Are you or is someone you love having problems with marijuana?
At STARS, we are currently recruiting for several federally funded treatment studies for marijuana abusers. Marijuana dependence is increasingly becoming recognized as a concern for which individuals require specialized treatment. Symptoms of marijuana dependence can include an inability to stop or cut down on your own and spending a great deal of time obtaining and using marijuana. Chronic use of marijuana can negatively impact relationships, employment, health, and overall well-being. Individuals using marijuana regularly can also be struggling with other untreated difficulties, such as depression.
Finding ways to break the cycle of using marijuana can be quite challenging. At STARS we offer two treatment studies with an exclusive focus on addressing problematic marijuana use. All treatment is provided on an outpatient basis and involves a combination of individual therapy and medication. Our comprehensive services also include regular psychiatric and medical assessments. Anyone who uses marijuana and wants treatment will be considered for these research studies.
Marijuana Dependence:
This treatment study offers medication and therapy to help alleviate the symptoms of marijuana withdrawal and dependence. Individuals who use marijuana regularly, and attempt to abruptly cease use, may experience anxiety, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and appetite changes, to name a few possible symptoms of withdrawal. The medication Dronabinol may be helpful in easing the transition to a reduction in marijuana use or abstinence. For this treatment study, patients visit the STARS clinic twice a week, and receive psychotherapy to facilitate desired changes in marijuana use and prevent relapse. Patients are randomly assigned to take either Dronabinol or placebo (non active medication). Patients also meet regularly with a psychiatrist and the medical team. Treatment is three months in length, and all participants are eligible for follow-up care and referral services upon completion.
To learn more about this treatment please visit the National Institutes of Health clinical trials website.
Marijuana Dependence and Depression:
Symptoms of depression can include loss of interest in activities, feelings of hopelessness, and a prolonged sad mood. The rate of individuals using marijuana and coping with major depression was found to be 20-48% among a sample of patients in treatment. This rate is substantially higher than what is found in the general population (6-17%). Because depression and marijuana dependence can occur together, taking medication to alleviate symptoms of depression may be particularly effective. Venlafaxine-Extended-Release (Effexor), a once-a-day medication that is commonly used to treat depression, is a promising option. For this treatment study, patients visit the STARS clinic two times each week, which includes regular meetings with a therapist, psychiatrist, and the medical staff. Patients are randomly assigned to receive either Effexor or placebo (non active medication). At the conclusion of the three-month treatment, patients are informed whether they were on Effexor or placebo, and will be offered treatment for at least an additional three months.
To learn more about this treatment please visit the National Institutes of Health clinical trials website.
At STARS, we are currently recruiting for several federally funded treatment studies for marijuana abusers. Marijuana dependence is increasingly becoming recognized as a concern for which individuals require specialized treatment. Symptoms of marijuana dependence can include an inability to stop or cut down on your own and spending a great deal of time obtaining and using marijuana. Chronic use of marijuana can negatively impact relationships, employment, health, and overall well-being. Individuals using marijuana regularly can also be struggling with other untreated difficulties, such as depression.
Finding ways to break the cycle of using marijuana can be quite challenging. At STARS we offer two treatment studies with an exclusive focus on addressing problematic marijuana use. All treatment is provided on an outpatient basis and involves a combination of individual therapy and medication. Our comprehensive services also include regular psychiatric and medical assessments. Anyone who uses marijuana and wants treatment will be considered for these research studies.
Marijuana Dependence:
This treatment study offers medication and therapy to help alleviate the symptoms of marijuana withdrawal and dependence. Individuals who use marijuana regularly, and attempt to abruptly cease use, may experience anxiety, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and appetite changes, to name a few possible symptoms of withdrawal. The medication Dronabinol may be helpful in easing the transition to a reduction in marijuana use or abstinence. For this treatment study, patients visit the STARS clinic twice a week, and receive psychotherapy to facilitate desired changes in marijuana use and prevent relapse. Patients are randomly assigned to take either Dronabinol or placebo (non active medication). Patients also meet regularly with a psychiatrist and the medical team. Treatment is three months in length, and all participants are eligible for follow-up care and referral services upon completion.
To learn more about this treatment please visit the National Institutes of Health clinical trials website.
Marijuana Dependence and Depression:
Symptoms of depression can include loss of interest in activities, feelings of hopelessness, and a prolonged sad mood. The rate of individuals using marijuana and coping with major depression was found to be 20-48% among a sample of patients in treatment. This rate is substantially higher than what is found in the general population (6-17%). Because depression and marijuana dependence can occur together, taking medication to alleviate symptoms of depression may be particularly effective. Venlafaxine-Extended-Release (Effexor), a once-a-day medication that is commonly used to treat depression, is a promising option. For this treatment study, patients visit the STARS clinic two times each week, which includes regular meetings with a therapist, psychiatrist, and the medical staff. Patients are randomly assigned to receive either Effexor or placebo (non active medication). At the conclusion of the three-month treatment, patients are informed whether they were on Effexor or placebo, and will be offered treatment for at least an additional three months.
To learn more about this treatment please visit the National Institutes of Health clinical trials website.
The Substance Treatment and Research Service of Columbia University (STARS) provides free and confidential treatment of substance abuse in the context of a research treatment clinical trial.
Cutting edge approaches to treating addiction to alcohol, cocaine, heroin, narcotic pain pills or marijuana are available in a supportive and professional environment.
Cutting edge approaches to treating addiction to alcohol, cocaine, heroin, narcotic pain pills or marijuana are available in a supportive and professional environment.
