Sesi Akoto, MD
HOW TO HELP YOUR LOVED ONE GET OFF
CANNABIS
Published by:
Sanctuary Clinics
984 Boston Highway Monticello, FL 32344
Sanctuaryclinics.com
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HOW TO HELP YOUR LOVED ONE GET OFF CANNABIS
Copyright © 2023 Sanctuary Clinics
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Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Akoto, Sesi
ISBN XXX-X-XXXXXXX-X-X (Digital/eBook)
BISAC Categories:
PSY007000 PSYCHOLOGY / Clinical Psychology
PSY036000 PSYCHOLOGY / Mental Health
PSY038000 PSYCHOLOGY / Psychopathology / Addiction
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
05
Introduction
06
The truth about Cannabis Marijuana is a placebo and not a cure
07
Marijuana use is not harmless
10
What is happening to my loved one? Understanding Cannabis use disorder and
addiction
12
What is happening to my loved on? Understanding Cannabis- induced psychosis
15
Treating cannabis use disorder
17
Treating Cannabis- induced psychosis
19
Next steps: What do I do now?
22
Conclusion
INTRODUCTION
There’s a storm brewing.
The clouds look astonishingly similar to those
which gathered back in the late 1990s, just
before the opioid epidemic dawned. Marketing
gurus and industry powerhouses came together,
writing a new narrative, promoting false claims
and reducing fears, encouraging more doctors to
prescribe and more patients to turn to this most
effective painkiller.
As a doctor, I am very concerned that we are on
the verge of a drug contagion that is going to
dwarf the opioid epidemic. As cannabis is being
medicalized, decriminalized, and legalized in
state after state; as cannabis use is increasing at
staggering rates across age demographics and
particularly among youth and young adults, the
message people are getting is that weed is safe.
How serious is this matter? Follow the money.
In 2022, legal cannabis sales passed the $30B
mark (that’s a 30% increase since 2020).
Additionally, for every $10 spent legally on
marijuana, an additional $18- $20 is injected into
the economy. Projections for 2025 are for more
than $44B in sales and more than $132B in
economic impact. This train is a run-away.
You might be tempted to think the majority of
marijuana sales are medical, but the figures
there tell a different story. In 2022, $10.7B of
legal sales were medical while $19.3B were
recreational. Projections for 2025 are for $12B in
medical and $32B recreational.
Meanwhile, hospital emergency departments
across the country are seeing exponential
increases in patients presenting with acute
cannabis-induced psychiatric symptoms.
Serving as the medical coordinator and medical
interventionist at Sanctuary Clinics and
overseeing our Cannabis Cessation Program, I
meet patients, their family members and loved
ones, all caught in marijuana’s grip, and all of
whom will tell you:
Weed can be addictive; Weed can be abused;
and Weed can cause psychiatric problems.
I suspect you are becoming aware of the truth, as
you’ve just opened this e-book entitled Helping
Your Loved One Get Off Cannabis. My heart goes
out to you, and my hope is that this resource will
provide useful information for the road ahead as
you navigate this storm with your loved one. The
very good news I can offer is that many of those
same patients, family members and loved ones
who’ve come through our program will also tell
you there is hope.
Recovery, healing, and wholeness await your
loved one.
Let’s begin by setting the record straight.
THE TRUTH ABOUT
CANNABIS
MARIJUANA IS A
PLACEBO AND NOT
A CURE
If you believe all the media buzz, it seems medical marijuana cures
just about whatever ails you. Pain reduction is one of the most
common reasons people report using cannabis, along with treating
anxiety, PTSD, epilepsy, and seizures, mitigating the side-effects
of cancer treatment and assisting people in getting off opioids. But
does marijuana actually improve these conditions?
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical
Association suggests cannabis is no better at relieving pain than a
placebo.
In the JAMA report, a meta-analysis of 20 studies including nearly
1500 individuals found a significant pain reduction in response to
placebo in cannabinoid randomized clinical trials. The research
suggests that people’s expectations of relief play a significant role
in analgesic effects associated with cannabis-based treatments.
