Boulder County Mental Health & Drug Rehab |

Sep 15

Cannabis in Colorado: Treatment Options for Marijuana-Induced Psychosis

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “In 2015, about 4.0 million people in the United States met the diagnostic criteria for a marijuana use disorder; 138,000 voluntarily sought treatment for their marijuana use.” Also, this survey was taken only a year after the legality of cannabis in Colorado came into effect and before the increase in illicit substance use (including marijuana) during the COVID-19 pandemic. So, the need to take a closer look at the negative effects of cannabis remains a relatively high priority. This is especially true because there has also been an increase in marijuana-induced psychosis.

Cannabis in Colorado: The Often One-Sided Discussion

The conversation surrounding cannabis in Colorado is actually a healthy conversation to be had. It’s better than the extended period of ignoring that cannabis and cannabis use not only existed but was prevalent across the entire United States. What is unhealthy about the conversation is how one-sided it has seemingly become in favor of the “benefits” of cannabis instead of its potential harms.

One of the “beneficial” aspects that people often bring up regarding cannabis is that it is not an addictive substance. This just simply is not true. According to NIDA, “Marijuana use can lead to the development of problem use, known as a marijuana use disorder, which takes the form of addiction in severe cases. Recent data suggest that 30% of those who use marijuana may have some degree of marijuana use disorder.”

Also, marijuana addiction is just the overarching issue. The real issues reside in the negative effects that addiction brings with it.

Understanding the Negative Effects of Cannabis Abuse

As with any other illicit substance, cannabis’ negative effects live on a spectrum. The truth is that there are some people that may use marijuana recreationally and have very minimal (non-addictive) side effects. But, there are many others that experience serious problems due to marijuana use. These problems can be social, emotional, physical, and psychological, and they can be detrimental to both everyday life and future goals.

The following are just a few of the negative effects that cannabis abuse can cause:

Trouble concentrating and focusing, which can lead to problems at home, school, and work
Physical ailments such as headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and trouble with breathing over time
Loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities and friend groups
A greater likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors, which could also lead to legal ramifications
For adolescents, the potential to interfere with or even damage brain development
A higher chance of acquiring co-occurring mental health disorders
Experiencing marijuana-induced psychosis

What Exactly Is Marijuana-Induced Psychosis?

Marijuana-induced psychosis (also known as cannabis-induced psychosis) is when marijuana consumption causes a temporary period of psychosis, also known as a psychotic episode. These can be particularly dangerous because when experiencing this psychosis, an individual can become a danger to both themselves and others. This can be due to a violent outburst or simply not comprehending the type of agitated mental state they are in.

It is also important to note that while marijuana-induced psychosis is generally temporary, it can lead to longer-lasting issues. According to another research report put out by NIDA, “Considerable—though not all—evidence has linked cannabis use to earlier onset of psychosis in people with genetic risk factors for psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia, as well as worse symptoms in people who already have these conditions. Although less consistent, there is also evidence linking cannabis use to other mental illnesses and self-harm, including suicidal thoughts and behaviors.”

So, not only is it important to address marijuana-induced psychosis due to the immediate symptoms, but doing so may also reduce the potential for negative long-term issues down the road.

Cannabis in Colorado and Effective Treatment Options

The good news is that there are many treatment options for those who struggle with cannabis in Colorado. There are many effective treatment programs, such as inpatient programs, partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), and intensive and general outpatient programs. Also, there are many effective treatment modalities for those struggling with marijuana addiction and those that may be experiencing marijuana-induced psychosis.

One of the most commonly used treatments is psychotherapy. Psychotherapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can help individuals who are struggling with addiction get to the underlying issues that may be connected to their negative behaviors. It is only when these issues are brought to the surface that they can be dealt with, and deeper healing and recovery can begin.

The Recovery Mission at The Redpoint Center

Here at The Redpoint Center, we understand that cannabis in Colorado remains a hotly debated subject. However, ultimately, it is not the debate that we are concerned with.

Our primary purpose is to help our clients get past their addictions and onto the healthy road to long-term recovery. That is the main conversation that we are interested in having. For those of us in recovery, it is the conversation that concludes with a new way of being and a life that is beyond what could once be imagined.

Legalized marijuana is still a big discussion point across the U.S., and Colorado remains one of the focal regions of that discussion. Unfortunately, the primary focus tends to be on the “benefits” of cannabis rather than the potential dangers and side effects. One of these side effects is what is known as marijuana-induced psychosis, which can cause serious disruptions and should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. If you feel like you or someone you love is struggling with cannabis use disorder, you are not alone. We can help. For more information on marijuana-induced psychosis and effective treatment options, please reach out to The Redpoint Center today at (303) 710-8496.

