Trust SoCal Treatment Center

Marijuana Addiction

Compassionate, evidence-based treatment for lasting recovery

Medically reviewed by Rachel Handa, Clinical Director — Updated February 1, 2026

What Is Marijuana (Cannabis) Addiction?

While marijuana is often perceived as harmless, cannabis use disorder is a recognized medical diagnosis that affects millions of Americans. Modern marijuana products are significantly more potent than those available even a decade ago, with THC concentrations in some concentrates exceeding 90%. Chronic, heavy use can lead to physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms upon cessation, and significant impairment in motivation, cognitive function, and mental health. Marijuana addiction is particularly prevalent among young adults and adolescents, and its normalization in popular culture often makes it difficult for individuals to recognize when their use has become problematic.

Signs & Symptoms

Recognizing the signs of marijuana (cannabis) addiction is the first step toward getting help. Common indicators include:

Using marijuana daily or nearly daily, often starting first thing in the morning
Inability to reduce or stop use despite wanting to, or repeated failed attempts to quit
Spending increasing amounts of time and money obtaining and using marijuana
Loss of motivation, declining academic or work performance, and reduced interest in previously enjoyed activities
Continued use despite negative effects on relationships, mental health, or daily functioning

Health Effects

1Respiratory problems including chronic bronchitis, lung irritation, and increased risk of respiratory infections from smoking

2Impaired memory, attention, learning, and decision-making, particularly with adolescent use during brain development

3Increased risk of anxiety disorders, depression, and psychotic symptoms, especially in predisposed individuals

4Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome causing cyclic severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain in heavy, long-term users

5Reduced motivation and engagement (amotivational syndrome) affecting academic, professional, and personal achievement

Withdrawal & Detox

Cannabis withdrawal is now well-established in clinical literature and recognized in the DSM-5. Symptoms typically begin within 1 to 3 days of cessation and peak during the first week, lasting approximately 1 to 2 weeks in most cases. Common withdrawal symptoms include irritability, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, decreased appetite, restlessness, depressed mood, and physical symptoms such as abdominal pain and sweating. While not medically dangerous, cannabis withdrawal can be intensely uncomfortable and is a primary driver of relapse in those attempting to quit. The severity of withdrawal correlates with the frequency and duration of use as well as the potency of the products consumed.

Treatment at Trust SoCal

Marijuana addiction treatment at Trust SoCal focuses on behavioral therapies that have been shown to be effective for cannabis use disorder. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps clients identify the thought patterns and situations that trigger use and develop effective coping alternatives. Motivational Enhancement Therapy addresses the ambivalence that many marijuana users feel about quitting, helping them build intrinsic motivation for change. Contingency management provides concrete rewards for maintaining abstinence. We also address common co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD that often underlie marijuana dependence. For younger clients, our program emphasizes developmental considerations and building a social network that does not revolve around cannabis use.

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Key Statistics

Approximately 16.3 million Americans aged 12 and older had a cannabis use disorder in the past year, making it the most prevalent illicit drug use disorder in the country.

THC potency in marijuana products has increased from an average of approximately 4% in 1995 to over 15% in flower and up to 90% in concentrates today.

Only about 7% of individuals with cannabis use disorder receive treatment, suggesting significant under-recognition of marijuana as an addictive substance.

Related Addiction Types

Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction, clinically known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic medical condition characterized by an inability to control drinking despite negative consequences. Because alcohol is legal and socially normalized, many people struggle to recognize when casual drinking has crossed the line into dependence. Alcohol affects virtually every organ system in the body, and withdrawal from heavy, prolonged use can be life-threatening without medical supervision. At Trust SoCal, we provide medically supervised detox and comprehensive treatment tailored to the unique challenges of alcohol recovery.

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Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drug addiction encompasses the misuse of and dependence on any medication obtained through legitimate medical channels, including opioid painkillers, benzodiazepine sedatives, stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin, and sleep aids like Ambien. Because these drugs are prescribed by physicians and manufactured by pharmaceutical companies, many people underestimate their addiction potential and believe they are inherently safer than illicit drugs. In reality, prescription drug misuse is one of the most common and fastest-growing forms of substance use disorder in the United States. Treatment requires addressing both the addiction itself and the underlying medical condition that originally prompted the prescription.

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Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug that produces short-lived feelings of intense euphoria, energy, and mental alertness by blocking the reabsorption of dopamine in the brain. Whether snorted as powder or smoked as crack cocaine, its short duration of action drives a pattern of repeated, escalating use that quickly leads to addiction. Cocaine use places enormous stress on the cardiovascular system and can cause sudden cardiac events even in young, otherwise healthy individuals. The psychological grip of cocaine addiction is formidable, driven by powerful cravings and the deceptive belief that one can control their use.

Learn More

Recommended Treatment Programs

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Effective, flexible treatment that fits into your life while keeping recovery at the center.

8-12 weeks, 3 days per week

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Hospital-level structure and care during the day with the comfort of home at night.

2-4 weeks, 5 days per week

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Integrated treatment that addresses addiction and mental health together, not separately.

30-90 days

Family Therapy Program

Restoring trust, rebuilding communication, and healing the whole family system.

Ongoing throughout treatment and beyond

Therapies Used in Treatment

CBTCognitive Behavioral Therapy DBTDialectical Behavior Therapy EMDREye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing MIMotivational Interviewing GGroup Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

Is marijuana really addictive?

Yes. Approximately 9% of people who use marijuana will develop dependence, and this rises to about 17% for those who begin using in adolescence and 25 to 50% for daily users. The DSM-5 recognizes cannabis use disorder as a legitimate substance use disorder with defined diagnostic criteria. Withdrawal symptoms, tolerance, and compulsive use despite negative consequences are all well-documented features of marijuana addiction.

Does marijuana cause mental health problems?

Research demonstrates a clear association between heavy marijuana use and increased risk of several mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, and psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, particularly in individuals with genetic predisposition. High-potency cannabis products appear to carry the greatest risk. While marijuana use alone may not cause these conditions in everyone, it can trigger or worsen them significantly, especially when use begins during adolescence while the brain is still developing.

If marijuana is legal, why would I need treatment?

Legality does not determine whether a substance is addictive or harmful. Alcohol and tobacco are also legal and are among the leading causes of preventable death. Legal status means marijuana is regulated and taxed, not that it is free from health risks. If marijuana use is negatively affecting your relationships, work, mental health, or quality of life, those consequences are real regardless of the legal status of the substance.

Is marijuana withdrawal real?

Absolutely. Cannabis withdrawal syndrome is a recognized clinical diagnosis in the DSM-5. Symptoms can include significant irritability, sleep disturbances, decreased appetite, anxiety, restlessness, and physical discomfort. While not medically dangerous, these symptoms can be sufficiently distressing to drive relapse. Our treatment program helps clients manage withdrawal symptoms and build the skills needed to maintain long-term abstinence.

Do I need residential treatment for marijuana addiction, or is outpatient enough?

The appropriate level of care depends on the severity of your cannabis use disorder, your living environment, and whether you have co-occurring conditions. Many individuals with marijuana addiction respond well to outpatient treatment such as IOP. However, if you have been unable to stop in an outpatient setting, if your home environment is not supportive of recovery, or if you have significant co-occurring mental health conditions, residential treatment may be recommended. Our clinical team will help determine the most appropriate level of care during your assessment.

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