These studies were controlled trials in which cannabis was
compared with a placebo for the treatment of chronic pain. They
included pain associated with a variety of conditions and
monitored reported changes in participants’ pain intensity before
and after treatment.
Meta-analysis concluded that pain was rated as being significantly
less intense after treatment with a placebo, with moderate to
larger effect varying person to person. The results demonstrated
no significant difference between cannabis and placebo for
reducing pain.
These results beg an even more troubling question: Does marijuana
give a false sense of well-being which causes more damage,
spiritually, psychologically and physically?
SPIRITUALLY,
PSYCHOLOGICALLY,
AND PHYSICALLY,
Cannabis today is big pharma,
with plants being genetically
bred to alter naturally
occurring levels of THC
(tetrahydrocannabinol) to CBD
(cannabidiol), then extracting
and processing these altered
cannabinoid ratios into oils,
tinctures and edibles of such
high potency levels and
concentrations, that their
effects on the brain—
particularly the developing
brains of young people—are
devastating. How devastating
is just now coming into view.
The negative impact of
cannabis today on people,
spiritually, psychologically, and
physically, cannot be
overstated.
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At Sanctuary Clinics, we’re noting the significant upturn in
Emergency Room data linking cannabis use and psychosis across
America. To what can you attribute this crisis? Today’s cannabis is
not the weed smoked back in the 70s and 80s.
MARIJUNA USE IS
NOT HARMLESS
You’re not hearing this on
television. You’re not hearing
this from celebrities. You’re not
hearing this on the streets. But
listen to the studies. Listen to
the doctors—like me—who are
treating a growing number of
patients
struggling
with
cannabis use disorder, or E.R.
docs who are treating an
exponentially growing number
of marijuana-induced psychosis
cases in our emergency rooms.
Listen to the testimonies of
people whose lives have nearly
been shipwrecked for getting
high. They’ll tell you the truth:
Marijuana use is not harmless!
Apart from inducing psychosis,
the chronic use of today’s
marijuana
increases
the
severity of other mental
illnesses including depression,
anxiety disorders, and suicide.
Sanctuary Clinic’s Cannabis
Cessation Treatment Program is
one of the first programs in the
nation to offer this inpatient
treatment for all the patients
that suffer from cannabisinduced psychosis, along with
comorbidities(cannabis use and
some more other mental health
conditions),
and
cannabiswithdrawal syndrome. Our beds
are running full. This is a
significant problem.
Media coverage and what
people read on the internet is
misleading. Marijuana is not
harmless. People can and do
become
addicted.
Chronic
cannabis users can and often
do
experience
withdrawal
complications that require
medical intervention.
Stephan* is one such example.
He had isolated himself from
everyone, preferring being
alone to dealing with people,
retreating from family and
friends. “He dropped out of life,”
is how his parents described it.
What they’d witnessed in their
son is related to amotivational
syndrome, a gradual shift
MARIJUANA CAN BE
ADDICTIVE
to indifference and apathy—
inward-turning, goals remain
unmet, no new goals are set,
everyday
tasks
are
left
unfinished, and responsibilities
are neglected. It was a familyintervention that ultimately
helped Stephan* decide to seek
help.
“I discovered I was a marijuana
addict. I figured this out when I
realized smoking pot had
become the most important
thing in my life, more important
than anybody or anything.
Getting high helped me not to
feel the pain, not to care. Weed
would drive all these stresses
away. But they’d come back
when the high wore off … so I’d
have to get high again … and
again. I couldn’t stop.”
MARIJUANA CAN BE
ADDICTIVE
Some cannabis users, like
Stephan*, develop a cannabis
dependence. Clinically, this is
known as cannabis use disorder
(CUD).
According
to
the
Diagnostic
and
Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders,
Fifth Edition (DSM-5), cannabis
use disorder is characterized by
“a problematic pattern of
cannabis
use
leading
to
clinically significant impairment
or distress.” Research suggests
some 3 in 10 people who use
cannabis develop an addiction.
WHAT DOES THIS
IMPAIRMENT OR
DISTRESS LOOK
LIKE?
