This article covers the following:
- Teen live-in treatment centers for youth marijuana use, their benefits, levels, admissions, and what to expect from included programs.
- Treatment options that are used in youth marijuana treatment centers.
- Medication-assisted treatment for teen marijuana addiction.
- Addressing mental health disorders that occur together with marijuana use in youth treatment centers.
- How to choose the right treatment center for your child.
- Life after treatment for marijuana addiction.
Marijuana is one of the most abused drugs by teens. While it may feel calming, regular heavy use can cause serious health issues. These include poor mental function, a higher risk of mental health conditions, and a lack of motivation. It’s recommended to seek help from qualified residential treatment centers for teens, such as Key Healthcare if your teenager is struggling with marijuana addiction. Such facilities offer comprehensive care and support for successful teen substance abuse treatment. Let’s learn how you can help a teenager addicted to marijuana overcome their addiction through these centers.
What is Marijuana?
Marijuana is a drug that comes from the buds and leaves of the cannabis plant. It can be smoked, eaten raw, or used in baked goods for fun. It can also be taken as a daily supplement for medical reasons. Most teens use it for its pleasant and calming effects, which can lead to addiction and other health problems.
What is Teen Marijuana Addiction?
Teen marijuana addiction is the compulsive use of marijuana by teenagers, despite having serious mental, physical, or behavioral effects. Teenagers who are addicted to marijuana will often use it or depend on it, regardless of the side effects. Their bodies build a tolerance to the drug with repeated use. This makes them constantly seek its calming and relaxing effects. The seriousness and results of marijuana addiction can vary depending on the person, how often it’s used, and the dosage.
Signs of Marijuana Use in Adolescents
Do you think your teenager might be using marijuana, but are not sure? Here are a few signs of marijuana use in teens:
Cognitive Signs and Symptoms
Many teenagers who use marijuana show slower reaction times and poor coordination. They may also have short-term memory loss, altered perception, and difficulty learning. Thinking clearly and solving problems might also become harder.
Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms of marijuana use in teenagers include intense hunger and constant tiredness. Other signs you may notice are an irregular heartbeat, red eyes, and a dry mouth due to less saliva. Frequent sinus or breathing infections can also be a symptom.
Behavioral Symptoms
Teenagers who are addicted to marijuana may show certain behavioral symptoms. These can include frequent mood swings, violent actions, and less social activity. Hanging out with new crowds and theft to pay for their drug use are other signs to watch for.
Psychological Symptoms
Marijuana use can result in mental health symptoms, such as unrealistic fears due to addiction. It can also cause anxiety, depression, identity crisis, memory loss, and a sense of detachment from reality.
Risk Factors, Causes, and Effects of Marijuana Use in Adolescents
A study on the early risk factors of daily cannabis use among teenagers found that young adults are more likely to use marijuana for the following reasons:
- High levels of family and general stress
- Use of other drugs like alcohol and tobacco products, such as cigarettes
- Higher levels of impulsive behavior
- A personality that seeks new experiences
- Low self-esteem in Teens
- A higher body mass index
Common reasons for marijuana use among teenagers include peer pressure, curiosity, and a wish to fit in with friends. Some also use it to cope with anxiety or depression.
Effects of Marijuana Addiction
The effects of marijuana on teens can be both short-term and long-term. Short-term effects impact memory, thinking, coordination, and focus. Long-term effects can change brain function, create career issues, and lower sperm count in males. They can also delay ovulation in females, weaken the immune system, and lead to babies being born with developmental problems.
Understanding Addiction and Dependency on Marijuana in Adolescents
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, a person’s brain is not fully developed until their mid to late twenties. The part of the brain that seeks pleasure and thrills develops faster than the part for planning and making good decisions. This makes teenagers more open to drug use, abuse, and addiction.
Diagnosing Adolescent Marijuana Abuse
Assessment and Screening Tools
Mental health professionals often use the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) to screen for a cannabis problem. It checks how often the following six behaviors or events happen:
- Smoking by yourself
- Failed attempts to quit
- Smoking before noon
- Problems related to cannabis use, like fights or accidents
- Being told by others to stop or reduce cannabis use
- Memory problems
Other professionals use standard questions based on patient self-reporting to identify cannabis use disorders. These questionnaires are often simpler and more reliable.
