Cannabis Abuse Recovery and How to Find Marijuana Addiction Treatment Centers Near Me

Many Americans suffer with marijuana addictions, but they often do not know where to go to get help. Recovery is available for anyone who thinks that they might have a problem with cannabis abuse. You may be wondering, ‘can I get treatment for cannabis addiction?’ Cannabis rehab help is available now and marijuana recovery is possible. The following information will explain elements of marijuana recovery programs and will direct you towards the help that you need.

While often known by other names (such as bud, herb, pot, ganja or weed), marijuana refers to the dried flowers of the Cannabis plant, which can be smoked, vaporized or combined into foods.^{1, 2} Smoking or vaping marijuana introduces the active chemical components of the drug into the bloodstream, which can result in the rapid onset of relaxation and a pleasant sense of euphoria. In contrast, when eating edible forms of marijuana, it can take much longer for such effects to kick in.^{1, 2}

Even though marijuana is becoming more socially acceptable, particularly as it is being legalized in many states, it remains one of the most prevalently used addictive substances, other than tobacco and alcohol. More than 48 million Americans aged 12 or over reported that they used marijuana in 2019, and nearly 5 million reported having an addiction to marijuana—or a marijuana use disorder—within the last year.^{4, 5}

Marijuana may be seen as relatively less risky than certain other substances, but many may not realize that its use can be problematic and may increase the risk of addiction and other potential health effects.² Understanding how substance abuse and, specifically, marijuana abuse, affects the brain and body, including dependence and withdrawal, as well as other signs of marijuana addiction, can be helpful if you or a loved one feels that you are struggling with compulsive marijuana use and you are seeking treatment.

You may be wondering, ‘where can I find marijuana rehab near me?’, or perhaps you want to know more about different types of treatment centers for marijuana addiction. If you or a loved one is worried about your weed use, rest assured that help and rehabilitation is available. If you think you may need weed rehab, there are a number of different treatment options, and you should carefully consider your personal needs and requirements when choosing a marijuana rehabilitation center.

Is Marijuana Addictive?

Marijuana can be addictive, but this doesn’t mean that anyone who uses marijuana will become addicted. Regular marijuana use can potentially progress to problematic levels of use and to the eventual development of marijuana use disorder.¹

The primary psychoactive chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, found in marijuana, interacts with a person’s endocannabinoid system to give rise to the intoxicating effects that many people seek when using marijuana.¹

Via this same interaction, THC also activates the reward centers of the brain by creating an increase in dopamine activity, which thereby reinforces the experience of using marijuana. This reward system activation can perpetuate continued, problematic use and additionally contributes to the development of marijuana use disorder.¹

Marijuana is also associated with physiological dependence and a distinct withdrawal syndrome. Dependence develops as the body and brain grow accustomed to the presence of marijuana with regular use.¹ As dependence develops, people may experience withdrawal symptoms when attempts are made to quit using marijuana or use less than they are used to.^{1, 6, 7} Since withdrawal symptoms can be unpleasant, this can make it even more difficult to stop using and can contribute to continued, compulsive use and addiction.

What Are the Health Effects of Marijuana Use?

Regular use of marijuana can potentially affect the body, brain and a person’s ability to function in important areas of their life.^{1, 2} The higher the dose, the more likely a person is to be affected in their cognitive functioning, which may result in difficulties with daily activities such as school or work.³

Some marijuana extracts with higher THC concentrations can place people at particularly increased risk of experiencing harmful effects on the brain because of their weed use and may contribute to addiction development.^{1, 8, 9}

Marijuana use can have both short- and long-term effects on multiple systems in the body, including: .^{1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11}

• The brain, such as impaired short-term memory, judgment, focus and coordination and short-term distortion of perception and senses. Long-term effects can lead to issues with learning and coordination and can disrupt sleep patterns.
• The heart. Using marijuana can cause the heart to beat faster while a person is intoxicated. Over time, it may increase a person’s risk for heart disease or stroke.
• The lungs. Over time, smoking or vaping marijuana can potentially lead to the development of cough, wheezing, bronchitis, pneumonia or other respiratory issues.
• Mental health. Potential for short-term increases in anxiety, paranoia or panic. Marijuana has been linked to psychotic symptoms while under the influence and an increase in the risk of developing depression, anxiety and psychotic disorders, especially in people who are predisposed.

Signs of Marijuana Addiction

Like other substance use disorders (SUDs), a diagnosis of a marijuana use disorder (or cannabis use disorder) is best made after an evaluation by a doctor or other healthcare professional has taken place.