The DSM-5 says that for
someone to be diagnosed with
cannabis use disorder, they
must experience at least two of
the following symptoms within
a year’s time:
Marijuana use in a larger
amount or over a longer
time which is longer than
originally intended
Repeated and unsuccessful
attempts to stop or lessen
the amount of cannabis
used
A significant amount of
time spent trying to get,
use, and/or recover from
marijuana
WHAT ABOUT OUR
KIDS?
Having intense cravings for
cannabis
Recurrent marijuana use
resulting in failure to fulfill
work responsibilities at
work, school, or home
Continued cannabis use
despite knowing about all
its negative consequences
(such as being left by a
partner or friends, poor job
performance, and/or even
criminal charges)
Important and
activities
(personal or professional)
are reduced or given up
because of marijuana use.
Marijuana use in dangerous
situations, such as while
driving a car
Continued use of it despite
evident physical and/or
psychological problems it
has caused
Tolerance, in which the
cannabis effect diminishes
with continued use and/or
the individual needs to use
larger and greater amounts
of marijuana to achieve the
desired effect
The severity of cannabis use
disorder is determined by the
number of symptoms one
displays and divided into three
categories: Mild (displaying 2-3
of these symptoms), Moderate
(4-5 symptoms), and Severe (6
or more).
It isn’t always so easy to
determine where your loved
one falls on the scale. It might
just look like the stereotype: a
young adult content to be living
in their parents’ basement,
playing video games, smoking
weed and eating Doritos.
It is also vitally important to
understand that even nondisordered use of this cannabis
(being defined as having used
cannabis in the past twelve
months without meeting the
DSM5’s criteria for a CUD),
especially among youth and
young adults has also been
increasingly associated with
adverse psychosocial events. In
fact, a 2023 study published in
the Journal of the American
Medical Association, suggests
NDCU and CUD subjects were
both significantly associated
with these adverse psychosocial
events in a stepwise gradient
manner.
WHAT ABOUT OUR
KIDS?
Adolescence is a critical phase
for brain development. This is
alarming as cannabis use has
become increasingly popular
among young people in recent
years.
With
the
growing
acceptance and legalization of
cannabis in various parts of the
world, concerns regarding its
potential negative effects have
also risen. Cannabis has been
linked
to
cognitive
and
executive functioning deficits.
Many adverse mental health
conditions like depression and
suicidal ideation have also
often been associated with
adolescent cannabis use. Some
Psycho-social
signs
like
isolation and neglecting ones
responsibilities and relations,
declining academic performance
and extra-curricular interests,
having social anxiety and/or
delinquent
behavior
should
prompt concern in parents and
loved ones.
Speaking of such psycho-social
signs, the adult loved one
content living in your basement,
playing video games, smoking
weed and eating Doritos ought
to concern you.
WHAT IS HAPPENING TO
MY LOVED ONE?
UNDERSTANDING
CANNABIS USE DISORDER
& ADDICTION
3.Circumstantial: Use for a specific purpose
(sleep, concentration, to stay awake,
escape, get high, relieve anxiety, improve
mood, hallucinate, relieve boredom, fit in to
Rarely does someone claim to be addicted
peer group, avoid stress, lower inhibitions
to a substance upon their first exposure.
to talk to opposite sex or have sex, etc.).
Addictions typically develop over time and
This is when the danger really escalates as
usually progress through five stages—
users feel they get some benefit from the
cannabis use disorder and dependance fit
substance, so they gravitate towards it
this description. This is how the progression
hoping to get some relief, even though they
plays out:
recognize some consequences or
downsides are probable.
1. Experimental: Experimenting with a
substance for the first several times, not
4.Intensified: Even though consequences
knowing what will happen.
and adverse impact are evident, the use
increases in quantity, frequency and
2.Recreational: Recreational use while with
intensity and starts to push out or interfere
friends with no real purpose other than it
with other healthier life activities.
being a tangential aspect of the
recreational activity; there is no powerful
5.Compulsive: The individual feels
intention to use as use will occur if the
compelled to use and feels no power to
substance is available and if others are
stop on their own even though they might
also using it around you
want to stop using it.
THERE ARE SIGNS TO
LOOK FOR.
