Marijuana, is the most common illicit drug used in the United States. While many believe it is not addictive, research shows that about one in six people who start using marijuana in their teens, and 25 to 50 percent of those who use it every day, become addicted. Long-term marijuana users trying to quit report withdrawal symptoms including irritability, sleeplessness, decreased appetite, anxiety, and drug craving, all of which can make it difficult to abstain.
25 to 50 percent of people who smoke marijuana every day become addicted.
Pot is a problem for some of the adults and almost all the adolescents we treat. For these clients, marijuana use has disrupted their lives and families and affected their motivation, memory, schoolwork or careers. It can also damage the heart and lungs, increase the incidence of anxiety and depression, and trigger psychotic episodes.
Individual treatment plans for clients address not just their drug involvement but the needs of the whole person. Marijuana is the drug of choice for most teens in treatment at Phoenix House. Treatment programs for teens provide individual, group, and family counseling and employ a broad range of research-proven clinical practices.
Clinical services for teen marijuana users focus on reinforcing motivation and the desire to change, controlling drug cravings, and learning new ways of thinking, solving problems, and coping with difficult situations. Family involvement is a key dimension of treatment, dealing with critical family issues and problem behaviors, and enabling the family to give effective support to children in recovery.