Diagnostic Criteria for Adolescent Marijuana Abuse
Two main sets of criteria can be used to diagnose marijuana abuse in teenagers: the DSM-IV-TR and the DSM-5. Here is a more detailed explanation of each:
DSM-IV-TR Diagnostic Criterion
This criterion defines cannabis abuse as a harmful pattern of substance use. It leads to major distress or impairment shown by at least one of the symptoms below within a year:
- Repeated cannabis use in physically dangerous situations
- Repeated legal problems from using cannabis
- Repeated cannabis use that causes a failure to meet major duties at home, school, or work
- Continued use of cannabis despite ongoing social or personal problems caused by its effects
DSM-5 Diagnostic Criterion
The DSM-5 diagnostic criterion is used to diagnose cannabis use disorder. This is defined as a problematic pattern of cannabis use that results in major distress or impairment. It is indicated by at least two of the following symptoms within 12 months:
- Taking more cannabis or using it for longer than intended
- Repeated cannabis use in physically dangerous situations
- A strong craving or desire to use cannabis
- A continued desire or failed efforts to reduce or control cannabis use
- Repeated cannabis use that leads to a failure to meet duties at school, work, or home
- Continued use of cannabis despite knowing it may be causing or worsening a persistent mental or physical problem
- Spending a lot of time on activities to get, use, or recover from cannabis
- Repeated cannabis use despite having social or personal problems caused or worsened by it
- Giving up or reducing important social, work, or fun activities because of cannabis use
- A higher tolerance, shown by a weaker effect from the same amount or needing more cannabis to feel the desired effect
- Withdrawal, shown by the typical symptoms of cannabis withdrawal or by taking cannabis to avoid those symptoms
It is important to note that 2-3 symptoms indicate a mild cannabis use disorder, while 4-5 symptoms suggest a moderate disorder. A severe disorder is diagnosed when 6 or more of the above symptoms are present.
Teen Residential Treatment Center for Adolescent Marijuana Rehab
A teen residential treatment center is a place that provides long-term mental healthcare for teens, usually for 45-60 days. The goal is to help them reach their full potential and live healthy, productive lives. It is meant for teens with serious mental health and substance abuse issues that cannot be treated well at home or in outpatient care.
Benefits of Teen Residential Treatment Center for Adolescent Marijuana Rehab
Here are a few reasons why live-in treatment should be considered for youth marijuana abuse:
- It removes teens from outside distractions, which greatly helps in recovery.
- Teenagers can get direct and constant access to mental health professionals.
- Teen live-in treatment centers have programs that help manage withdrawal symptoms.
- Teenagers can detox safely while at these centers.
- They provide 24/7 monitoring of teens with substance use disorders.
Programs in Teen Residential Treatment Centers for Adolescent Marijuana Rehab
We also have other programs in our Key Healthcare facilities for cases of different severity. They include:
- Partial Hospitalization Program
The adolescent partial hospitalization program is for those who are less likely to harm themselves or others but still need specialized care. They can arrange their own independent living during the treatment period. These teens are taught to deal with family issues, control their thoughts better, and find meaningful passions. They also learn to think long-term and cope with temptation.
- Intensive Outpatient Program
The teen IOP, or Intensive Outpatient Program, offers serious care for teenagers dealing with addiction and mental health challenges, but it is less restrictive. Teens get to live at home, go to school, and take part in other activities. This is unlike other programs, where they spend most of their time in the treatment center.
- Extended Care
Our teen extended care program helps teens build skills and find support for a successful recovery. They stay overnight in facilities after getting mental health and dual-diagnosis addiction treatment during the day. Most patients enroll in this program after finishing their live-in treatment. Some things teens can expect in our extended care program include daily meals, fun activities, life skills groups, outpatient therapy, daily fitness, and 12-step meetings.