Rarely is someone caught up in
stages 1 or 2. Usually, by the
time that your loved one’s
substance use reveals some
negative consequences they’ve
entered stages 3, 4 and 5.
Remember that when people
become substance dependent
they
can
become
very
manipulative, secretive and
deceptive, hoping to convince
you they’re only in stages 1 and
2, and not to worry.
Unfortunately, there’s no blood
test or x-ray that can tell you
how far into these stages your
loved one has progressed
and/or how serious their issue
is. There are signs to look for.
THE MEDICAL AND
PSYCHIATRIC DEFINITION
The medical and psychiatric definition of
substance dependence/addiction from the
Behavioral Medicine Diagnosis Manual (DSM -5)
reads:
A problematic pattern of substance use leading
to clinically significant impairment or distress as
manifested by at least two of the following 11
criteria within a 12- month period:
1.Using larger amounts or over a longer time than
was intended.
2.Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut
down or control the use.
3.Significant time is spent thinking about,
obtaining, using or then recovering from the
substance.
4.Craving or a strong desire to use.
5.Recurrent use resulting in failure to fulfill major
obligations at work, school or home.
6.Continued use despite having persistent or
recurrent social or interpersonal problems as a
result of the use.
7.Important social, occupational, recreational or
spiritual activities are reduced because of use.
8.Recurrent use even when it is physically
hazardous for accidents or health concerns
9.Use continues despite knowing a persistent or
recurring physical or psychological problem is
caused by or worsened by the use.
10.Tolerance, over time, needing more to get the
same high.
11.Withdrawal, having uncomfortable physical or
psychological effects when the use is stopped or
decreased.
Using the DSM list above, add one point for each
of the criteria. 0-1 points = no substance issue; 23 = mild issue; 4-5 = moderate issue’ 6 or more =
severe issue.
WHAT IS HAPPENING
TO MY LOVED ONE?
UNDERSTANDING
CANNABIS-INDUCED
PSYCHOSIS
Cannabis-induced psychosis refers to the development of psychotic
symptoms, such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, as
a direct result of cannabis use. Psychosis is a severe mental disorder
characterized by a loss of touch with reality. While not everyone who uses
cannabis will experience psychosis, certain people, especially those who
are susceptible, may be at higher risk.
CANNABIS PSYCHOSIS RISK
FACTORS
Several risk factors contribute to a
person's vulnerability to cannabisinduced psychosis. These include
personal or family history of mental
health disorders, early initiation and/or
heavy and prolonged cannabis use, use
of high-potency cannabis products, and
genetic predisposition. Additionally,
factors such as social isolation, stress,
and trauma can further increase the
risk of developing cannabis-induced
psychosis.
The prevalence of cannabis-induced
psychosis has become a significant
concern as cannabis use continues to
rise, particularly among younger
people. According to recent studies,
the risk of developing psychosis
increases with early and frequent
cannabis use. Research has shown
people who begin using cannabis
heavily in their teenage years have a
greater likelihood of experiencing
psychosis later in life.
The legalization of cannabis has also raised
concerns about its impact on mental health. While
cannabis may have potential therapeutic benefits,
the increased availability and acceptance of the
drug may lead to higher consumption rates,
putting more people at risk for developing
cannabis-induced psychosis.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF
CANNABIS-INDUCED
PSYCHOSIS?
SYMPTOMS OF CANNABIS-INDUCED PSYCHOSIS ARE MARKED BY
A LOSS OF TOUCH WITH REALITY. THESE INCLUDE:
Hallucinations. One may experience feelings, hear sounds, see images and other sensations that are
not real. However, the individual experiencing these sensations may insist that they are real. For
instance, someone may hear voices talking to them or see wild animals in their room or feel creatures
that are unseen by others walk-in on their skin.
Delusions. This is a false belief that someone has in spite of evidence to the contrary. For example, a
person may believe he is the president of a nation when in reality he is not, nor has he never been.
Paranoia and suspicion of people. The person may be wary of even people who intend no harm and in
constant fear that they are unsafe.
Disorganized thoughts and speech. Others may not understand what they are saying.
Increasingly hostile and overly aggressive.
Unusual behaviors or movements. For instance, they may be seen pacing around or lying down on the
floor or banging tables.
