Marijuana-rehab

Marijuana Abuse Treatment to Help You Overcome Weed Addiction in NJ

Take the First Step
Brian Chasin
Written by Brian Chasin
Jeffrey Berman, M.D., DFASAM
Medically Reviewed by Jeffrey Berman, M.D., DFASAM
Posted On: Sep 7, 2026
Last Updated On: Sep 7, 2026Medical Review On: Sep 7, 2026
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    Marijuana addiction can be hard to take seriously at first, especially when cannabis use has been normalized and is even legal in many locations.

    Many people start using marijuana as a way to relax, to sleep better, to socialize, to calm their nerves or anxiety, or to just turn off their minds at the end of the day. But while marijuana can initially provide this relief, over time, it can turn into something that makes you feel like you can’t eat, sleep, cope with life, or feel normal without it.

    If your marijuana use has started causing you more harm than relief, then there is a way out. SOBA New Jersey provides services to adults that are willing to understand their marijuana usage and build healthy alternatives to managing their feelings without relying on substances.

    Key Points
    Marijuana is derived from the Cannabis sativa plant and contains Tetra Hydro Cannabinol (THC), which is the primary psychoactive chemical in marijuana.
    Cannabis use disorder can develop when repeated marijuana use changes reward, habit, stress, and coping patterns.
    Common symptoms of marijuana addiction include cravings, being unable to stop or limit marijuana use, withdrawal symptoms, and continued marijuana use despite negative consequences.
    Treatment options for marijuana use disorders are numerous, ranging from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational enhancement therapy (MET), contingency management (CM), and individual therapy,
    Currently there are no FDA-approved medications for treating marijuana use disorder. Treatment typically consists of behavioral therapies and recovery support.

    What Is Marijuana?

    Marijuana, also referred to as weed, pot, grass, or cannabis, is a substance derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. Cannabis contains multiple chemical compounds; however, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main chemical compound that causes intoxication, or the “high” marijuana is known for.[1]

    This is because THC affects portions of the brain that regulate the user’s sense of pleasure, memory, attention, coordinated movement, time, sensory input, and cognitive function. Depending on the individual and the cannabis product they are consuming, marijuana can produce relaxation, euphoria, altered sensory perceptions, increased appetite, slowed reaction time, anxiety, panic, and impaired coordination.

    Marijuana is commonly smoked, but can also be vaped, eaten in an edible, taken as a tincture, or used in concentrated extracts. Present-day cannabis products can vary greatly in concentration levels of THC. Research shows that products containing higher concentrations of THC may pose greater risks for developing more serious symptoms related to cannabis use disorder when used regularly.[2]

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    Marijuana Addiction and Abuse

    Marijuana use disorder develops when marijuana use creates patterns of behavior in the reward, stress, and coping systems of the brain. Initially, marijuana may create feelings of immediate relief. It may help someone relax after work, fall asleep, or manage anxiety or boredom. The brain then begins connecting marijuana use with comfort, escape, or emotional control.

    But through regular use, both the body and the brain adapt to THC, and tolerance begins to build. This means that the dose someone was used to no longer causes the same effect, driving them to use increasingly larger amounts, more potent products, or more frequent consumption throughout the day to get the same results. Over time, marijuana can become part of daily routines: waking up, eating, sleeping, relaxing, socializing, or calming down after stress.

    Once tolerance builds, physical dependence can quickly follow, meaning the body is now adapted to THC, and if consumption reduces or ceases altogether, they will likely experience withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, restlessness, depression, and intense cravings.[3] These withdrawal symptoms can cause someone to relapse to avoid discomfort even if they genuinely want to quit.

    Marijuana Addiction Symptoms

    Symptoms of marijuana addiction can look differently from person to person, but some common symptoms include:

    • Consuming larger quantities of marijuana than originally planned
    • Attempting to quit or discontinue use but being unable to
    • Cravings
    • Spending considerable amounts of time getting, using, or recovering from marijuana
    • Abandoning other hobbies, responsibilities, or relationships in favor of marijuana
    • Continuing use despite anxiety, depression, work issues, school problems, or family conflict
    • Needing marijuana to sleep, eat, relax, or feel emotionally steady
    • Suffering from withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing

    According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 3 out of 10 cannabis consumers experience cannabis use disorder, with those who started at a younger age and those who use it every day at a higher risk.[4]

    Marijuana Use in the U.S.

    Marijuana is the most frequently used federally illegal drug in the United States. In 2022, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported approximately 61.9 million Americans were cannabis users.[5] And although the majority of those using marijuana will not develop a substance use disorder, the high prevalence of marijuana use can diminish awareness about how easily addiction can happen.

