Marijuana Abuse & Addiction Treatment
Contents
- Why Seek Treatment at Athletes Recovery?
- Program Philosophy and Benefits
- Treatment Options at Athletes Recovery
- Continuing Care
The daily life of athletes can become overwhelming at times as they are facing constant pressure and a number of high demands. When the physical and emotional stress becomes too much, many athletes turn to substances such as marijuana to relieve some of the tension. When used in small doses, pot can decrease fear, anxiety, depression, and tension. Additionally, this drug can induce euphoria, increase self-confidence, provide a sense of relaxation, and help improve sleep and recovery after an event. However, when an athlete becomes dependent on marijuana to help them unwind at the end of the day, it has become a problem. Additionally, marijuana use is strictly prohibited in professional sports.
Athletes Recovery is a mental health recovery center that is dedicated to providing athletes with treatment for mental health disorders and substance abuse in a private, compassionate environment. Our programs are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of professional and collegiate athletes, both active and retired. The treatment provided at Athletes Recovery is rooted in the principles of recovery, placing extra emphasis upon spiritual, emotional, and personal growth. Our goal is to transform the lives of each and every athlete we treat as he or she starts down the path toward recovery.
Why Seek Treatment at Athletes Recovery?
Many individuals mistakenly think that there are not any negative side effects with respect to marijuana use because it is so widely used for relaxation and other appealing reasons. However, this is far from the truth as using weed can cause a number of negative implications. When you turn to substances such as marijuana to help you relax and tune out stressful situations, your body becomes psychologically dependent upon it and is no longer able to relax on its own. Additionally, marijuana can cause a decline in memory and put you at increased risk for respiratory infections and certain types of cancer. The most detrimental effect for an athlete can be the end of a career due to being caught too often with illegal substances.
When an athlete has become addicted to marijuana or other substances, research has shown that one of the most effective forms of treatment is an inpatient program, which can provide the athlete with a number of evidence based methodologies. In addition to a number of different therapeutic approaches, an inpatient program can provide an athlete with much needed support to help them through this difficult time. Through an inpatient program, an individual can learn better coping skills, stress management, and relapse prevention. Each patient is provided with the time needed to work through any emotional pain they may be struggling with and identify other underlying causes for the development of the addiction. Entering a rehabilitation program will allow an athlete to get away from the pressure they face on a daily basis and solely focus on recovery.
Program Philosophy and Benefits
Athletes Recovery is a confidential recovery program specifically designed to address the challenges faced by current and retired athletes. Our culturally-competent, compassionate, and experienced treatment staff will work hard to ensure that each client gets an individualized treatment plan that will meet each one of his or her personal needs. Additionally, our treatment places a strong emphasis on strength and accountability of team and our services are based upon the mental and physical regimes our athletes are inherently familiar with. Our goal is to have each patient leave our program knowing that they have had the best experience imaginable.
Treatment Options at Athletes Recovery
Before starting the treatment process, each athlete will complete a comprehensive assessment with one of our treatment specialists. This comprehensive assessment will allow us to identify your exact needs and will provide us with the information needed to develop a treatment plan for your stay. Throughout the intake process, we welcome your input and make sure to address any concerns or questions you may have. Your treatment plan may include some of the following therapeutic approaches:
Detoxification: If you have arrived at our program physically dependent upon any substances, then you will need to first complete our detoxification program. Our medical team will provide medically-monitored detox, which will allow us to effectively remove any drugs in your system as we monitor you for safety and comfort. Once this process is complete you will be able to fully engage in the therapeutic process.
Individual therapy: Is a time spent one-on-one with one of our therapists and is specifically designed to focus on your presenting concerns surrounding your marijuana abuse. Individual counseling is held in a safe space where you can discuss the challenges you are facing, learn better coping skills, and process through difficult emotions.
Group therapy: Is the main treatment we use at Athletes Recovery because it can be very beneficial to connect with other athletes who will understand some of the difficulties that you are going through. As a team, you will build off of one another to develop better coping skills, identify triggers, how to prevent relapse, and work on establishing better social skills.
Family therapy: Substance abuse can cause a significant amount of disruption within the family, often leading to the loss of good relationships. Additionally, family support is one of the factors that helps an addict continue to remain successful with his or her recovery. Some athletes may have spent a majority of their time on the road or may be newly retired and need to once again learn how to integrate back into family life. Family therapy can open lines of communication and let everyone express how they are feeling about the addiction.
In addition to traditional therapy, Athletes Recovery provides a number of other treatment approaches designed for our athletes. These may include:
- Exercise and weights
- Prayer and meditation
- Physical therapy
- Educational therapy
- A.A. and N.A.
- Yoga
- Massage therapy
Continuing Care
When your stay at Athletes Recovery comes to an end, you will work with your treatment team to plan out what your next step of treatment will be and what should be included in your aftercare plan. Some of our athletes find that they would do best in a sober living facility where they will be able to practice their newfound sobriety skills, while slowly adapting to life without drugs. Others may feel that they have made enough progress to continue their recovery in a less restrictive environment in either a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or intensive outpatient program (IOP). Both PHP and IOP programs allow our athletes the opportunity to work on their therapy during the day while slowly reintegrating back into their community in the evenings. Finally, others may discharge home with a sober coach, referrals to traditional outpatient therapy, and references for community resources. Whatever you determine is the next best step for you, Athletes Recovery will be there to support you.