Marijuana Quit Program

This Program involves comprehensive assessment and treatment which helps individuals to cease the use of marijuana.

The program incorporates successful psychosocial strategies within a medical model. This integrated approach not only addresses the effects of marijuana abuse but also the underlying psychological and/or physiological precursors which contribute to ongoing abuse.

The BrainWave Centre offers the Quit Program to help individuals break the negative cycle of drug dependence, by allowing them to discuss their marijuana use and to identify their personal views, thoughts, behaviours and triggers, which perpetuate this lifestyle.

The program is based on the successful treatment plan developed by Professor R.A. Roffman from the School of Social Work, at the University of Washington. It utilises cognitive behaviour therapy and motivational enhancement therapy to assist patients to take control of their lives.

The Marijuana Quit Program runs for 6-8 weeks.
It comprises of:

• An initial medical examination
• A qEEG and ERP assessment before and after the course
• 6 - 8 x one-hour consultations with a psychologist

Program Procedure

In addition to therapy, a number of neurophysiological assessments are undertaken. These are qEEG (quantitative electroencephalography) and ERP (evoked response potential) tests. These assessments provide information to the practitioner about the chemical basis of the patient's brain activity. The neurophysiological testing is a means of diagnosis which identifies any predisposing physiological causes for the addiction.

The patient undergoes a full medical examination which may include a number of medical or pathology tests, e.g. Liver Function Tests, Full Blood Count, etc. If appropriate, the doctor may also prescribe low dose medication to assist in reducing the symptoms caused by marijuana withdrawal. Naturally, new prescriptions will only be considered after thorough investigation of the current level of drug usage and any current course of medication.

The program then imparts the necessary skills to change or redirect thinking and behaviour thus enabling the patient to shift into a more positive lifestyle which is drug-reduced or drug-free.

Follow Up

Beyond the structured course above, there is an option for continued counselling with a review at the end of 3, 6 and 12 months.

Neurofeedback has also proved to be an effective treatment option for marijuana addiction. This treatment involves weekly visits in lots of ten sessions. Neurofeedback may be used as the first option for treatment or it could be considered after the main treatment program is complete.