However, if in the past 12 months you or a loved one has displayed or experienced at least 2 of the signs or symptoms of a substance use disorder as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5^th Edition), it may be time to get help for marijuana use that has become problematic.³

Termed diagnostic criteria, these signs and symptoms represent characteristic changes in a person’s thoughts, behaviors and body as marijuana addiction develops. Examples of these diagnostic criteria include: ³

• Using more marijuana than planned, or using for longer periods of time than intended.
• An inability to control marijuana use or inability to stop using.
• Cutting back or completely quitting social activities or hobbies as a result of marijuana use.
• Experiencing strong desires to use marijuana.
• Having trouble completing important tasks at work, school or home because of marijuana use.
• Inability to stop using marijuana even after it has created or worsened medical, mental health or interpersonal problems.
• Spending a significant amount of time getting, using or coming down from marijuana.
• Using in situations that can be dangerous, such as before driving.
• Developing tolerance, which means needing to use more marijuana to feel the same effects.
• Withdrawal symptoms occur if you stop using marijuana.

Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms

Frequent marijuana users may be at risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop or lessen their use.^{1, 3} These symptoms can differ depending on the person and how much they use, but often make it difficult to stop using.³ Marijuana withdrawal symptoms may include:^{1,15, 13}

• Irritability.
• Nervousness.
• Sleep problems (including insomnia, nightmares).
• Decreased appetite.
• Restlessness.
• Depressed mood.
• Physical symptoms such as headache, fever, chills, sweating, tremors and abdominal pain.

How to Quit Marijuana Abuse

If you or a loved one is trying to quit using marijuana and is struggling to do so, it may be time to seek help. Though rarely requiring emergency medical attention, cannabis withdrawal can be unpleasant, presenting a challenge to early recovery efforts. These symptoms may arise within a week of stopping or slowing use and can take 1-2 more weeks to resolve.^{1, 3}

Though they might not be inherently dangerous, supportive medical care and behavioral strategies can help people manage withdrawal symptoms, helping them be more comfortable at the start of treatment.¹³

Some people who have marijuana use disorder may also have co-occurring mental health disorders, which are best addressed at the same time with an integrated treatment approach.⁷ If not well managed – such as at specialist dual diagnosis rehab facilities – co-occurring disorders can influence the treatment outcomes of both disorders, potentially impacting recovery progress if they aren’t treated together.^{1, 7}

Though relapse in recovery is not uncommon, it shouldn’t signal the end of continued recovery efforts. If marijuana relapse occurs, it may mean that a person and their recovery program need to be reassessed and potentially readjusted to provide the appropriate level of care.⁷

If you’ve tried to stop using marijuana in the past and haven’t been successful, it doesn’t mean that you won’t ever be able to stop using. Recovery takes effort and sometimes repeated attempts. However, addiction is treatable, and learning about different treatment options can be an important first step on the path to recovery.^{1, 7. 12}

Receive 24/7 text support at your convenience with American Addiction Centers. Our team is well prepared to advise on all things treatment and help you find the care you need. We’ve helped thousands recover from addiction and we can help you too.

Marijuana Addiction Treatment Programs

There is a wide variety of marijuana addiction treatment programs and types of centers available. Substance abuse can affect everyone, from the person who is struggling with substance use to the loved ones of that individual.¹² However, treatment programs can help people recover from marijuana addiction and may lead to improved relationships and a better quality of life.^{7, 12}

Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications to specifically treat marijuana withdrawal or addiction, although some medications may be used to manage specific symptoms if they are particularly problematic, such as anxiety or the inability to sleep.^{2, 13} The most effective treatment for marijuana addiction and other SUDs is a treatment that meets the unique needs of the individual, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.⁷

Treatment options for marijuana addiction are similar to treatment for other substance use disorders and may rely heavily on evidence-based behavioral therapies conducted in both individual and group counseling sessions.^{7, 12} Though their techniques may vary somewhat, in general, behavioral therapies can help people in recovery to: ^{7, 12}

• Resolve any hesitation to stop using.
• Encourage engagement with their treatment program.
• Improve their ability to cope with marijuana cravings and stressors.
• Develop relapse prevention skills.
• Strengthen interpersonal skills.
• Build a peer group that is supportive of sobriety.
• Explore healthy hobbies.
• Improve functioning.