Depersonalization. The individual may report the feeling of being detached from their own body.
Dissociation. The individual may also report that he or she is experiencing the feeling of being
detached from his surroundings, or like people around them are not real.
MULTIPLE STUDIES
HAVE DEMONSTRATED
AN ASSOCIATION
BETWEEN CANNABIS
USE AND PSYCHOSIS,
PROVIDING
SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE
OF A CAUSAL
RELATIONSHIP.
One of the key findings is cannabis use,
particularly high-potency strains, increases
the risk of psychosis even after accounting for
other factors such as genetic predisposition
and the use of other substances.
While the links between cannabis and
psychosis are complex and are not yet fully
understood, it is also believed that the
psychoactive compound in cannabis, delta-9tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), plays a
significant role. Δ9-THC can disrupt the
normal
functioning
of
the
brain's
endocannabinoid system, which regulates
various physiological processes, including
mood, cognitive ability, and perception.
A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry
Journal in 2019 analyzed data from over 900
people and found daily cannabis use was
associated with a five-fold increase in the risk
of developing psychosis compared to nonusers. Furthermore, the risk was found to be
dose-dependent, meaning heavier cannabis
use correlated with a higher risk of psychosis.
Another study published in the British Journal
of Psychiatry demonstrated people who used
high-potency cannabis on a regular basis had
a greater likelihood of experiencing psychosis
compared to those who used less potent
varieties. The study concludes:
“The finding that people with a first episode of
psychosis
had
smoked
higher-potency
cannabis, for longer and with greater frequency,
than a healthy control group is consistent with
the hypothesis that Δ9-THC is the active
ingredient increasing risk of psychosis. This has
important public health implications, given the
increased availability and use of high-potency
cannabis.”
ADVERSE
MENTAL
EFFECTS
There is good evidence that taking cannabis
leads to acute adverse mental effects in a high
proportion of regular users.
The Lancet Psychiatry study referenced
above found high-cannabis-potency products
are associated with a greater risk of both
addiction or called cannabis use disorder
(CUD), and cannabis-induced psychosis. What
does this mean? Let me break it down for you.
This isn’t the weed of the 1970s! Or the 80s,
90s or early 2000s, for that matter. THIS IS A
NEW AND REAL THREAT! We are just now
starting to realize the impact … and all signs
are pointing to a marijuana catastrophe in
America which will dwarf the heroin epidemic.
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the chemical
that is responsible for most of marijuana’s
psychological effects. Cannabis products with
THC levels of 10% or greater are considered
high potency. The pot being smoked when we
were kids had THC levels of 2-3%. The average
THC content of marijuana today is 14-16%.
Many cannabis strains or varieties today rise
to 30%. And it doesn’t stop there. The
marijuana industry has found ways to
maximize THC levels in vaping formulas,
edibles and waxes, some containing 100%
THC.
The old narrative was “Just Say No!” But with
THC levels like this, it’s not that simple. Kids
aren’t just getting high; they’re destroying
their lives. There is a tsunami of substanceinduced psychosis in youth and young adults
hitting our emergency rooms today.
TREATING CANNABIS
USE DISORDER
Treating Cannabis Use Disorder begins with a proper diagnosis. To arrive
at a diagnosis, a mental health or substance use professional will perform
an evaluation—considering the criteria we’ve discussed in previous
sections—and inquiring into past and present cannabis use, frequency and
type; family history of addiction; willingness and desire to change; and any
co-occurring mental health concerns.
Their evaluation may include other sources of information, such as blood or
urine drug testing, a physical exam, screening tools, and information from
other family members and friends.
Once the evaluation is complete, a professional will be able to determine if
the criteria for a cannabis use disorder is met. Once they’ve arrived at a
proper diagnosis, they’ll be able to provide treatment recommendations.
TREATMENTS FOR CANNABIS USE DISORDER
Typical treatment regimens for cannabis use disorder include behavioral therapy and medication to
help people quit using cannabis and reduce the life problems associated with it. However, recognizing
that cannabis use disorder—like any and every other addiction—doesn’t occur in a vacuum, the most
effective treatment programs go beyond treating the substance use itself to its roots.
BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
Behavioral therapy helps people address and
change the negative thoughts that contribute
to their substance use. In one-on-one and
group sessions, this form of therapy can bring
clarity and motivation for better change and
recovery.
ONGOING RESEARCH INTO
CANNABIS USE DISORDER
is looking into other medications also,
interventions, and supplements to effectively
treat CUD. Some of these include:
•Mindfulness
•Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy
•Medications that target the endocannabinoid
system
•Exercise
MEDICATIONS
While there are no FDA-approved medications
to specifically treat CUD, medications may be
prescribed to treat certain cannabis use
related and/or withdrawal symptoms, such as
sleeping problems. Like all prescribed
medications, these should be taken just as
directed and closely monitored to ensure their
effectiveness.
Because so many factors contribute to the
development of a cannabis use disorder and
can trigger relapse, the very best treatment
strategies are developed between mental
health or addiction professionals after
careful evaluation and with the input of their
patients to meet the very specific needs of
each individual, giving them the best chance
at success in recovery.
TREATING CANNABIS-INDUCED
PSYCHOSIS
A Cannabis-Induced Psychosis Treatment
Program
The elements of a successful cannabis-induced
psychosis treatment program typically include:
Cannabis-Induced Psychosis Treatment treats
psychosis which is the result of heavy cannabis
use. As considered in a previous section,
cannabis withdrawal and cannabis-induced
psychosis
symptoms
may
also
include
hallucinations, such as seeing or hearing things
which are not present, delusions or false beliefs,
disorganized thinking and speech, impaired
concentration, and emotional disturbances.
These symptoms can become quite acute and
even dangerous, they are best addressed with
the help of experienced professionals.
A treatment center specializing in cannabisinduced psychosis offers several benefits to
people experiencing this condition. First,
treatment programs offer a supportive and
controlled environment in which patients can
receive specialized care for their needs. Second,
treatment offers patients access to a range of
therapies which include individual and group
therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and other
treatment modalities specifically addressing the
needs of cannabis induced psychosis sufferers.
•Therapy for Psychosis – Various therapeutic
methods such as cognitive-behavioral treatment
for psychosis (CBTp) help patients manage their
symptoms to the degree they are able to develop
strategies to regain control of their lives and
promote recovery.
•Medications – Medications may be prescribed to
help manage symptoms and support recovery.
Antipsychotic medications, for instance, may be
prescribed to reduce hallucinations, delusions,
and disorganized thinking. Such medications
need to be prescribed and closely monitored by
medical and mental health professionals.
•Mental Health Treatment(s) – Cannabisinduced psychosis often occurs alongside other
mental health conditions like anxiety or
depression, and/or other substance use
disorders. Properly recognizing and treating
these co-existing conditions is very important in
the
overall
cannabis-induced
psychosis
treatment plan.
MEDICATION,
SOCIALIZATION,
AND
SPIRITUALIZATION
At Sanctuary Clinics, we’ve outlined a three-prong approach of medication,
socialization, and spiritualization which encompasses all the elements above,
offering our patients the very best, proper and balanced path forward to healing
and recovery.
MEDICATION
includes everything from the initial intake evaluations and
stabilization, through diagnosis and pharmacological
evaluation, and the prescription and monitoring of
medications as warranted.
SOCIALIZATION
involves various therapeutic methods applied in both oneon-one and group settings. Socialization is a key
component in the overall treatment and recovery plan
where psychosis is concerned, as social isolation, social
defeat, disrupted relationships, and cultural maladjustment
are its common byproducts. Many first recognize these
signs in their loved ones, signaling something is wrong.
SPIRITUALIZATION
is a crucial element in healing and recovery overlooked (or
understated) in most treatment programs. Successful
twelve-step substance-use and addiction programs have
referred to the importance of calling on ‘a higher power’ in
recovery. At Sanctuary Clinics, we know that Higher Power
to be the Lord, God Almighty. As complex beings created
with mind, body and spirit, we recognize the importance of
treating the whole person. Helping patients discover or rediscover faith and encounter The Great Physician on their
pathway to healing and wholeness has proven most
successful.
