Written by:

Lee Spinks

Medically Reviewed by:

Dr Mateen Durrani – MBBS, DPM, MSc, BCPsych

Last Updated:

July 11th, 2024

 

Cannabis rehab

Making the decision to quit cannabis can be a daunting and challenging process, especially if you have been using cannabis for many years. Seeking professional help and attending cannabis rehab can provide you with the necessary support and guidance to overcome the challenges of quitting cannabis. At Banbury Lodge, we offer a safe, compassionate and understanding environment with professionals who are committed to helping you achieve long-term recovery.

Cannabis rehab - group therapy

What is cannabis rehab?

Cannabis rehab treatment is a programme that helps individuals who are experiencing negative consequences related to their cannabis use. The goal of cannabis rehab is to support individuals in developing healthier habits and coping mechanisms to manage their cannabis use. The programme may include counselling, therapy, support groups and other interventions designed to help individuals regain control over their lives and improve their overall well-being.

Do I need cannabis rehab?

Deciding if you need cannabis rehab is a personal decision and can depend on a number of factors. As the same with any drug usage, it’s key to take a moment to pause and re-assess your current use and situation. Try asking yourself the questions below to see if there are any indicators in your life that you may need to seek help:

  • Am I having difficulty controlling my cannabis use?
  • Is cannabis Impacting my daily life?
  • Have I tried to quit cannabis but to no avail?
  • Is my tolerance increasing?
  • Am I experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using?
  • Have legal issues occurred because of my cannabis use?

If you are answering “yes” to the above questions and are concerned about your cannabis use, it may be helpful to speak with a healthcare professional at Banbury Lodge to assess your situation and determine if drug rehab is appropriate for you.

The benefits of cannabis rehab

Psychological benefits

Hallucinogen rehab for cannabis can offer significant psychological benefits to individuals who struggle with problematic cannabis use. These benefits include:

  • Improved self-esteem: Individuals who undergo cannabis rehab can experience increased self-esteem and self-worth as they gain control over their cannabis use. They may feel more confident in their ability to make positive changes in their lives, which can help them feel more positive about themselves.
  • Improved mental health: Cannabis rehab often involves therapy to address underlying mental health issues that may contribute to problematic cannabis use. As a result, individuals may experience a reduction in symptoms of depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions. For example, a person may use cannabis to cope with anxiety, but through therapy, they may learn more effective coping mechanisms, which can improve their overall mental health.
  • Improved relationships: Problematic cannabis use can strain relationships with friends and family. Through rehab, individuals can learn how to communicate more effectively and rebuild lost trust. They may also learn how to identify and avoid social situations that promote cannabis use.
  • Increased motivation: Cannabis rehab can help individuals regain motivation and purpose in their lives. By gaining control over their cannabis use, they may feel more motivated to pursue their life goals and to make positive changes in their lives, such as returning to school or finding a new job.

Physical benefits

Cannabis rehab can offer significant physical benefits to individuals who struggle with problematic cannabis use. These benefits include:

  • Improved sleep: Excessive cannabis use can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to poor sleep quality. In rehab, individuals can learn to manage their cannabis use and practice healthier sleep habits, which can lead to better overall physical health.
  • Improved respiratory health: Smoking cannabis can have negative effects on respiratory health. Through rehab, individuals can learn alternative methods of consuming cannabis, such as edibles or vaporisers, which can reduce respiratory harm.
  • Reduced risk of chronic health conditions: Chronic cannabis use has been linked to an increased risk of certain health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and lung cancer. By reducing or eliminating their cannabis use, individuals can reduce their risk of developing these health conditions.
  • Improved physical fitness: Excessive cannabis use can contribute to sedentary behaviours and reduce physical activity levels. Through rehab, individuals can learn to manage their cannabis use and develop healthier habits, such as exercising regularly, which can improve overall physical fitness.

What process does Banbury Lodge follow for cannabis rehab?

