Indications of Symptoms of Substance Abuse

Some patients, regardless of medication, may experience issues of abuse or addiction. The following indicators could be signs of an issue.   Tolerance: Prolonged or excessive use will result in a need to use a larger dose to produce the same effect.   Dependency: Escalating symptoms resulting from a reduction in the amount of drug normally consumed by a person experiencing tolerance to a drug.   Withdraw: When a dependent patient discontinues all use of the drug, more severe symptoms will occur.   Patients using medical marijuana may begin to feel experience feelings of dependence or addiction to this form of treatment. If you begin to feel that you are experiencing a problem with your treatment we recommend that you administer yourself the following questions and adhere to a policy of absolute honesty:

1. Are you using marijuana more than your physician has recommended or for reasons other than your approved course of treatment?
2. Have you reduced your activities due to your use of medical marijuana, or replaced activities specifically to use marijuana?
3. Are you continuing to use marijuana to escape from problems?
4. Do you depend on marijuana to increase your creativity or to relax and enjoy yourself?
5. Do you continue to use the product despite the adverse effects it is causing to your life?
6. Do you choose relationship or activities based on a need for them to include the use of marijuana?

If you can answer yes to one or more of these questions you may have a dependence or addiction to marijuana. If you are worried about substance abuse issues please contact your physician immediately or speak to a licensed substance abuse counselor or program. Although Patriot Care does not endorse, and is not affiliated with, any of the following resources we provide this list as a starting point for patients in need.  

Local Substance Abuse Programs

  (SAMHSA) The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Substance Abuse and Mental Health Hotline 800-662-HELP (4357)   Lowell Community Health Center Counseling, medication and substance abuse treatment 161 Jackson Street | Lowell, MA 01852 | 978-397-9700   South Bay Mental Health Center Provides individual, couples, family and group therapy 77 East Merrimack Street | Lowell, MA 01852 | 978-453-6800   CAB Health & Recovery Services, Inc. Residential treatment home for women and children P.O. Box 477 | Tewksbury, MA 01876 | 978-851-0969   HKD Treatment Options Substance abuse program 99 Market Street | Lowell, MA 01852 | 978-710-9877   (Unity Hope Alliance) American Caring Services Inc Home Care Assistance 199 Revere Street | Revere, MA 02151 | 781-286-6916   All medical marijuana is to be used only by the patient that the individual product was dispensed for. Do not share any of these prod- ucts and ensure that all marijuana products are kept away from children and stored in the child proof containers that the product was dispensed in. If you believe that a child, or someone not individually recommended marijuana or marijuana infused product, has consumed or is experiencing conditions similar to an overdose please contact a poison control center at (800)-222-1222.

Click here for more information on medical marijuana.