Level of Residential Treatment Centers
Here are a few levels of treatment for teen marijuana addiction at specialized live-in facilities:
- Low-Intensity, Short-Term Treatment
Low-intensity, short-term treatment is known as Level 1. It gives teens who need mental and behavioral stability the right routine and therapy options. These can include teen individual therapy and teen group therapy.
- Increased Security and Longer-Term Treatment
This second level offers longer treatment and more intensive group and individual therapies. It is for teens with serious behavioral issues and substance use disorders. Examples include attachment disorder treatment, eating disorder treatment, and high-intensity therapeutic boarding schools.
- Long-Term Treatment with 24/7 Security
This treatment type ensures 24/7 care and support, a smaller staff-to-client ratio, and nighttime supervision. It is for teens who show self-harm tendencies or out-of-control behaviors. It focuses on individual counseling and helps teens deal with conflict, anger, and antisocial behavior. Facilities that offer this treatment include behavioral centers, drug and alcohol centers, and those for teens who are suicidal.
- High-Intensity, Immersive Mental and Behavioral Treatment
This fourth live-in treatment level focuses on individual therapy. It also offers high levels of security and supervision. Trained professionals work with teens who are a danger to themselves and others to change their self-destructive thoughts or behaviors.
Treatment Options Used in Adolescent Marijuana Rehab
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is commonly known as CBT. It is a therapy option that trained professionals use to help teenagers change their thoughts and behaviors. The benefits of this treatment include managing emotions, reducing negative behavior, and improving problem-solving and relationship skills. Activities used to provide CBT include journaling, behavioral experiments, cognitive restructuring, guided discovery, and stress management.
Contingency Management
Contingency management is a therapy approach used in treating teen marijuana use disorder. It involves closely monitoring a certain behavior and giving or taking away real, positive rewards based on whether it happens.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy
Motivational enhancement therapy is a type of intervention that creates fast, internally motivated change. Instead of trying to treat a person, it uses their own internal resources to drive change and engagement in treatment.
Detoxification Process
Detoxification, or detox, is one of the most common methods for treating marijuana dependence. To prevent a full relapse, people addicted to marijuana are usually advised to slowly reduce their daily intake. Coping strategies should be used to fight the physical or mental cravings that come with this treatment.
Individual and Group Therapy
Individual therapy is a treatment method where a teen meets one-on-one with a therapist, usually for up to an hour. During these sessions, the therapist works with the teen to find any root causes of their issues. They also help them understand their thought patterns and feelings. Our facility offers at least one weekly individual therapy session for teens with a marijuana use disorder.
On the other hand, group therapy for teens is given to groups of adolescents with similar issues. It gives them a safe and supportive place to cope with their problems, become more resilient, and improve their self-awareness. Teenagers also learn important skills like communication and problem-solving.
Alternative Options for Adolescent Marijuana Rehab
Key Healthcare offers additional options to help your teenager overcome their marijuana addiction or use disorder. These include:
Family Therapy
Teen family therapy is provided to families to help them understand and solve underlying problems. It lets teens and their family members explore issues, build healthier relationships, and learn new communication skills. This family-focused approach also allows the whole family to help with their child’s health and well-being.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and commitment therapy for teens, or ACT, teaches teenagers that their thoughts and feelings do not control their behavior. They are free to choose how to act, even when facing difficult thoughts and emotions. As the name suggests, they learn to accept what they cannot change and commit to acting on things they can control.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Adolescent Marijuana Addiction
Medication-assisted treatment is a common option for substance use disorders. In this treatment, doctors combine medicine with counseling or other therapy methods to treat the whole patient. Common medicines used in MAT for marijuana addiction include Dronabinol, an oral synthetic THC; nabiximols, a cannabis spray for withdrawal; gabapentin for anxiety; and zolpidem for sleep problems. These medicines help reduce how severe or how long symptoms last for a safe detox and a lower chance of relapse.
While some doctors argue that certain addictions can only be beaten with medication, others believe MAT has some risks. Patients still use potentially addictive drugs, even if they are legal. However, studies have shown less substance abuse and better mental and physical health in just 6 months in some MAT cases.