At Banbury Lodge, we will furnish you with a comprehensive strategy to address all areas of your cannabis-related issues. Our residential programme offers cannabis detoxification, counselling and long-term aftercare to improve your chances of achieving complete sobriety.

Therapeutic approaches in cannabis rehab provide you with the necessary tools and techniques to overcome your issues and maintain sobriety. These approaches allow you to explore the underlying causes of your cannabis use, develop healthy coping mechanisms and build a strong support network. The methods include:

Cannabis rehab - family therapy

Aftercare

After finishing your treatment programme at Banbury Lodge, a thorough aftercare plan will be provided to help maintain your progress towards recovery. This aftercare plan involves attending weekly group therapy sessions and taking advantage of our Alumni Network. The Alumni Network connects you with other clients who have finished their cannabis rehab programme, providing ongoing support and guidance towards preventing a potential relapse.

What advice can I follow to prevent a relapse?

Relapse, the return to using cannabis after completing treatment, is a risk to be aware. It is important to plan carefully and understand that some situations can be potential triggers for a relapse. It is important to follow relapse tips in order to prevent a bad outcome:

  • Attending aftercare sessions
  • Distancing yourself from old friends who still use cannabis
  • Exploring new hobbies and interests
  • Relying on support networks such as our Alumni Network and your own loved ones
  • Using the techniques and methods you learned during treatment

It’s vital to know that relapse is not the end of the road for those in recovery from cannabis use. It is a common occurrence and should not be seen as failure, but rather an opportunity to learn and grow. It is important to use the experience to reinforce commitment to recovery, seek support and renew efforts to stay on track.

Supporting a loved one in cannabis rehab

Once your loved one has made the decision to attend cannabis rehab, the support system shouldn’t be left purely to the professionals. Whilst your loved one is in rehab, you could try the following suggestions in order to help with the recovery process.

  • Encourage and motivate them: One of the most important things is to show your support and be positive towards their progress of giving up cannabis. Encourage them to keep going and appreciate their hard work.
  • Be a good listener: Your loved one may have some difficult times during the cannabis rehab process. Being an active listener and showing empathy can help them to feel less isolated and more supported.
  • Help them adjust: You can help your loved one by making lifestyle adjustments such as participating in activities that don’t involve cannabis, attending support groups and eating healthy meals.
  • Be patient: Remember that change doesn’t happen overnight. Don’t pressure them to make changes that they aren’t ready for. Instead, encourage them to take small steps in their behaviour around cannabis that work towards their recovery.
  • Celebrate milestones: Celebrating milestones like sober anniversaries or making progress towards goals can help your loved one to feel supported and motivated.
  • Educate yourself: Learning more about your loved one’s problems with cannabis can help you to better understand what they are going through and how you can support them.

Frequently asked questions

How can I convince a loved one to attend cannabis rehab?
It can be difficult to make a loved one understand that their cannabis use is problematic without sounding judgmental or negative. Often, individuals may not recognise the negative impact of their substance use or deny that it is a problem.

If you are worried about a loved one’s cannabis use and want to convince them to consider rehab, here are some tips that may help:

  • Express your concern
  • Choose the right time and place
  • Listen to their perspective
  • Share information about the potential risks of long-term cannabis use
  • Offer support
  • Frame the idea of rehab positively
  • Be patient- change takes time
Is Cannabis rehab necessary?
Whether cannabis rehab is necessary depends on the severity of cannabis use disorder and its impact on the individual’s life. For some people, especially those with a mild or moderate use disorder, outpatient counselling and support groups may be sufficient. However, for people with more severe dependence or co-occurring mental health issues, residential rehab that offers structured therapy and support can be beneficial.
What if I relapse after Cannabis rehab treatment?
Experiencing a relapse after cannabis rehab treatment is not uncommon and does not signify failure. It’s important to recognise it as part of the recovery process and to reach out for help. This may involve re-engaging with therapy, attending support groups like Marijuana Anonymous, and revisiting coping strategies learned during rehab. A relapse can be an opportunity to reassess triggers and strengthen recovery efforts, often leading to renewed commitment and eventual long-term sobriety.