Apr 18

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Identifying the Need for Treatment in Overcoming Marijuana Use

By Redpoint Center Mental Health

Marijuana use is incredibly common, with an estimated 48.2 million people reportedly engaging with the drug in 2019 alone. While ongoing discourse and pushes for legality surrounding the use of marijuana may impact each person’s perception of the drug, marijuana still carries many dangerous properties. Marijuana is an addictive substance that can have profound effects on a person’s mental and physical health.

Being able to identify the need for treatment and addressing the use of marijuana in oneself or a loved one is necessary to facilitate the necessary treatment and recovery. By challenging the misconceptions about marijuana use and identifying the signs and symptoms of marijuana addiction, it is always possible to pursue a healthier life while abstaining from its use.

The Effects of Marijuana Legalization

Marijuana legalization has had a profound effect on the common perceptions and attitudes surrounding the use of the drug. However, despite any legalization across the state and discourse surroundings its use, marijuana still carries many dangers with its use. First, marijuana has been explored to help with certain mental health disorders and trauma, which can further affect each person’s ideas of the dangers of the drug. However, any studies and use of marijuana in a medicinal setting are done so under the supervision of professionals, and such benefits do not necessarily extend to recreational use or use without such direction.

Misconceptions brought about by pushes for marijuana legalization can make those engaging with the drug less cognizant of its negative and harmful effects. Such misconceptions can also cause an individual to consider addiction to marijuana to be less dangerous than it actually is. However, professional treatment to address marijuana use and addiction may be necessary to understand the extent of its dangers and pursue a healthy and sober life.

Lastly, marijuana legalization on the state level does not mean that there are not still restrictions regarding the use of marijuana. Coupled with these important restrictions, marijuana is still a federally illegal drug even if it is legalized in some circumstances in the state. This leads to a complex network of laws and considerations that can greatly affect each individual, their mentality, and even the legality surrounding its use.

Recognizing the Signs of Marijuana Addiction

Identifying when a person’s use of marijuana demands professional treatment can be difficult. However, there are a number of signs and symptoms to be cognizant of in oneself or a loved one to best identify when professional treatment to address marijuana use is necessary. Some of these signs of marijuana addiction include:

A person uses more marijuana than intended
The use of marijuana comes at the expense of other responsibilities, such as missing work or inability to tend to at-home responsibilities
Experiencing negative repercussions of marijuana use and continuing to engage anyway
An inability to cease the use of marijuana, even if there is a desire to do so
The use of marijuana feels necessary to feel “normal”
Compromising other budgets in order to continue using marijuana
Someone has confronted another about their use, but they continued to use it anyway
Heightened feelings of anxiety, panic, depression, and more when not using the drug

Regular marijuana use can also carry a number of personal ramifications. For some, marijuana can have profound effects on their professional lives, compromising workplace performance and attendance or subjecting oneself to termination resulting from drug tests. Others may experience damage to personal relationships with family, friends, or partners.

Identifying any of these signs can indicate the need for change. However, overcoming marijuana addiction can be exceptionally difficult, with many changes needing to be addressed for a truly transformative approach to a sober future. Dedicated treatment programs are necessary to facilitate this kind of profound change.

The Role of Dedicated Treatment

Overcoming addiction of any kind is difficult, and an individual will not only have to address the direct use of addictive substances but also the lifestyles and mentalities that inform them. The outpatient treatment available at Redpoint can be instrumental in educating individuals and their families about the dangers and misconceptions of marijuana use while instilling the needed life skills, camaraderie, and atmosphere of healing needed to pursue truly transformative change.

Creating a Community

Overcoming addiction can feel incredibly isolating, especially with a wide range of attitudes surrounding marijuana and its use. Having a community that understands the need for change and creates a feeling of belonging throughout the recovery process can be instrumental in keeping focused on each person’s goals, progress, and more.

Especially throughout outpatient care, where an individual may be exposed to a wide range of attitudes around marijuana use, always having a supportive community to fall back on is instrumental for continued success throughout recovery from marijuana addiction.

Embracing a Transformed Life

Marijuana addiction affects every facet of a person’s life, from personal ambitions to mentalities, perspectives, professional life, and more. Recovery from marijuana addiction demands that an individual also address each of these areas, not just the immediate symptoms of marijuana use. Dedicated treatment programs are necessary for not only embracing effective coping strategies for navigating urges or cravings but also making changes to the lifestyles that may have been developed around the use of the drug.

From proven therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and experiential therapy options to exploring the effective practices of peers, professional treatment is a transformational experience that is committed to making the most of recovery and developing the healthiest approach to a sober life ahead.

Marijuana can be a wholly devastating drug, impacting not just your physical health, but also negatively influencing all other aspects of your life. At Redpoint, we understand the unique approach needed to address marijuana use and its continued effects on your life to create a sustainable and effective recovery plan. Our commitment to effective outpatient programs empowers you to address and overcome the use of marijuana while still tending to your daily life. Our Glenwood Springs location is just one of many across Colorado ready to help you take your first step to a sober future today. For more information on how we can personalize your time with us, call to speak to us today at (303) 710-8496.

