Addiction Treatment for Cannabis, Hallucinogens & Synthetic Drugs at Banyan

Addiction Treatment for Synthetic Drugs at Banyan

There is more to substance use disorders than just alcohol and opioids. Cannabis, hallucinogens, and synthetic drugs are psychoactive drugs with addictions, withdrawal symptoms, and severe mental health complications. While many of these drugs are seen as less harmful than opioids or alcohol, repeated use can affect brain functioning, emotional stability, and quality of life.

Banyan Treatment Centers offers addiction treatment for cannabis use disorder, hallucinogen use disorder, and synthetic drug addiction. At our addiction treatment programs, we care for substance use disorders along with co-occurring mental health disorders to support long-term recovery.

Understanding Substance Use Disorder

According to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, also known as the DSM-5, substance use disorder is characterized by the fact that it is a chronic disease in which an individual may continue using substances in spite of the adverse effects.^[1] When an individual uses drugs, their brain chemistry is impacted, leading to assorted risks, particularly in terms of mental health.

Substance use disorders are also frequently present with other mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorders, and other psychiatric disorders. They may exacerbate each other unless appropriately treated.^[2]

Cannabis (Marijuana) Addiction Treatment

Marijuana addiction, otherwise referred to as cannabis use disorder in the field of medicine, affects both young and old. Whereas marijuana is thought to be an innocuous drug, frequent use of the drug can lead to marijuana addiction.^[13] Epidemiologic surveys indicate that dependence does occur in young adults who smoke the drug daily.^[3]

Signs of Cannabis Use Disorder

• Difficulty controlling cannabis use
• Strong cravings
• Continued use despite negative consequences
• Declining work or school performance
• Loss of interest in daily activities

For those who are quitting marijuana after a prolonged period of consumption, some reported withdrawal effects may include irritability, anxiety, sleep difficulties, appetite changes, and inability to concentrate. Although these effects are not life-threatening, they pose great difficulties in stopping marijuana use.

There is also the possibility of long-term cannabis usage leading to more cases of anxiety, depression, and other mental problems. In some individuals, cannabis may have negative effects on their memory, motivation, and mood.^[4]

Treatment Options for Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana dependents are treated with therapies like behavioral therapy, counseling, and psychological support. Banyan offers treatment plans that incorporate rehabilitation and healthy coping mechanisms to deal with cravings and relapses.

Hallucinogen Addiction Treatment

Hallucinogens, which comprise both LSD, psilocybin, PCP, and ketamine, affect perception, mood, and processing. Although hallucinogen use disorder is not commonly associated with any overwhelming withdrawal symptoms, psychological dependence is a consequence. Intense mental health problems can also be experienced.^[5]

When using hallucinogens, an individual may experience flashbacks, continuing visual problems, increased anxiety, or paranoia. There may be instances where the individual develops a psychosis and their judgment may be impaired to a level where they may get into accidents.

Signs You May Need Treatment

• Using hallucinogens to cope with stress or emotional pain
• Craving altered states of consciousness
• Ongoing emotional instability
• Difficulty functioning at work, school, or home

Treating Hallucinogen Addiction

The treatment that needs to be given to hallucinogen use disorder is to seek stabilization for mental health and eliminate the inclusion of psychological factors that may lead to hallucinogen use. Although hallucinogen use does not cause an extremely debilitating withdrawal symptom, anxiety and mood fluctuations and perceptions require attention.

Treatment at Banyan generally includes a wide range of behavioral therapies, trauma-informed care, and psychiatric support that aid the individual in managing cravings, work through stressors or trauma, and decrease the potential for relapse. When co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or psychosis are present, integrated dual diagnosis treatment is considered paramount for long-term recovery.