The Role of Family in Adolescent Marijuana Addiction Treatment
Family involvement can greatly improve treatment results. It can lower suppressed family emotions and address issues that prevent sticking to treatment. This gives teens in recovery a more supportive and less stressful home. At , we offer family therapy sessions as part of our youth marijuana recovery programs. These sessions help teenagers and their families find and fix underlying problems. Benefits include better family relationships and communication, healthier boundaries, clearer family roles, more empathy, and better conflict resolution skills.
Importance of Family Support During and After Treatment
- Teenagers with strong family support are more likely to stay in recovery.
- It helps prevent cases of relapse.
- It gives teenagers a more supportive and less stressful recovery environment.
- It makes teenagers more interested in turning their lives around.
What to Expect in an Adolescent Marijuana Rehab
Here is what you can expect at a live-in treatment facility:
- Daily Schedule and Routine
After waking up, teens exercise, handle hygiene, and eat breakfast. Then they start activities like art or surf therapy, school, and process groups before lunch. Afterward, they continue school or therapy sessions before games, dinner, and chores. Evenings may include group talks, 12-step meetings, or mindful activities before bed. The schedule may differ on weekends with more chores, movies, and exercises.
- Rules and Expectations
Teens cannot bring weapons, outside food or drinks, or large amounts of cash. Mouthwash with alcohol, revealing clothing, and matches or lighters are also not allowed. Everyone is expected to follow the daily schedule.
- Education and Tutoring
We offer academic support to teens in our facilities to help them keep up with schoolwork. Our Mission Academy School offers curriculum and credit recovery programs. We have an experienced staff to help your child succeed in their studies.
- Recreation and Leisure Activities
Examples of fun and leisure activities at our facilities include yoga, hiking, music production, art therapy, and surfing.
- Nutritional Support and Meal Plans
We offer daily healthy meals and snacks. This is to ensure all of our patients are in the right mental and physical state for recovery.
Admission Process to a Teen Residential Treatment Center for Adolescent Marijuana Rehab
To admit your teen to a Key Healthcare facility, you will first fill out a detailed assessment about your child. After that, we will invite you to our teen treatment center for a tour to learn more about us. When your child’s assessment is complete, we will suggest the best program based on their condition. Please note that we will verify and assess your insurance before you visit our treatment facility for the tour.
Addressing Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders in Adolescent Marijuana Rehab
Co-occurring disorders happen when a person has a mental health and substance use disorder at the same time. Common disorders seen with marijuana addiction in teens include psychosis, mood disorders, anxiety, and personality disorders. It is important to treat both disorders together. This is done using the right behavioral and medication-based treatments to find relief from related symptoms.
At Key Healthcare, we offer dual diagnosis treatment for patients with both substance abuse and mental health disorders. We have an extended care program that allows patients to attend treatment during the day and stay in sober living facilities at night.
Choosing the Right Teen Residential Treatment Center for Adolescent Marijuana Rehab
What to Consider When Choosing a Teen Residential Treatment Center for Adolescent Marijuana Rehab
The facility should have licensed mental health professionals who can help your teen fully recover. It should also offer different evidence-based therapy methods, such as dialectical and cognitive behavior therapy for young adults. You should also choose a center with an approved on-site education program so your child does not fall behind in school. Finally, pick a center that offers different support programs for after treatment is done.
Questions to Ask When Looking for a Teen Residential Treatment Program
- Does the treatment center use evidence-based methods?
- Does the center offer complete mental health treatment?
- Will your family receive education or support?
- Will your child get a healthy balance of exercise?
- Does the center teach important life skills?
Insurance Coverage for Adolescent Marijuana Rehab
Live-in marijuana treatment for adolescents can be expensive, especially if your child’s addiction is severe. We allow patients or guardians to pay for up to 100% of the treatment cost with insurance. Please verify here if your rehab insurance in Los Angeles covers adolescent marijuana rehab.
Life After Adolescent Marijuana Rehab
Relapse Prevention Strategies
A relapse is a return to using a substance after a long period of being clean. Someone who relapses after successful treatment may need a different or additional type of treatment. Common relapse prevention plans include therapy, skill building, monitoring, and medications.
