program. A medical team designs a custom plan for each individual. The teams of specialists review the treatment plan of each client weekly, allowing for progress reviews and adjustments. This ensures the best and most personalized treatment possible. Clinical therapists provide individualized therapy sessions (over 65 in a single month) to ensure that patients receive treatment for the emotional or psychological aspects of marijuana addiction in a safe, personalized and confidential atmosphere.

Other members of the treatment team will include a hypnotherapist, a highly recommended physician, a marriage and family counselor, nutritionist and personal trainer. Preparing clients for lasting wellness and sobriety is important and each client receives personalized attention, alternative medicine practices, life purpose coaching, relapse prevention counseling, addiction counseling and spiritual guidance. The multi-faceted marijuana addiction treatment program at Passages includes:

• Individualized Psychotherapy
• Personalized Treatment Plans
• Hypnotherapy
• Marriage and Family Counseling
• Professional Drug and Alcohol Counseling
• Transitional Planning
• Blood Chemistry Analysis
• Urinanalysis
• Nutritional Expertise
• Body Work
• Acupuncture
• Acupressure
• Personal Fitness Training
• Sports Activities
• Self Esteem Enhancement
• Metaphysics Training
• Spiritual Counseling
• Eating Disorder Expertise
• Relapse Prevention Planning

Set against the breathtaking coastline of beachside Malibu, California, the Passages Addiction Cure Facility offers:

• Limited Enrollment
• Modern, Luxury Facilities
• Collaborative Team Approach
• Gourmet Food Preparation
• On-Site Detox Facilities
• 24/7 Medical Supervision

At Passages, clients do not perform housework, maintenance chores or adhere to punitive restrictions. Each client seeking help for addiction deserves dignity, respect and care. Passages retains a talented staff of housekeeping professionals who enjoy working at the Passages facilities. Clients can focus wholly on recovery. This philosophy of respect carries throughout every interaction with clients at Passages. Clients routinely share stories about having undergone a magical, transformative and healing experience at Passages.

Please compare the offerings of Passages to any other treatment program.


THE UNMISTAKABLE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PASSAGES AND OTHER MARIJUANA REHAB CENTERS

In many cases, marijuana addiction is a way to self-medicate, mask or escape untreated problems. At Passages, each client unearths the reasons for personal marijuana addiction. For some, relationship issues with parents, significant others or other loved ones caused inner wounds that need healing. For others, the constant pressure of high-paced jobs, caring for others or financial pressures lead to marijuana dependency. Some individuals may even have nutritional deficiencies, chemical imbalances or latent depression that contribute to marijuana use.

At Passages, we recognize that each client is different: body, life story, psychological makeup, relationships. Each client receives care as an individual case, with a customized treatment plan instead of a one size fits all solution. When specific causes of drug dependency come to light, marijuana addiction resolve without relapse.

For those seeking more insights on modern addiction research and a practical guide for overcoming addiction, read The Alcoholism and Addiction Cure by Chris Prentiss. In this frank and straightforward guide to the complexities of marijuana dependency and other addictions Prentiss shares personal experiences with addiction.