Medical Marijuana for Opioid Use Disorder
If you or a loved one is struggling with Opioid Use Disorder, you should know that medical marijuana may be available for treating symptoms of this condition. Schedule an appointment with us at 888-316-9085 to start your evaluation process!
Opioid use disorder occurs from unadministered, long-term consumption of opioids, which lead to significant discomfort and impairments.
Opioids are prescribed to treat pain. With prolonged use, pain-relieving effects may lessen and pain can become worse. Prolonged usage of opioids often leads to addiction and dependency. Opioid dependence causes withdrawal symptoms, which makes it difficult to stop taking them.
Marijuana is widely used for treating different medical conditions including cancer, epilepsy, and other common conditions. Research continues to provide promising results, and for that reason, many states have legalized it to be used for medical purposes. Studies also show that medical marijuana is an effective treatment option for patients with opioid use disorder, for which conventional conventional treatments are unavailable or ineffective, or for which adjunctive therapy is indicated in combination with primary treatment.
Notable Statistics
- From 1999 to 2017, more than 702,000 people have died from a drug overdose
- In 2017, more than 70,000 people died from drug overdoses, making it a leading cause of injury-related death in the United States
- On average, 130 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose.
Common Symptoms & Diagnosis of Opioid Use Disorder
Doctors use a specific set of criteria to determine if a person has a substance use problem. To be diagnosed with an opioid use disorder, a person must have 2 or more of the following symptoms within a 12-month period of time.
- Appetite loss and changes in eating patterns
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Opioid abuse, dependence, and withdrawal
- Opioid dependence in remission
- Social issues
- Weight loss
Medical Marijuana Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Research suggests that medical marijuana can be a viable substitute for treating opioids use disorder when conventional therapeutic interventions are contraindicated or ineffective, or for which adjunctive therapy is indicated in combination with primary therapeutic interventions.
Medical marijuana has been found to be effective in controlling craving behavior and addressing other symptoms like anxiety, depression, insomnia, and nausea.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card for Opioid Use Disorder
Due to the seriousness of the disease, many states have legalized the use of medical marijuana for Opioid Use Disorder. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to get your medical marijuana card:
- Register over the phone or online
- Talk to a medical marijuana doctor
- Get your medical marijuana card
Compassionate Certification Centers is here to provide you with the support, care, and guidance you need to get certified for a medical marijuana card. Schedule an appointment with us at 888-316-9085 to start your evaluation process!