Synthetic Drug Addiction Treatment

Synthetic drugs, for instance, like K2, Spice, bath salts, and others, are arguably the most dangerous drugs out there due to their unknown chemical composition. The use of these drugs can trigger severe physical and psychological responses even at smaller doses.^[6]

Those who choose to use synthetic drugs can exhibit symptoms like agitation, hallucinations, paranoia, hypertension, seizures, and even heart problems. Because of the inconsistency of potency between batches, death from overdose can occur.^[7]

Sings of Synthetic Drug Use

It is very easy for synthetic drug use disorder to develop quickly since the strength and chemical makeup are unpredictable with these drugs.^[8]

• Sudden or extreme changes in behavior, such as agitation, aggression, or paranoia
• Hallucinations, confusion, or disorientation beyond intoxication
• Risky or impulsive behavior, including neglecting safety or responsibilities
• Continued use despite serious physical or psychological consequences
• Strong desire or need to use; inability to cut down or control use

Many synthetic drug users manifest worsening mental health symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, or psychosis.

Synthetic drug withdrawal may be accompanied by severe anxiety, insomnia, depression, and uncontrollable desires. Oftentimes, recovery necessitates medical attention and close supervision in the early stages.^[9]

Treating Synthetic Drug Addiction

The treatment of synthetic drug addiction starts with detoxification, followed by inpatient treatment. However, treatment goes on with behavioral therapies, planning for preventing a return to drug use, and treating mental health issues.^[10]

Cannabis (Marijuana) Addiction Treatment

Marijuana addiction, otherwise referred to as cannabis use disorder in the field of medicine, affects both young and old. Whereas marijuana is thought to be an innocuous drug, frequent use of the drug can lead to marijuana addiction. Epidemiologic surveys indicate that dependence does occur in young adults who smoke the drug daily.

Signs of Cannabis Use Disorder

• Difficulty controlling cannabis use
• Strong cravings
• Continued use despite negative consequences
• Declining work or school performance
• Loss of interest in daily activities

For those who are quitting marijuana after a prolonged period of consumption, some reported withdrawal effects may include irritability, anxiety, sleep difficulties, appetite changes, and inability to concentrate. Although these effects are not life-threatening, they pose great difficulties in stopping marijuana use.

There is also the possibility of long-term cannabis usage leading to more cases of anxiety, depression, and other mental problems. In some individuals, cannabis may have negative effects on their memory, motivation, and mood.

Treatment Options for Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana dependents are treated with therapies like behavioral therapy, counseling, and psychological support. Banyan offers treatment plans that incorporate rehabilitation and healthy coping mechanisms to deal with cravings and relapses.

Hallucinogen Addiction Treatment

Hallucinogens, which comprise both LSD, psilocybin, PCP, and ketamine, affect perception, mood, and processing. Although hallucinogen use disorder is not commonly associated with any overwhelming withdrawal symptoms, psychological dependence is a consequence. Intense mental health problemscan also be experienced.

When using hallucinogens, an individual may experience flashbacks, continuing visual problems, increased anxiety, or paranoia. There may be instances where the individual develops a psychosis and their judgment may be impaired to a level where they may get into accidents.

Signs You May Need Treatment

• Using hallucinogens to cope with stress or emotional pain
• Craving altered states of consciousness
• Ongoing emotional instability
• Difficulty functioning at work, school, or home

Treating Hallucinogen Addiction

The treatment that needs to be given to hallucinogen use disorder is to seek stabilization for mental health and eliminate the inclusion of psychological factors that may lead to hallucinogen use. Although hallucinogen use does not cause an extremely debilitating withdrawal symptom, anxiety and mood fluctuations and perceptions require attention.

Treatment at Banyan generally includes a wide range of behavioral therapies, trauma-informed care, and psychiatric support that aid the individual in managing cravings, work through stressors or trauma, and decrease the potential for relapse. When co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or psychosis are present, integrated dual diagnosis treatment is considered paramount for long-term recovery.

Synthetic Drug Addiction Treatment

Synthetic drugs, for instance, like K2, Spice, bath salts, and others, are arguably the most dangerous drugs out there due to their unknown chemical composition. The use of these drugs can trigger severe physical and psychological responses even at smaller doses..

Those who choose to use synthetic drugs can exhibit symptoms like agitation, hallucinations, paranoia, hypertension, seizures, and even heart problems. Because of the inconsistency of potency between batches, death from overdose can occur.

Signs of Synthetic Drug Use Disorder

It is very easy for synthetic drug use disorder to develop quickly since the strength and chemical makeup are unpredictable with these drugs.

