Now that marijuana possession has been decriminalized in a number of US states, there are fewer instances where people are being sent to marijuana treatment programs by the legal system. Even though the number of instances of court-ordered treatment is dropping, survey results are showing that numbers are up for those seeking help voluntarily.
Court-Mandated Public Sector and Overall Marijuana Treatment Seekers Survey Results (in 1000s)
2011
Court-Mandated: 182
Overall Treatment: 690
2012
Court-Mandated: 164
Overall Treatment: 793
2013
Court-Mandated: 151
Overall Treatment: 694
2014
Court-Mandated: 131
Overall Treatment: 869
2015
Court-Mandated: 109
Overall Treatment: 817
According to these results, the number of patients in court-ordered, public sector marijuana treatment programs has plummeted by 40 percent since 2011. The Overall Treatment portion of the results is taken from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. These figures include a broad range of sources where someone interested in getting marijuana addiction treatment could seek help and/or a referral, such as:
• Primary care physician
• Psychologist
• School nurse
• Urgent care clinic staff (doctor, nurse practitioner, registered nurse)
• Self-help groups
Numbers Suggest Increase in Voluntary Treatment
The total number of people receiving treatment for marijuana addiction has remained relatively stable. This pattern suggests that more people are choosing to go for treatment independent of the legal system.
A number of people feel that marijuana is harmless. They would argue that there is no need for a judge to send anyone for court-ordered addiction treatment if “all” they are using is marijuana.
Approximately nine percent of marijuana users become addicted to the drug. For those who start using before age 18, the likelihood of addiction rises to approximately 17 percent. While a number of those who are experiencing difficulties associated with the drug will reach out to get help without being forced by the court system, there is also the need for family members to intervene to help free them from the addiction.
If you would like more information about successful intervention and treatment practices for an addiction to marijuana or other drugs, contact Intervention Services today.