Marijuana Addiction Treatment
Thinking about your relationship with marijuana
Do you want to reduce your Marijuana use?
If marijuana has become a significant part of your daily life, you may have mixed feelings about the idea of changing that. Many people who come to us have been smoking since they were young, and over the years it has become something familiar and relied upon — a way to unwind, to sleep, to take the edge off difficult feelings, or simply to get through the day. Acknowledging that it might be causing more harm than good takes honesty, and that honesty takes courage.
This page isn’t here to lecture you. Marijuana does what it does, and there are genuine reasons people use it. Our goal is simply to help you think clearly about whether it’s still serving you — and to be here if you decide you’d like some support.
Why marijuana can be hard to give up
It helps to understand what marijuana actually does. As a depressant — not in the sense of causing low mood, but in the way it quietens certain parts of the nervous system — it can bring a genuine sense of calm, ease worrying thoughts, increase your sense of being present, and temporarily mask pain. For many people it becomes, in their own words, like a reliable old friend. That’s not nothing, and it’s part of why giving it up can feel so daunting.
But long-term use also carries real costs. Over time, tolerance builds and more is needed to achieve the same effect. Physiological addiction and psychological dependency can develop quietly. Anxiety, irritability, and a very short fuse can become part of daily life — particularly in the hours after use as the substance metabolises. For some people, prolonged use contributes to paranoia or psychosis, and there are established links to a range of physical health concerns.
The impact on relationships
Something that comes up often in our work with clients is the effect marijuana use has had on their closest relationships. The preference for smoking over spending time with a partner. Skipping social occasions to have the privacy and time for the next hit. The small deceptions that accumulate — hidden paraphernalia, chewing gum to cover the smell, explanations that don’t quite add up. Partners often describe feeling lonely, disconnected, and uncertain about whether they can trust the person they love. These relational costs are real, and they matter.
Understanding Dependency
You might be wondering whether what you’re experiencing is genuine addiction. Some signs that dependency may have developed include finding it hard to regulate your emotions without smoking, mood swings, strong cravings that are difficult to resist, unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop, needing increasingly larger amounts for the same effect, and organising your days and social life around your next use.
If you’ve tried to stop, you may also have experienced withdrawal — insomnia, sweating, headaches, anxiety, nausea, or shakiness. These symptoms are real and can make quitting feel much harder than it should be without proper support.
How we can help
At BlueSky Psychology, our experienced psychologists have worked with many people navigating marijuana dependency, and we understand the complexity of it — the ambivalence, the history, and the genuine difficulty of change.
We won’t begin by telling you what to do. We’ll start by understanding your situation properly, and work with you to build the motivation and clarity that makes lasting change possible. From there, we’ll work together on understanding the reasons use began in the first place, developing practical coping skills and alternative ways to relax, identifying your personal high-risk situations for relapse, and building the strategies to navigate them. We’ll also make sure you’re well prepared for any withdrawal symptoms, so nothing catches you off guard.
Change is possible, and it doesn’t have to feel as daunting as it might right now. If you’d like to talk to someone, we’re here. Book an appointment online or call us on 08 8212 3944. You’ll find us at Level 10, 108 King William Street, Adelaide.
Your Adelaide Psychologists
Our practice is dedicated to facilitating a safe container where you can explore your challenges and find your path to greater well-being. We have an experienced and diverse team who focus on establishing a safe and compassionate therapeutic alliance and use evidence-based therapeutic approaches for our counselling services. Treatment can be delivered in-person or via Telehealth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is marijuana actually addictive?
Yes. Research shows that approximately 1 in 10 marijuana users develop cannabis use disorder, rising to 1 in 6 for those who begin using before age 18. With today’s higher-potency products, addiction risk has increased. Dependence involves cravings, difficulty cutting down, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms upon stopping.
What are the symptoms of marijuana withdrawal?
Common withdrawal symptoms include irritability, anxiety, insomnia, vivid dreams, decreased appetite, restlessness, and mood changes. Symptoms typically peak within the first week of stopping and gradually subside over 2 to 4 weeks. A psychologist can help you manage withdrawal as part of treatment.
Can marijuana cause mental health problems?
Yes. Heavy or prolonged use is linked to increased risk of anxiety, depression, psychosis (particularly in those with a genetic predisposition), cognitive impairment, and motivational difficulties. The higher potency of modern cannabis products has amplified these risks.
What does treatment for marijuana addiction involve?
Treatment typically involves Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET). These help you understand the role marijuana plays in your life, develop strategies to manage cravings and triggers, build alternative coping skills, and prevent relapse.
Do I need to want to quit completely before starting treatment?
No. Motivational Enhancement Therapy is specifically designed to help you explore your ambivalence and build motivation at your own pace. Many people enter treatment uncertain and develop clarity as they progress. The most important step is starting the conversation.
How long does marijuana addiction treatment take?
Research suggests programs lasting more than 4 sessions and extending over at least one month produce the best outcomes. Many people benefit from 8 to 16 sessions, with follow-up sessions recommended to sustain progress and prevent relapse.
Can a psychologist help with marijuana addiction, or do I need rehab?
Many people successfully address cannabis use disorder through outpatient psychological therapy without residential rehab. A psychologist experienced in addiction treatment can provide evidence-based therapy tailored to your needs. More intensive options are available if required and can be discussed during your assessment.
Take the First Step
If your marijuana use is affecting your life, we’re here to help. Our central Adelaide location makes it easy to access the support you need.
Contact us today:
Phone: 08 8212 3944
Book online or call to speak with our team
BlueSky Psychology
Level 10, 108 King William Street
Adelaide, South Australia, 5000