The city of Rancho Palos Verdes, one of the gems of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, got its start as a cattle ranch in the 1900s. But it wasn’t long before this scenic coastal setting caught the attention of real estate developers and the area became the site of a building boom. Today, Rancho Palos Verdes is still famous for its stunning ocean views. But because of its location, the Palos Verdes Peninsula has also been the site of several drug busts involving fishing boats smuggling drugs. In 2011, the Daily Breeze reported that 12 drug smugglers on a Mexican fishing boat were caught attempting to bring 31 pounds of marijuana into the United States.
Should you worry about marijuana addiction? The drug does have legitimate medical applications, and it comes from a natural source: the cannabis plant. But with repeated use, it’s possible to develop a dependence on marijuana. An addiction treatment program can help you get control over your life if you’ve become dependent on cannabis or other drugs.
Marijuana Dependence and Rehab
According to the journal Addiction Science & Clinical Practice, marijuana is abused more than any other illicit drug in the US and Europe, and use among adults and adolescents is on the rise. The journal notes that although marijuana may be less addictive than drugs like heroin or cocaine, cannabis dependence is twice as common because of the prevalence of its use. Marijuana has a benign reputation compared to other drugs, in spite of negative side effects such as:
- Short-term memory loss
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Respiratory problems caused by smoking
- Sleep disturbances
- Hormonal imbalances
- Physical and psychological dependence
Marijuana has become increasingly popular among young adults and teenagers in Rancho Palos Verdes, who perceive the drug as being relatively harmless. The University of Washington’s Alcohol & Drug Abuse Institute notes that the younger you are when you start using cannabis, the greater the chances that you’ll become dependent on the drug.
Rehabilitation strategies for marijuana addiction include psychosocial approaches like counseling, mutual self-help groups and relapse prevention education. Some users have had success with medication therapy, taking low doses of anti-addiction drugs like methadone or naltrexone to reduce their cravings for cannabis. Many people who abuse marijuana have undiagnosed mental health concerns, like depression, anxiety, bipolar or post-traumatic stress disorder. Before you enroll in a treatment program for marijuana addiction, you should be receive a medical and psychological evaluation to assess your needs.
Securing Your Recovery With Aftercare
Aftercare is often overlooked in the initial search for a rehabilitation program, but in fact, this phase of rehab is one of the most important aspects of your treatment. Sober living facilities offer a transitional step between rehab and your former life in Rancho Palos Verdes. During this transitional period, you can strengthen your motivation and continue to build your coping skills.
Sober living homes are located throughout the Los Angeles area in the midst of communities like Rancho Palos Verdes. But each residence operates according to a set of guidelines that ensure a sober, drug-free atmosphere. You might be required to maintain a curfew, participate in house meetings and adhere to specific house rules while you’re staying at a sober living home. In exchange for these limitations, you’ll be able to continue your recovery work in a safe, supportive environment. For more information about drug rehabilitation and sober living, contact our addiction specialists here at Axis.