Guardian Intensive Outpatient Program
Marijuana Rehab Program

Many believe that because marijuana is naturally derived and because it has recently been legalized or decriminalized in most states, it can always be safely used without consequence. While the majority of marijuana users take the drug recreationally and have no issue putting it down, it is entirely possible to develop a marijuana use disorder with heavy and repeated use. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana is the most frequently used psychotropic drug in the country. More than 11.8 million young adults reported using marijuana in 2018 alone. The use of this specific chemical substance is the most prevalent among members of this demographic – young adults between the ages of 18 and 25. Over the course of the past several years, medical emergencies linked to marijuana use have also been on the rise. According to the Drug Abuse Warning Network, there were roughly 456,000 emergency room visits directly linked to marijuana in the year 2011. Emergency room visits increased by 21 percent since 2009.

While actual physical addiction only occurs in severe cases, problem use is very common. It is estimated that 30 percent of individuals who use the drug regularly will develop a marijuana use disorder. Adolescents who experiment with the drug before the age of 18 are far more likely to develop a marijuana use disorder later on in life. The symptoms of problem use include:

• Experiencing intense psychological cravings for marijuana
• Taking more marijuana than intended over a longer period of time than intended
• Neglecting obligations at work, at school or at home
• Continuing to use marijuana despite recurring interpersonal problems that are directly linked to use
• Giving up recreational and social activities that were previously enjoyed
• Developing a physical tolerance, meaning that a greater amount of marijuana is required in order for the desired effects to be achieved
• Experiencing symptoms of withdrawal if marijuana use is stopped abruptly (and generally, continuing to use marijuana in order to prevent these uncomfortable physical and psychological symptoms)

The withdrawal symptoms most commonly reported are decreased appetite, intense psychological cravings, increased irritability, difficulty sleeping, restlessness and general feelings of physical discomfort. These symptoms typically last around two weeks, and peak within the first week after quitting.

While marijuana use disorders can be extremely disruptive and cause a range of personal consequences, they are not considered life-threatening – and can be effectively treated in an outpatient treatment setting.

Our Outpatient Marijuana Rehab

At Guardian IOP we believe in the importance of individualized treatment. We know that no two experiences with active addiction are the same, therefore no two programs of recovery should be identical. For example, an individual who has been smoking marijuana daily for two years will require a less intensive and shorter-term recovery program than someone who has been using heroin intravenously for two years, and who has experienced multiple overdoses. If you have been struggling with marijuana abuse – and you have not been using any other chemical substances at the same time – there is a good chance that our outpatient rehab program will meet all of your personal needs.

Our program was developed by a team of dedicated professionals with decades of combined experience in the fields of substance abuse and mental health. The program is demographic-specific, allowing for more focused and individualized treatment. We break therapeutic group sessions down by gender and by age, and we offer a Professionals Program for men and women who prefer to continue on in their careers as they receive treatment. Some of the other therapeutic services we provide include:

• Dual diagnosis treatment options – In many instances, individuals will begin using marijuana in an attempt to self-medicate the symptoms of an underlying mental health disorder. At Guardian IOP we offer dual diagnosis treatment options, focusing on mental health and providing clients with psychiatric intervention and medication management.

• Relapse prevention training – Clients learn to identify their personal relapse triggers and the early warning signs of a potential relapse. They are equipped with the healthy coping mechanisms and tools they need to work through these triggers without falling back into old, unhealthy patterns of thinking and behaving.
• Lifeskills training – During the outpatient phase of every treatment program, clients are beginning the transition back into fully independent living. Many of them reside in sober living homes, and are returning to work or to school, working towards financial independence and navigating challenges associated with early sobriety at the same time. Developing basic life skills is crucial to long-term success in recovery. We teach our clients to care for themselves completely, while reintegrating into society and thriving as individuals.
• 12-step program education and immersion – The 12 -step method of addiction recovery plays a major role in our comprehensive recovery program. We teach clients how to navigate the 12 steps, and what to expect as they begin working through the steps with a sponsor. We mandate daily 12 step meeting attendance and hold each client accountable.
• Individual and group therapy sessions – Therapeutic care is the backbone of our outpatient program. Our licensed therapists utilize a range of proven therapeutic methods, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), breathwork therapy, experiential therapy and equine therapy.
• Family therapy and Family Workshop – At Guardian IOP we believe that the loved ones of our clients should be heavily involved in every phase of the recovery process. We offer professionally facilitated family therapy sessions and an intensive, 3-day Family Workshop geared towards the restoration of healthy familial functioning.
• Holistic treatment options – In order to provide the most effective care available, we take an integrated approach. In addition to proven therapeutic techniques, we offer holistic treatment methods including yoga therapy, mindfulness and meditation and nutritional therapy.

If you or someone you love has been struggling with a marijuana use disorder of any severity, our outpatient rehab program is an ideal treatment option. We effectively tackle the underlying causes of substance abuse, focusing on comprehensive physical, psychological and emotional healing. Our main priority is providing you or your loved one with the tools and skills necessary to maintain a lifetime of fulfilling recovery.

Marijuana Abuse and Outpatient Treatment

Because marijuana is less addictive than other chemical substances, and because the withdrawal symptoms associated with this substance are generally very mild, outpatient rehab often acts as a standalone solution for the treatment of marijuana dependence. Our program of recovery focuses on helping clients who might not require a higher level of clinical care as they navigate life without marijuana. In most cases, attending our 8 to 10 week outpatient program is effective in equipping clients with the tools they need to recover long-term.

Guardian IOP
Benefits of Outpatient Rehab

When it comes to our outpatient treatment program, there are a number of benefits. Not only does our program offer a less intensive and more flexible level of clinical care (one that suits men and women who have been abusing marijuana exclusively), but the level of accountability provided is beneficial in helping clients stay sober for several months as they continue developing the tools they need to stay sober long-term. This level of care is ideal for individuals who have personal obligations that they cannot step away from for months at a time (like career-related responsibilities or serving as the primary caretaker for a dependent). If you are interested in learning more about our outpatient treatment program, call us today at (888) 693-1894, we are available to help you 24/7. Our Treatment Advisors will conduct a brief pre-assessment over the phone and help you definitively determine which level of clinical care best meets your individualized needs.