A TRUE CHRISTIAN
COMMUNITY
Sanctuary Clinics offer our patients the perfect
environment in which to find hope, healing and
recovery. A true sanctuary, many of our licensed
and experienced doctors, therapists and clinicians
overseeing the medical, therapeutic and social
integration aspects of the program, live on campus
with our patients—a true Christian community;
professionals, patients, and peers, all traveling the
same path towards wholeness.
NEXT
STEPS:
WHAT DO I
DO NOW?
Step One: Take care of yourself
Just like when the flight attendant instructs
us to put on our own oxygen mask first
before assisting others with their masks,
we need to really hear this important
principle. It is very important for you to take
Now that you know what you’re dealing
care of yourself so you can be as healthy,
with—your loved one has a problem with
strong and clear-thinking as possible,
cannabis use or even a full-blown addiction
allowing you to best help your loved one.
—it’s time to come up with a plan to help in
Taking care of yourself involves several
the best way possible for all involved. Here
areas of your life:
is a list of important steps. Unfortunately,
there isn’t a one-size-fits-all check list
Spiritually – Connect with God regularly
where
and intentionally. You need His peace,
you
can
move
through
steps
sequentially, checking one box and then
power, wisdom, and guidance during this
moving to the next. These are all items you
time of testing and refinement. Take time
need to keep after; the more you practice,
to pray AND listen. Know that God is in
the better you will become at them, and the
charge, loves your loved one and will
more helpful you will be to your loved one
provide opportunities for him or her to
and all affected by his or her struggles.
overcome this addiction and struggle
HEALTHY, STRONG
AND CLEAR-THINKING
Physically – In order for you to
be as sharp as possible, you
need proper rest, nutrients, and
exercise. Make sure you’re
getting 8 hours of sleep,
maintaining a healthy diet of
nutritious foods, avoid latenight eating. Get active, even if
it just a daily brisk walk, which
relieves
stress,
improves
circulation, and helps both
oxygen and nutrients get to
your brain. Avoid alcohol.
Psychologically
–
It
is
important for you to think
clearly and control your
emotions in helping your loved
one. Find and rely on trusted
support people in your life.
Confide in them. Don’t cut out
your hobbies and ‘sanity
breaks’—you
need
some
enjoyment, escape and stress
relief, too.
Relationally – You can’t handle
this alone. God built us for
relationship and gives us
opportunity for a community of
support,
encouragement,
guidance, and a shoulder to cry
on. Rely on your spouse, your
family, friends, your church
family, and community support
groups.
Professionally – The help of a
psychiatrist or therapist or
coach can be a great resource
to help you and/or your family
navigate something few have
the expertise to attempt on
their own. Professionals can
help you if you’re having
trouble functioning, managing
your emotions or thinking
clearly. They can help guide
you and your family in
communicating.
They
can
provide input and counsel for
the road you’re traveling.
We don’t allow judges to
preside over cases involving
their family members or
relatives to sit on their juries for
this reason—emotions can
color our judgment. Emotions
can also color our perception;
you’ve perhaps heard the
expressions “red with anger” or
“green with envy” or that “love
is blind.” Seeing things clearly
is essential in good decision
making.
Step Three: Talk with a trusted
advisor
Step Two: Manage your
emotions and don’t let them
manage you
Negative emotions are a great
gift from God as a warning
system that something isn’t
right. If you’re walking in the
woods and you see a bear, you
should feel afraid. That’s your
warning system telling you
danger is lurking.
Our emotions get us into
trouble, however, when we let
them become the decisionmaker. Ideally, we use facts
and information to make
decisions.
Find someone who has some
expertise in dealing with
substance use disorder and
addiction.
You
will
need
guidance to see the big picture
and to take the appropriate
small steps in the right
direction
to
help.
Your
struggling loved one will try to
take the wheel and guide the
process—a plan that hasn’t
worked thus far and won’t work
going forward. You will need
help to chart a new course.
THE RUBBER
MEETS
THE ROAD
Step Four: Talk to your loved one
This is where the rubber meets the road. This will obviously be a difficult
conversation, but here are some key tips to keep in mind:
You won’t solve everything in one conversation. It takes a series of
conversations over a period of time to get where you need to go so don’t get
impatient and expect immediate contrition and healing.