Jul 02

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The Redpoint Center Staff’s Favorite Songs About Addiction, Drug Use and Recovery

By redpointcenter Addiction, Community, Media, Mental Health, Misc, Therapy, Treatment

Stories of addiction and drug abuse have worked themselves into our culture in the form of books, music, theater and songs for centuries. Often times, a song we love is actually about addiction and drug abuse and we aren’t even aware of it until we take the time to really look at and listen to the lyrics. This isn’t surprising, considering the fact that addiction and drug use is common among singers, songwriters and musicians that we listen to on a daily basis. We also know of a multitude of extremely talented singers and members of popular bands who have died from addiction and drug overdoses., so it is not uncommon to find stories about drug and addiction in their music.

Just last month, the staff at The Redpoint Center, an outpatient substance abuse treatment program in Longmont, Colorado, shared their favorite movies about addiction and recovery. We therefore found the next logical step was for us to recount our favorite songs about addiction, drug use and recovery. The following is a summary of our musings, in no particular order, along with a link to the song and the staff member who chose it.

Semi-Charmed Life by Third Eye Blind- This song is the title track from the rock band’s self-titled debut album that was released in 1997. Despite the easy going and peppy pop sound of this song, it is actually about using crystal meth and the shiny looking outside of people who are sick and hurting on the inside.ur medical director, Dr. Honor Ashbaugh.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beINamVRGy4

Under the Bridge by The Red Hot Chili Peppers- “Under the Bridge” appears on the Red Hot Chili Pepper’s fifth album, titled Blood, Sweat, Sex and Magik. Anthony Keidis, the rock band’s lead singer, wrote the lyrics of this song to depict feelings of loneliness and despondency, and to relay the impact that a heroin addiction had on his life. This song was picked as a favorite by our clinical director, Nikki Summers, and therapist Quddus Maus.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLvohMXgcBo

Hurt by Nine Inch Nails- Hurt is a song that appears on Nine Inch Nail’s second studio album, The Downward Spiral, released in 1994. The song includes references to self-harm and heroin addiction. Others contend that the song acts as s suicide note written by the song’s protagonist. Nonetheless, the entire album is about a period in the singer’s life when he abused drugs and fell into a deep depression. This song, and the cover by Johnny Cash, was picked as a favorite by The Redpoint Center’s founder, Cody Gardner.

Hurt cover by Johnny Cash- In 2002, Johnny Cash covered the song “Hurt”. Reznor, the Nine Inch Nails lead singer, said he was flattered when Johnny Cash wanted to cover this song, but was worried that it was a “bit gimmicky”. After seeing the video, however, which was best music video of the year by Grammy’s and CMA Awards, Reznor liked what he saw.

Soul to Squeeze by The Red Hot Chili Peppers- “Soul to Squeeze” was released as a B-side on the The Red Hot Chili Peppers “Give it Away” and “Under the Bridge.” It was then released as a single in 1993. “Soul to Squeeze” Is thought by some as depicting the entire mental process between addiction and recovery. It focuses heavily on what recovery has to offer rather than glorifying or self-deprecating the addictive thought process. This was picked a asfavorite by The Redpoint Center’s Drew Dyer..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XcN12uVHeQ

Lost in the Cold by Twiddle- “Lost in the Cold” was also picked as a favorite by Drew Dyer. In his own words, the song reminds him of “grabbing onto the fear of recovery and facing it rather than hiding from it.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0NyOcf7h8c

Heroin by The Velvet Underground- The song “Heroin” was released by The Velvet Underground on their 1967 debut album called The Velvet Underground & Nico. The song was written by Lou Reed and beautifully depicts heroin use and abuse. The song “Heroin” neither endorses nor condemns the use of heroin, which has made it a troubling song in the eyes of some listeners. This song was picked as a favorite by The Redpoint Center’s wellness coordinator, Shane Niemeyer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFLw26BjDZs

Not if You Were the Last Junkie on Earth, by The Dandy Warhols- This song was released in 1997 on the second studio album released by The Dandy Warhols, called The Dandy Warhols Come Down. The song, according to front man Courtney Taylor-Taylor, was written about his girlfriend (at the time) who got addicted to heroin while he was on tour. This song was picked as a favorite by The Redpoint Center therapist, Desmond Cohen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APrpB-i4d_E

Down on the Bottom by The New Basement Tapes- Down on the Bottom was the first song recorded by The New Basement Tapes on their album titled “Lost on the River.” The lyrics were written by Bob Dylan in 1967, and are interpreted to be about drinking and hitting rock bottom with nowhere to go but up. This song was picked as a favorite by The Redpoint Center’s Katie Fischer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXXEG6kY96E

