Synthetic Marijuana Addiction Treatment Clinic

Learn more about synthetic marijuana addiction treatment at San Juan Capestrano Hospital in Puerto Rico

Synthetic marijuana is a highly dangerous substance that is comprised of manmade chemicals that are designed to mimic the active ingredient in traditional marijuana. Despite historically being marketed as a “safe” alternative to illicit drugs, synthetic marijuana has rapidly become recognized as an extremely dangerous substance. Using synthetic marijuana can render an individual susceptible to countless health risks and, sadly, a single use has been known to result in death. While the ramifications of this substance can be devastating, there is help available to put an end to the dangerous cycle of abuse. The staff at San Juan Capestrano is trained in the implementation of specialized programming that is designed to meet the needs of those who have developed an addiction to synthetic marijuana. Remaining cognizant of the difficulty that can ensue when individuals are trying to overcome a chemical dependency problem, care at San Juan Capestrano Hospital is provided in a safe, comfortable environment, fully conducive to healing and recovery.

San Juan Capestrano Hospital is a 172-bed, short-stay private psychiatric hospital located in Metropolitan San Juan, Puerto Rico. Since opening in 1988, we have prided ourselves on being a leader in offering superior treatment for individuals who are suffering from any number of behavioral and emotional concerns, as well as those who are plagued by chemical dependency issues. By offering programming options for adolescents, adults, and senior adults, San Juan Capestrano Hospital is able to afford immediate, acute care that is individualized to meet the unique needs of each patient with whom we work. Our staff consists of numerous mental health professionals, as well as addiction specialists and experienced medical personnel, who are able to facilitate services that emphasize the strengths that our patients possess, while understanding the sensitivity of the concerns that they face. We are proud of our ability to provide the highest quality of individualized care for those struggling with an addiction to synthetic marijuana available in Puerto Rico through innovative and distinctive treatment options that are based on integrity, respect, and compassionate care. We remain steadfast in our commitment to afford our patients with a safe and nurturing environment that will promote recovery and allow each individual to return to his or her respective community with an overall improved sense of emotional and physical wellbeing.

If you or a loved one is struggling with the debilitating symptoms that accompany a substance abuse problem, such as those that arise from the use and abuse of synthetic marijuana, look no further than San Juan Capestrano Hospital.

Helping a loved one get treatment for synthetic marijuana addiction

If you have a family member or loved one who is using synthetic marijuana, you are likely feeling extremely concerned about the impact that it is having on his or her life. This substance can elicit altered states of perception, psychosis, and severe health complications, amongst countless other negative ramifications. Once individuals have started using synthetic marijuana, they may find it difficult to put an end to their use. This is why it is imperative that, if you have a loved one who is using this potent drug, you step in and get him or her the help that he or she needs. However, confronting your loved one about the need for treatment can be intimidating. Here are some tips to keep in mind when approaching your loved one:

• Educate yourself on synthetic marijuana. By doing so, you will be able to better recognize the warning signs that your loved one may be using it, as well as gauge the severity of his or her use.
• Present your loved one with your concerns and provide specific examples of things have caused you concern.
• Anticipate denial, anger, and defensiveness. Your loved one will likely not immediately admit to using the drug, but try to remain patient and refrain from mirroring the anger that is directed at you.
• Take your loved one to get a thorough physical examination by a medical professional in order to determine if the drug has already caused damage to his or her physical health.
• Research treatment options for addiction and present your findings to your loved one.
• Remain unconditionally supportive throughout the treatment process, keeping in mind that recovery does not happen overnight and the road to sobriety can be a long and bumpy one.

Why consider treatment for synthetic marijuana addiction at San Juan Capestrano Hospital in Puerto Rico

The devastating consequences that can result from the use of synthetic marijuana can appear suddenly and without warning. Not only does this substance wreak havoc on a person’s physical health, but it can cause rapid deterioration on one’s mental and emotional health as well. Receiving treatment is imperative in order to prevent various detrimental effects and potentially even prevent death.

Inpatient treatment programs can be the most optimal means of receiving treatment for synthetic marijuana use, abuse, and addiction. By entering into an inpatient program, individuals are removing themselves from the stresses and triggers of everyday life that may have initiated and may be exacerbating their need to use. In this setting, individuals are only responsible for overcoming their desire to use synthetic marijuana and become well again. Through the implementation of various therapeutic techniques and the support of addiction specialists and mental health professionals, as well as peers who are facing similar challenges, this treacherous and devastating habit can be battled, overcome, and individuals can begin walking down the path to full recovery and a life of sobriety.

Types of synthetic marijuana addiction treatment offered at San Juan Capestrano Hospital in Puerto Rico

At San Juan Capestrano Hospital, we wholeheartedly believe in the notion that each patient should have individualized treatment that meets his or her every need. For this reason, we afford each patient who comes to us struggling with the devastation that is an addiction to synthetic marijuana with individually tailored plans for treatment that are distinct to the adolescents, adults, and senior adults who come to us for care. These plans detail the specific courses of treatment that patients will engage in and include aftercare recommendations that are devised by our staff so that every patient experiences a full continuum of care. The planning of treatment begins during the time of assessment and can be altered should additional concerns arise during the course of treatment at our hospital.

In order to meet the varying needs of people plagued by an addiction to synthetic marijuana, as well as a possible co-occurring mental illness, San Juan Capestrano Hospital is pleased to provide various levels of care and specialized programming options. Our hospital features separate adult and adolescent inpatient programs that treat a myriad of mental health conditions and substance abuse concerns. The level of care most appropriate for a patient is decided upon during the initial psychiatric evaluation, wherein a patient’s needs are assessed, a physical examination is conducted, and a mental status assessment is administered in order to determine which program will produce the most favorable treatment outcomes for any given patient.

Once admitted to one of our programs, patients struggling with chemical dependency have the ability to partake in a number of therapeutic interventions and treatment modalities. These methods are rooted in evidence-based principles and techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and the 12-step model for recovery. The following methods for care are the ones primarily used at San Juan Capestrano Hospital and are implemented so that patients can find relief from the concerns that arise as a result of synthetic marijuana use and addiction:

Addiction & Substance Abuse: These services are monitored by medical professionals who have experience in making the process of withdrawal as comfortable as can be so that patients can partake in therapeutic interventions with addiction specialists who can help springboard them towards lasting healing and a full recovery from addiction.

Medication management: If a co-occurring mental health condition is present in addition to one’s dependency on synthetic marijuana, the use of psychotropic medications may be implemented in order to successfully treat symptomatic concerns. On a case-by-case basis, our qualified psychiatrists will determine each patient’s individual needs for medication, prescribe the appropriate medications, and will then monitor the therapeutic effectiveness of those medications.

Individual therapy: All patients who take part in our inpatient programming for synthetic marijuana addiction and addiction engage in individual therapy sessions four times per week. Individual therapy is a treatment method that is designed to provide patients with an opportunity to process thoughts and emotions on a one-to-one basis with a member of our staff. This can also be a time for individuals to discuss any concerns that they may have, develop skills to help prevent future relapse, and track treatment goals.

Group therapy: San Juan Capestrano Hospital offers a number of group therapy opportunities for patients struggling with a dependency on drugs, including synthetic marijuana, which offers them the opportunity to find support in one another and hone skills that have been learned. Such sessions can be especially beneficial for individuals who are struggling with the distressing consequences of chemical dependency as they can provide them with the sense of comfort that comes with knowing that they are not alone in their struggles. Some of the topics covered in these groups include techniques for managing stress, improving communication, learning and adapting healthy coping methods, bettering self-esteem, dealing with grief and loss, persevering through trauma, recognizing triggers, and preventing relapse. These groups are offered several times per week to maximize the benefits of treatment offered in a group setting.    

Family therapy: Family therapy is offered as a method of treatment during inpatient programming so that our patients can receive ample support from the people who care for them most. During family therapy sessions, patients and their loved ones can work through conflicts and improve communication so as to heal and better familial relationships through the implementation of skills that can service a family unit well for a lifetime. For the family members of patients who are battling an addiction to synthetic marijuana, these sessions can also serve as a time for gaining education about the disease of addiction, while also learning ways in which they can best help and support their loved one.

We also include a number of other therapeutic interventions as a way to wholly treat the individuals who come to our hospital for care. Especially for those who are plagued by substance abuse and addiction and require additional support and/or resources, we supply the following interventions and group topics as part of our treatment; these interventions have proven effectiveness in helping our patients learn to manage stress and turmoil while gaining the tools needed to successfully manage the debilitating symptoms of their mental health condition while also addressing other concerns:   

• Substance abuse education
• Psychoeducation
• Anger management
• Crisis management
• Medical issues management
• Relaxation techniques
• Occupational therapy
• Recreational therapy

Continuing care and levels of treatment for synthetic marijuana addiction

At San Juan Capestrano Hospital, we strive to provide the most comprehensive services that embody the highest quality of care possible for individuals who are struggling with an addiction to or dependency on synthetic marijuana. To fulfill this goal, we begin discharge planning at the time of admissions and feature a number of continuing care options at varying levels of treatment so that each and every one of our patient’s needs can be treated once a higher level of care is no longer required.

San Juan Capestrano Hospital offers partial hospitalization programs for both adolescents and adults. The adolescent program is catered to youth between the ages of 13 and 17 years old and our adult program is designed for those aged 18 and older who are facing the concerns that arise from the abuse of synthetic marijuana.

Our hospital also features an adult substance abuse intensive outpatient program for individuals aged 18 and older who are battling the demon of addiction. This program is designed to continue the recovery process and help patients maintain sobriety after completing inpatient services.

Lastly, San Juan Capestrano Hospital provides outpatient services at eleven different locations on the island, including San Juan, Caguas, Bayamón, Hatillo, Carolina, Condado, Mayagüez, Humanao, Manatí, Ponce, and Guaynabo. Outpatient care allows patients to process thoughts, feelings, and concerns with a mental health professional on a weekly basis.

Whatever your mental healthcare or substance abuse needs may be, the staff at San Juan Capestrano Hospital is devoted to helping those who are entrusted into our care overcome mental health issues or chemical dependency concerns. We will put forth every effort to ensure that healing and lasting recovery from a synthetic marijuana addiction is successfully achieved.