You will need to maintain the emotional control mentioned earlier. Keep your
volume and intensity level down, so you can think and communicate clearly, in a
loving and non-threatening way.
Set aside time for these discussions free from distraction. Make plans to
ensure privacy, and uninterrupted time; make arrangements for childcare and
etc. These conversations require your full attention, listening to hear what is
said, and responding carefully and clearly.
listen well. Don’t be thinking about what you will say while your loved one is
talking. Take it all in. To make sure you’ve heard them, you might reflect back to
them what you’ve heard, i.e., “Just so we’re on the same page, I heard you say …”
Speak clearly, calmly, and relatively slowly so both you and the listener can
process what you are saying.
Above all else, maintain relationships. You may be tempted to throw them out,
cut them off, etc. You don’t want to close relational doors; wherever possible,
you want to keep them open. Let them know that you are always keeping the
relational door open, even if you have to close the actual door of the home to
them. Let them know you love them and reassure them the decisions you are
making are because you love them.
Don’t expect perfection, but do expect sincere effort, intentionality, humility,
and a willingness to take responsibility.
STEP FIVE: FIND THE RIGHT TREATMENT SITUATION
It is better to error on the side of safety,
Has a psychiatric illness, such as
choosing
depression, PTSD, anxiety disorder,
over-treatment
to
the
life-
threatening risk of under-treatment. If your
ADHD or psychoses, or medical illness
loved one has any of the issues listed
including seizures, diabetes, or heart or
below, a residential treatment program is
asthma issues that will get worse with
the proper choice:
substance use or body neglect.
Unable to stop using the substance on
his or her own.
Only able to stop when under constant
supervision.
Has very strong cravings for the
substance when not using.
At risk of having withdrawal symptoms;
these are very uncomfortable, and the
use will resurface in an attempt to get
rid of the painful psychological and
physical withdrawal.
Engaged in risky or dangerous behavior
to get the substance or when using;
these behaviors must stop so they don’t
risk injury to themselves or others.
Unable to function at school or work
because of their addiction.
Unreliable, impulsive, and/or
aggressive.
If your loved one doesn’t meet the above
criteria, then outpatient therapy with a
seasoned
licensed
therapist
who
has
experience with addictions might be the
right option. Remember, both your loved
one and the therapist need to address the
underlying issues as well as the actual
addiction behaviors.
In some cases, family therapy may be
important for family healing and to restructure existing household rules and
communication
patterns
within
the
house/family for everyone’s safety moving
forward.
A NOTE
CONCERNING
INSURANCE
COVERAGE
Insurance coverage is a tricky arena to navigate. Insurance companies
make money by trying to get patients to choose the least intensive and
least expensive option. Even professional therapists, doctors and pastors
have difficulty navigating the complex healthcare system to understand
what kind of facility is the best fit and how to manage treatment with the
least out-of-pocket expense.
CONCLUSION
At Sanctuary Clinics, our hearts go out to you
and your family.
Having a loved one with a substance use disorder
or addiction might be one of the most difficult
situations anyone ever has to deal with in this
life. The helplessness you feel can be
overwhelming especially if you are trying to
understand and manage it on your own.
Please reach out to God, grow your relationship
with Him, then start to understand how He will
work in this situation to impact your loved one,
you, and the people you touch. We can’t predict
the future, so don’t try. Just try to manage the
present and only the elements you can control.
Know that you are not alone. God is with you, and
many others have traveled this difficult path.
Equipping yourself and making good use of the
resources and knowledge gained by others will
comfort, encourage, and bring hope, then equip
and provide strategy for you to do your best in
the areas where you have some control and
accept the areas where you have none.
Over my career, I have seen many miracles in the
most desperate and seemingly hopeless
situations. I am not going to lie; I have also seen
many tragic outcomes as well. The most
important piece of advice I can offer is for you to
rest on this truth: “You (God) will keep in perfect
peace, those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in You.” Isaiah 26:3
This one simple truth has changed my life. It will
also change yours.
HONEY LAKE CLINIC