5 Myths about Weed and the Facts About Marijuana Use

One of the most prevalent myths about marijuana is that it’s entirely harmless. While proponents argue that it has medicinal benefits and a lower risk profile than many other substances, it’s important to acknowledge that marijuana is not devoid of potential risks. Routine marijuana use can lead to impaired cognitive function, memory issues, and negative effects on mental health, particularly in susceptible individuals. Furthermore, inhaling marijuana smoke can still have detrimental effects on the respiratory system, similar to tobacco smoke.

At Crestview Recovery, we provide mental health treatment in Portland to address the cognitive and mental health issues that can be triggered by smoking weed.

Another widespread misconception is that marijuana is not addictive. While its addictive potential may be lower compared to substances like opioids, alcohol, or nicotine, it’s incorrect to assume that it’s completely devoid of addictive properties. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), about 9% of those who use marijuana may become addicted. Factors like genetics, frequency of use, and individual susceptibility play a role in addiction development.

Our marijuana addiction rehab program helps you stop weed use and helps you rehabilitate mentally and socially for sober living.

Contrary to popular belief, marijuana use can indeed impact mental health. While some individuals may experience relaxation and stress relief, others may encounter heightened anxiety or paranoia after using marijuana. If you experience these symptoms, we can help you at our facility in our anxiety treatment program in Portland.

In individuals predisposed to mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, regular marijuana use may exacerbate symptoms or trigger the onset of the disorder. It’s essential to recognize that the relationship between marijuana and mental health is complex and can vary from person to person.

The idea that marijuana serves as a gateway drug leading to the use of more potent substances has been debated for years. While not everyone who uses marijuana progresses to using harder drugs, there is evidence suggesting that early marijuana use can increase the likelihood of experimenting with other substances. This correlation is more indicative of risk factors and social influences than marijuana itself directly causing the progression.

Comparing the effects of marijuana and alcohol on driving is another common misconception. While both substances impair cognitive and motor skills, the ways they affect driving abilities differ. Alcohol impairs coordination and reaction time, leading to risky driving behavior. Marijuana, on the other hand, can slow reaction times and affect judgment, but the extent of impairment varies depending on factors like dosage, frequency of use, and individual tolerance.

Our residential or inpatient rehabilitation programs offer a structured and immersive environment for individuals seeking to overcome addiction to substances like marijuana. Patients live at the treatment facility and participate in a highly structured daily schedule that typically includes individual and group therapy sessions, educational workshops, and recreational activities. This level of care is ideal for those with severe addiction or those who need a supportive and supervised environment to break the cycle of substance use.

Partial hospitalization programs in Portland provide intensive treatment during the day while allowing patients to return home in the evenings. Individuals receive therapy, counseling, and medical support to address addiction and its underlying causes. PHPs offer a balance between intensive care and daily life, making them suitable for individuals who require consistent therapeutic support but have a stable home environment.

Intensive outpatient programs are designed to provide structured treatment while allowing participants to maintain their daily routines. Individuals attend therapy sessions several times a week, focusing on addiction education, relapse prevention, and coping skills. IOPs are beneficial for those who have completed residential rehab or PHP and are transitioning back into their communities while still needing robust support.

Outpatient programs offer flexibility in scheduling therapy and counseling sessions, making them suitable for individuals with mild to moderate addiction issues, including marijuana use. Patients can maintain their work or family commitments while receiving treatment, which typically includes individual therapy and group counseling. Outpatient programs are a crucial step in long-term recovery, helping individuals maintain sobriety and avoid relapse. With marijuana use, our outpatient rehab program in Portland is sometimes the best option, especially if an individual starts treatment soon after realizing they have a problem with weed.

Aftercare programs provide ongoing support and guidance for individuals who have completed primary treatment. This can include continued therapy, support group meetings, and relapse prevention strategies. Our aftercare program for rehab is vital in helping individuals maintain their commitment to sobriety and address any challenges that may arise after leaving a treatment program.

Dual diagnosis programs address both substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders simultaneously. As previously mentioned, individuals struggling with addiction to substances like marijuana often have underlying mental health issues, such as anxiety. Our dual diagnosis program in Portland provides integrated treatment to address both aspects, improving the chances of sustained recovery.

Addiction therapy in Oregon involves various therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing, tailored to the specific needs of individuals with substance use disorders. These therapies help individuals understand the reasons behind their addiction, develop coping skills, and prevent relapse. Addiction therapy is a fundamental component of all treatment programs, providing tools for long-term recovery.

Crestview Recovery has gender-specific care to offer to men and women. Our women’s rehab program and our rehab for men in Portland create a secure and comfortable environment for residents and enable them to work on their recovery with individuals very similar to them. Gender-specific treatment helps address issues that women and men struggle with regarding addiction since some addiction issues are gender-specific.