Why go green?
It is surprising to learn that despite of other illegal drugs like Heroin and Cocaine, Marijuana addiction still continues to increase over the years. In recent studies, it is found out the Marijuana is easier to acquire than alcohol for children 12 years and above. It is also the most commonly used illegal drug compared to Heroin and Cocaine. According to the 2001 Survey conducted by the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, approximately 83 million Americans have, at least once in their lifetime, tried or smoked pot. People also often have the notion that it is more “acceptable” in our society than heroin and cocaine. Often times we watch TV series or movies where lead characters smoke marijuana and the effect of it is somehow, well, amusing. It is perceived to be like smoking a cigarette or having a glass or wine or bourbon.
How can you tell?
It is actually easy to spot or detect if somebody is smoking marijuana or pot, or joint, which are its common street names. For one thing, pot has a very distinct smell. It has a pungent aroma that stays for a long time. It is also easy to tell if a person smoked pot; symptoms are fairly easy to detect. After smoking marijuana or pot, there is a feeling of unusual happiness, uncontrollable giggling, and a desire to eat anything; generally a feeling that you are in wonderland! Yes, smoking pot can make a person very happy without a reason but the catch is, after the effect has worn out a feeling of depression and lack of energy sets in. If a person is already addicted to it, the craving starts. If that craving is not satisfied, anger, anxiety, sometimes paranoia are the side effects. Marijuana is supposed to be a medicinal plant that is used by natives to relieve pain. But if taken in large quantities the side effect could be fatal most particularly to the lungs and heart.
And now you need help
The first and most important thing that a “weed” dependent should do is to admit and recognize that he or she needs to stop, change and get help. This is in cases the patient has already thought of quitting but can’t. In other cases, family or friends’ intervention is crucial in order to get the much needed help and therapy their loved one deserves. That is why there are a lot of informative materials in the web as well as in the community about addiction and its symptoms to educate everyone. There are also numerous help lines to call in case you feel or detect that your friend or family member might be a needing assistance.
Rehab Centers for all types of addiction can be found all over the country. Programs to achieve complete recovery are well set-up as well as modern equipments to assist in the healing process. New-age therapy programs from alternative medicine are also being incorporated in the treatments for holistic and comprehensive approach.
Some examples of these programs and therapy treatments:
Equine Therapy Experiential Program Creative Music and Arts Therapy 12-Step Process Methadone Treatment Cost of getting anything today is always an issue specially today because of the world wide economic crisis. But let us always remember that we cannot put a price on our lives and the lives and well being of our love ones. Let us take a look at figures and costs of treatments:
Outpatient treatments – $1500-7500 Inpatient treatment – $10,000 and above These costs are only ball-park figures and would all depend on the case of each patient. As what most of the rehab centers will tell you, each treatment is different for every individual. Each case is unique and would therefore require an individualized assessment. Insurance, cash, credit card and financing assistance may be accepted depending on the rehab center and depending on the patient’s insurance provider.
There is also an organization called Marijuana Anonymous, founded by Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous to assist marijuana dependents overcome their addiction.
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