• Sudden or extreme changes in behavior, such as agitation, aggression, or paranoia
• Hallucinations, confusion, or disorientation beyond intoxication
• Risky or impulsive behavior, including neglecting safety or responsibilities
• Continued use despite serious physical or psychological consequences
• Strong desire or need to use; inability to cut down or control use

Many synthetic drug users manifest worsening mental health symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, or psychosis.

Synthetic drug withdrawal may be accompanied by severe anxiety, insomnia, depression, and uncontrollable desires. Oftentimes, recovery necessitates medical attention and close supervision in the early stages.

Treating Synthetic Drug Addiction

The treatment of synthetic drug addiction starts with detoxification, followed by inpatient treatment. However, treatment goes on with behavioral therapies, planning for preventing a return to drug use, and treating mental health issues.

Available Levels of Care

Banyan delivers a full continuum of treatment services to address the unique needs of someone dealing with cannabis use disorders, hallucinogen use disorders, and synthetic drug addictions. In choosing the correct level of treatment for an individual, we consider history of substance use, mental health concerns, and safety factors. In each case, a full assessment leads to a thorough decision about the ideal place to start.

Medical Detox

Medical detox provides 24/7 supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms and stabilize both physical and mental health. This level of care is particularly important for individuals experiencing severe anxiety, mood instability, or medical complications related to synthetic drug use. Detox creates a safe foundation for continued addiction treatment.

Intensive Inpatient Treatment

Intensive inpatient care serves to ensure that there is supervision at all times to ensure that the situation is under control so that any withdrawal symptoms associated with drug use can be managed, thus allowing for the stabilization of health for an addict. The care is very essential for those who are experiencing very high levels of anxiety, mood fluctuations, and have underlying health issues associated with synthetic drugs. The process also serves to provide a foundation for other treatment sessions.

Residential Programs

Residential treatment offers living arrangements that come with treatment and daily programming. Living in this type of setting ensures a person is removed from environments and situations that might lead to cannabis, hallucinogen, and synthetic drug use. In this setting, people are empowered to be competent and stable before moving to a lower treatment program.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

PHP provides full-day treatment with clients returning home or to sober living in the evenings. This level of care maintains structured therapy for the individual while allowing for increased independence. PHP is often utilized as a step-down from inpatient or residential treatment.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

IOP provides multiple therapy sessions each week with increased flexibility to accommodate work, school, or family-related issues. This program is appropriate for people with stable symptoms that require therapy, as it helps continue the prevention of relapse, which IOP assists with.

Outpatient Program

Outpatient counseling services also offer additional therapeutic support on a weekly basis. This type of care is ideal for long-term recovery, emotional stability, and the maintenance of positive coping strategies. This type of care is best for people who are stable and need additional support.

Telehealth / Virtual Treatment

Telehealth services provides the opportunity for clients to access therapy and other mental health treatment remotely through secure online platforms. This provides greater accessibility for those who face transportation issues or live far away from treatment facilities. Telehealth promotes continuity of care and treatment retention.

Dual Diagnosis and Mental Health Services

Many people in need of treatment for an addiction problem are also dealing with other issues like anxiety disorders, PTSD, personality disorders, or depression. Simply treating those with a substance addiction often does not help them become clean.

Banyan has a holistic and integrative program of dual diagnosis, including the treatment of problem use of substances and co-occurring problems of mental health.

Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment at Banyan

Effective treatment of addiction requires more than just the detox process alone. At Banyan Treatment Centers, we develop programs based on evidence-based practices that are commonly utilized in the field of addiction medicine.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps people recognize the opinions that may lead them to drug abuse and ways of coping with drug dependence that may cause relapse.^[11]

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT  is primarily concerned with emotional regulation and distress tolerance, which allows individuals to cope with difficult emotions without resorting to substance use.^[12]

Contingency Management

This technique encourages positive recovery behaviors and enhances motivation during the treatment process.

Trauma-Focused Therapy

Trauma-focused therapy  treatments assist persons in working through unfinished issues, which are possibly linked to substance abuse.

Support Groups and Relapse Prevention

Peer support and relapse prevention planning assist people in identifying triggers and maintaining recovery.

All treatment plans are tailored to an individual patient after a comprehensive evaluation, and adjustments are made as a patient progresses with their recovery.