You’ll Never Walk Alone by The Dropkick Murphy’s- This song first appeared in a 1945 musical called Carousel. It has been covered by many different bands and musicians, and appeared on The Dropkick Murphys album “11 Short Stories of Pain and Glory” when it was released in 2017. This song, explains bassist and vocalist Ken Casey, came on when he was leaving a wake for a friend who had overdosed on opiates. It summed up to him how he was feeling at the time- sad but knowing that there is hope. This song was picked as a favorite by The Redpoint Center’s therapist Stephanie Winkler.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8SK8JHKn1k

Lover I Don’t Have to Love by Bright Eyes- “Lover I Don’t Have to Love” was released by the American, Indie Rock band as a single in 2002. The Redpoint Center’s family advocate, Taylor Cole, picked this song as a favorite about addiction and shared her words. “I listened to this song throughout the throws of my addiction when I was touring with a band the year before I got sober. I knew I was an addict and I was not ready to get sober. I wanted to put myself into so much pain it would force me to get sober or I would just not make it. Every time I listen to it, I remember that feeling and am grateful that I don’t have to live like that anymore.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuXkhE0VMcw

Staying Alive by Cursive- The song “Staying Alive”, by Cursive, was also picked by Taylor Cole as her favorite song about recover. She quotes, “Bad ass song that makes my insides feel warm and fuzzy. Choosing life and looking forward.”

Suicidal Thoughts by Biggie Smalls- “Suicidal Thoughts” was the last song on the debut album, “Ready to Die”, released by Notorious B.I.G. in 1994. Although not strictly about addiction, the song was listed as very meaningful to The Redpoint Center’s founder, Cody Gardner, who states that he “used to write the verses of this song on all his notebooks” while in rehab.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4M8GjgfG9k

Alive by Sia- “Alive” is the lead single from the Australian singer songwriter’s 7^th studio album, titled “This is Acting.” The Redpoint Center’s admissions director, Rachael Messaros, notes that this song is one of her favorites about recovery. In her words, “On my 6^th sobriety birthday I put all of my songs on shuffle, and this song came on. I cried because I was like, holy shit, I survived.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2NgsJrrAyM

Billy Walker, by Israel Darling- Billy Walker was released in on the album by Israel Darling titled “Dinosaur Bones & Mechanical Hands.” This song was picked as a favorite by one of The Redpoint Center’s therapists, Jay Fullam. In his own words, “I heard this song when I got sober at an open mic. It really stuck with me and I listened to it regularly during my first year of sobriety.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2rS0chMWFw

Needle and the Damage Done by Neil Young–“Needle and The Damage Done” first appeared on the Harvest album which was released in 1972. This song was written by Neil Young to describe the destruction caused by the heroin addiction of musicians he knew, including his friend and Crazy Horse bandmate, Danny Whitten. It previews the theme of a later album, “Tonight’s the Night”, that expresses Young’s grief over the subsequent overdose deaths of both Whitten and Bruce Berry, who was a roadie for Young and Crazy Horse. This song was picked as a favorite by The Redpoint Center’s Executive Director, Donnie Hagenbart.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hd3oqvnDKQk

Rehab by Amy Winehouse- Rehab appeared on Winehouse’s second and final album, Back to Black, in 2006. The lyrics are in fact autobiographical, and describe Winehouse’s refusal to enter into a rehabilitation clinic for substance abuse and addiction. The song won three Grammy awards at the 50^th Winehouse, as most know, subsequently died of alcohol poisoning on July 23^rd, 2011. This song was picked as a favorite by one of the Redpoint Center’s adolescent therapists, Bridget Camacho.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUmZp8pR1uc

Mansion by NF- The song Mansion, by NF (which stands for Nathan Feurstein) is a song on this American rapper’s debut album, titled the same, which was released on March 31, 2015. This song was picked by The Redpoint Center’s Samantha Jackson. In her own words, “I like this song because for so long I was in my head about a lot of things and I thought keeping that to myself was a lot safer than talking about it or getting help. Also, I thought using was a good way to take care of my problems, but it just acted as a temporary fix. This song is a good reminder to myself that I don’t want to be in such a dark place again. It also puts me in the mindset of when I was still using and how much I didn’t like what I was doing.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uF5QE3-ox4o

We hope you enjoy this compilation of The Redpoint Center staff’s favorite songs about addiction, drug abuse and recover. If you think you or your loved one might have an addiction or problem with drug or alcohol use, The Redpoint Center can help. Please call us with any questions, as we’re here to help.

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, drug addiction, Mental Health problems, The Redpoint Center is here to help. The Redpoint Center treats both adults and youth struggling with addiction and alcohol. To learn more about our Longmont Drug Rehab, call 888-509-3153.

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