Perhaps you’ve wondered, what is THC? THC stands for Tetrahydrocannabinol. It’s one of the chemicals that makes cannabis affect the brain. You can find it in marijuana and in medications like Marinol.
If you think you or a loved one may be experiencing an addiction to the THC in cannabis, you should seek help. Call us at 866.262.0531 for more information about drug addiction treatment centers.
Medical Use of THC
THC has been shown to be effective for several medical conditions including pain relief and nausea relief. Research has shown that THC can help with some of the side effects of chemotherapy such as pain, vomiting, and nausea. THC has also been shown to help relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as cramps and tension.
Marinol is a medicine that sustains appetite in people with diseases such as HIV/AIDS and cancer. It can also ease nausea and vomiting following chemotherapy. When people use Marinol for medicinal purposes, it can have a positive, therapeutic effect. On the other hand, people also use Marinol and marijuana to get high.
The symptoms of marijuana use include:
- Poor motor coordination
- Slurred speech
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Confusion
- Short-term memory loss
- Sedation
Some people enjoy these symptoms and use marijuana when they don’t have a medical reason. However, some people feel so sick from the symptoms of marijuana use that they vomit.
Marijuana use may cause problems for people who have heart disease or high blood pressure. Marijuana users with these conditions have been found to have poorer exercise capacity. Long-term marijuana users also have an increased risk of developing lung cancer.
When Does THC Use Become a Problem?
People who use marijuana also have a higher risk of addiction if they start using it in their teens. A study has shown that nearly 1 out of 10 people who use marijuana will become addicted to it. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 9% of people who use marijuana become addicted.
If you were wondering what is THC, you may also be wondering if you or a loved one have a problem with it. If you have any of the following signs or symptoms, it’s probably wise to get help:
- Experiencing intense cravings
- Developing a tolerance for the drug
- Hoarding a supply of the drug
- Cutting back on other activities in order to use Marinol or marijuana
- Taking risks when you’re high, such as driving too fast
- Trying to stop using the drug but not being able to
Deciding to go to drug and alcohol addiction treatment is challenging, but it can release you from your cravings and give you back control of your life. Treatment at Crestview Recovery frees you from being a slave to your addiction.
THC Rehab in Portland
Crestview Recovery offers several types of treatment, including partial hospitalization where you attend the program for several hours a day but go home at night, outpatient and aftercare. All the programs use up-to-date evidence-based therapy.
Many people develop a problem with substance use because they’re trying to self-medicate for mental health issues. If you struggle with anxiety, for instance, you might smoke marijuana or take Marinol to help yourself relax. Crestview Recovery has dual diagnosis treatment to address both substance use and any psychiatric issues that may be contributing to them.
In addition, Crestview Recovery provides both individual and group substance use treatment. It’s common for people who abuse substances to feel ashamed about their problem. Group therapy offers a safe, supportive setting where you can share feelings and problems so you can support each other and work through your issues.
What is Addiction Aftercare?
Another aspect of care that Crestview Recovery takes seriously is aftercare. We’ll work with you to find an individual counselor and/or a group program that’s appropriate for you. If you need medication for a mental health condition, we can also help you find a doctor or psychiatrist. At Crestview, we offer a variety of treatments, including:
- Aquatic therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Yoga therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Meditation therapy
THC Addiction Treatment in Portland
If you live in the Pacific Northwest and want help overcoming a problem with substance use, including THC, give Crestview Recovery in Portland, Oregon a call at 866.262.0531. We can help you recover and take back control of your life.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