Some behavioral therapeutic techniques that a person might encounter at some point during treatment include the following:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches people the skills to quit using marijuana and manage problems that can lead to relapse, including stressors, cravings and high-risk situations.^{1, 7, 12} This type of therapy can help people learn how to avoid or cope with situations that can trigger drug use, improve problem-solving skills and develop drug refusal skills, and it can be provided in both individual and group settings.^{1, 7}
• Contingency Management: Contingency management is a method that positively reinforces desirable behaviors, such as maintaining abstinence and attending program sessions, with tangible rewards.^{1, 7, 12} As a person continues to progress in treatment and consistently remains abstinent, the rewards may increase in value.⁷
• Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET): Motivational enhancement therapy addresses any uncertainty that a person may have about quitting marijuana and attending treatment and helps increase a person’s motivation to create positive changes in their life.^{1, 7, 12} Rather than directing you through the process of recovery, MET works to increase your innate desire to make changes.^{1, 7, 12}

Types of Marijuana Rehabilitation Programs

These helpful therapies may be experienced in both outpatient and inpatient or residential marijuana rehab settings. What type is most suitable can be determined when a person’s level of care is assessed by a professional.

Inpatient or residential rehabilitation is a setting of care that involves living at a facility while receiving supervision and support around-the-clock, along with group and individual therapy.⁷ These programs can be short- or long-term, lasting anywhere from 28 or 30 days to 60 or 90 days, depending on the care a person needs.⁷

Many programs are 12-Step and faith-based. The program you choose may employ holistic treatment practices such as acupuncture and yoga. It may also be specialized, catering to the needs of a certain population – such as rehab programs for couples, rehabs for teens and rehabs for seniors – depending on the treatment center’s philosophy.

Inpatient treatment may be a good option for a person with:

• Co-occurring physical or mental health conditions.
• Severe substance use disorder or who is using multiple substances.
• Difficulty maintaining sobriety in a less restrictive level of treatment.
• An unstable living situation or lack of strong support in their community.

Outpatient rehabilitation allows a person to receive marijuana addiction treatment while still living at home. They can attend regularly scheduled group and individual counseling appointments at a treatment facility and receive other services based on their needs.⁷ Outpatient treatment can be a good option for: ⁷

• People with a strong support system.
• Individuals who still need to work, go to school or care for the family.
• Those who need a more affordable treatment option.
• People with relatively less acute substance use disorder treatment needs.

How Much Does Marijuana Addiction Treatment Cost?

The cost of marijuana addiction treatment programs can vary depending on a wide range of factors, which can include:

• The type of program. Inpatient rehab programs cost more than outpatient programs, since they offer room and board as well as 24-hour supervision.
• The amenities offered. Marijuana treatment centers that offer basic amenities will likely cost less than luxury programs with spa-like amenities.
• Insurance coverage. Many programs accept insurance coverage for marijuana treatment, although you should always check to make sure that the facility is covered under your specific plan. Covered treatment programs are likely to result in less out-of-pocket payments than those that aren’t covered by insurance.
• The type of facility. Public, free or state-funded facilities generally cost significantly less than private, luxury or executive facilities.

American Addiction Centers maintains a strong partnership with a large group of insurance companies at our addiction treatment facilities. Start the journey to recovery and find out instantly if your insurance provider may be able to cover all or part of the cost of rehab and associated therapies.

Does My Insurance Cover Marijuana Addiction Treatment Programs?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) ensures that most individual and small group health insurance plans offer coverage for essential health benefits (EHBs), which includes mental health and substance use disorder care.¹⁴ Each insurance plan is different and coverage may depend on:

• The insurance company.
• Type of plan (HMO, PPO, EPO).
• Geographic location.
• Specific types of treatment and services.

It is always a good idea to contact your insurance provider to check what their specific coverage is for addiction treatment and to verify your insurance with the treatment facility you choose.

If you or a loved one doesn’t have health insurance or cannot afford the copayment, there may still be ways to access treatment. Some programs offer sliding scale fees, where the cost is adjusted according to your income, payment plans, financing or scholarships to make treatment accessible.

Find Marijuana Addiction Treatment Near Me

You may be wondering, ‘can I get marijuana rehabilitation? or ‘how can I find marijuana treatment centers near me?’ Perhaps you are looking for a marijuana detox center near you. You could be in search of adolescent or teen marijuana addiction treatment. If you or a loved one is struggling with marijuana addiction and you need to find inpatient or outpatient marijuana treatment centers near you, there is hope for recovery. Reaching out is a courageous step in starting your new life, and our caring admissions navigators are ready to help you find the right local or out-of-State treatment facilities. If you think you might need weed rehab, know that cannabis rehabilitation is possible. Contact us for free 24/7 at to confidentially discuss your treatment options and have us answer any questions you may have.

To learn more about marijuana addiction and treatment, check out our other articles:

Insurance Providers That May Cover Marijuana Addiction Treatment

Learn more about rehabilitation with these insurance providers: