Cannabis addiction treatment: a complete guide
What cannabis use disorder is, what withdrawal looks like, and which therapies help.
Written by the Specialty Rehabs editorial team · Updated
What cannabis use disorder is
Cannabis use disorder is a medical condition in which a person continues to use marijuana despite problems with work, relationships, mood or health. Signs include cravings, needing more to feel the same effect, using more or longer than intended, and failed attempts to cut down. Risk is higher with early, heavy or daily use and with high-potency products.
Withdrawal
Stopping after heavy, regular use can cause withdrawal: irritability, anxiety, trouble sleeping, reduced appetite and restlessness, usually peaking in the first week or so and easing over the following weeks. It is rarely dangerous, but it is a common reason people return to use, so support during this period helps.
Treatments that work
No medication is currently approved for cannabis use disorder. Most people are treated in outpatient or intensive outpatient programs; residential care is used when use is severe or other conditions are present.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which builds skills to manage cravings and triggers
- Motivational enhancement therapy, which strengthens motivation to change
- Contingency management, which rewards progress toward goals
- Treatment of co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD and trauma
- Family-based therapy for adolescents and young adults
Mental health connections
Heavy cannabis use can worsen anxiety and mood symptoms and, in some people, is associated with psychosis. If you have a mental health condition, look for a program that treats both together.
Questions to ask a program
- Does it treat cannabis use as a primary concern, not only as part of polysubstance use?
- Which behavioral therapies does it use?
- Can it address co-occurring mental health conditions?
- What level of care does it recommend, and why?
- What does follow-up look like after treatment?
Sources
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
- SAMHSA — Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
This guide is informational and not medical advice. If you are in crisis, call or text 988; in an emergency, call 911.