Aftercare Programs
Teen rehab aftercare programs help people stay sober and reach their life goals. At Key Healthcare, we offer a personalized, evidence-based teen rehab aftercare program to help teens cope with cravings and other issues. This prevents them from returning to drugs and alcohol after treatment has been completed.
Support Groups and Resources
Youth support groups should be anonymous, free to join, and open to any teenager who wants to stay free from drugs like marijuana. Here is how teenagers can find these groups:
- Using the Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- Attending support groups hosted by the rehab facility or teen marijuana abuse treatment center
- Getting information from medical and mental health providers
- Checking with community centers and local non-profit groups that are committed to helping local communities
- Asking school counselors and teachers for help
Withdrawal Symptoms of Marijuana to Look Out For
Withdrawal symptoms from marijuana that are worth looking out for include:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Depressed mood
- Loss of appetite
- Sleeping problems
- Anger or aggression
Other less common symptoms include headaches, chills, sweating, physical tension, and stomach pain.
Tips for Parents Dealing with Teen Marijuana Addiction
- Help them find treatment and choose a good rehab facility.
- Communicate often with your teenager and be sure to talk about recovery goals.
- Acknowledge and talk about your teenager’s feelings and emotions.
- Be supportive of them through the process.
- Set clear rules and expectations for them.
- Allow them to rebuild the broken bond of trust with you.
Conclusion
Many teenagers who use marijuana believe they can stop at any time, but this is often not the case. Teen marijuana addiction is a serious dependency that requires specialized care and support. If your teen’s marijuana use is becoming unmanageable, reach out to us. We provide a safe, supportive environment where your child can receive comprehensive treatment and learn essential life skills. Let us help guide your teen toward a healthier, happier, and drug-free future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Adolescent Marijuana Use Cause Mental Health Problems?
Yes. Long-term marijuana use can increase the risk of youth mental health issues. This can lead to problems like social anxiety and depression.
How Can Parents Talk to Their Teenagers About Adolescent Marijuana Use?
Parents who want to talk to their teens about marijuana should first research to understand the unique risks of cannabis use for youth. Other important tips include:
- Letting the teenager know about the talk beforehand.
- Keeping the conversation short and warm.
- Asking questions that require more than a yes or no answer.
- Communicating clear rules and what you expect.
- Being careful about sharing their own experiences with cannabis.
Can Adolescent Marijuana Use Lead to Other Substance Abuse?
The National Institutes of Health has linked marijuana use to substance use disorders such as nicotine addiction. This means youth who abuse marijuana may later try tobacco. Other studies have also found that youth cannabis use can be a gateway to opioids.
What are the Consequences of Adolescent Marijuana Use on Academics?
Marijuana use has been linked to memory and learning problems. It can also cause difficulties with problem-solving, thinking, and paying attention. This may potentially lead to poor performance in school.
Can My Teenager Relapse After Adolescent Marijuana Treatment?
It is not uncommon for teens to relapse after marijuana treatment. This does not mean the treatment failed, but it may show that a different or extra approach is needed. To lower the chance of relapse, make sure your teen has prevention plans, aftercare programs, and support groups.
What is the Average Length of Stay in a Teen Residential Treatment Center for Adolescent Marijuana Rehab?
You should expect them to stay in our rehab facilities for, depending on the severity of your teen’s addiction. This time can be extended by enrolling them in our teen extended care program.
What if My Teenager Needs to Attend Adolescent Marijuana Rehab More Than Once?
We have aftercare programs to help your teen achieve long-term recovery, which removes the need for more live-in treatment. We also have other programs and interventions to help them get back on track if they relapse.
Can Marijuana Use During Adolescence Cause Permanent Damage?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regular and heavy marijuana use can cause permanent changes to the developing brain.
Can Adolescent Marijuana Rehab Be Done On an Outpatient Basis?
We have an (IOP) intensive outpatient program for teens that can be used for youth with a mild marijuana use disorder. This program offers a safe and supportive setting that promotes respect, self-awareness, and healthy coping skills.