    That normalization can be confusing for people who are struggling. They may hear that cannabis is harmless while their lives are becoming smaller, less motivated, and feeling more anxious or dependent on THC. The fact that other people can use marijuana casually without developing a substance use disorder does not mean your relationship with it is healthy.

    If marijuana use has become difficult to control, seeking help is the next right step. You don’t need to wait until your situation gets worse to reach out.

    Marijuana Withdrawal and Detox

    Marijuana withdrawal is real, although its medical dangers are typically less severe compared to withdrawal from alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids.

    Common symptoms of marijuana withdrawal include irritability, anxiety, sleeping issues, vivid dreams, decreased appetite, nervousness, depression, body pain, and cravings.[6]

    For some people, one of the most difficult aspects of quitting is insomnia. They may have used marijuana each evening for weeks, months, or years to help them sleep and feel unable to manage without it. Others struggle with emotional instability, anger, boredom, or a sudden resurgence of anxiety.

    If relapse keeps happening, then treatment to help you overcome marijuana addiction may be warranted. Marijuana detox programs are generally non-medical, but support during the detox period can provide a safe and more manageable experience, especially for individuals with co-occurring disorders or heavy daily usage. A detox program can help ease uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, manage sleep and appetite, assess mental health, create a plan for preventing relapses, and determine what level of care would come next.

    Treatment for Marijuana Addiction

    The primary goal of marijuana addiction treatment should be to assist clients with stopping marijuana use, understanding why they turn to substances, and helping them identify new ways to function without marijuana or other substances.

    According to SAMHSA, there are multiple psychological treatments available for treating cannabis use disorder, including:

    01

    Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    CBT helps clients identify triggers and negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with maintaining marijuana use. They also learn coping strategies for dealing with cravings, stress, difficulty sleeping, boredom, and relapse prevention strategies.

    02

    Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)

    MET helps clients explore their ambivalence if they are not sure they want to quit using marijuana yet. Through therapy, clients are assisted in clarifying what their ideal lifestyle should look like.

    03

    Contingency Management (CM)

    CM uses incentives to encourage positive behavior relative to recovering from substance abuse, which can include attending therapy sessions, abstaining from marijuana, and testing negative for substances.

    Marijuana and Mental Health

    There is a connection between marijuana use and mental health. Some people use cannabis products to deal with anxiety, depression, trauma, trouble sleeping, or overwhelming emotions. Others find that regular marijuana use starts to lower their motivation and mood and cause panic, paranoia, or interfere with their ability to function.

    Though legal in many places, cannabis use has been linked to concerns like social anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia, though their relationship is complicated and not fully understood.[7] For this reason, treatment should look at the whole person and not just focus on marijuana use. If marijuana has been used to cope with anxiety or depression, real care is needed. Otherwise, quitting feels like taking away the only tool someone has. Stronger treatment plans help clients build healthier tools for sleep, stress, emotions, relationships, and self-regulation.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Weed Addiction Treatment

    01

    Can you really be addicted to marijuana?

    Yes. Cannabis use disorder develops when someone struggles to control use of marijuana despite negative consequences. They may struggle with cravings between doses, withdrawal symptoms if they stop or go too long without using it, increased tolerance, and repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop.

    02

    What are common marijuana addiction symptoms?

    Symptoms include using more than planned, cravings, withdrawal symptoms, needing marijuana to sleep or relax, giving up responsibilities, and continuing use despite health, relationship, school, or work problems.

    03

    What does marijuana withdrawal feel like?

    Withdrawal symptoms may include irritability, anxiety, sleep problems, loss of appetite, restlessness, depressed mood, physical discomfort, and cravings.

    04

    Do I need detox for marijuana?

    It depends. Some people benefit from detox support, especially if they use potent THC products daily, have severe sleep problems, or are also managing co-occurring mental health conditions that may interfere with recovery. Clinical assessment can determine the appropriate level of care.

    05

    Does SOBA offer marijuana addiction treatment?

    Yes. SOBA helps adults struggling with addiction to cannabis, withdrawal symptoms, co-occurring mental health issues, risk of relapse, and planning for long-term recovery.

    A More Honest Way Forward From Weed

    Contact Admissions

    If marijuana has become something you plan your day around, depend on, or keep returning to even when it hurts your life, SOBA can help you take the next step.

    Professional treatment can help you understand the pattern and build a life that does not revolve around THC. Reach out today. Our admissions team is available to help you understand your options and take the first step.

    Sources

    [1] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024). Cannabis (Marijuana). National Institutes of Health. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/cannabis-marijuana

    [2] Hines, L. A., Freeman, T. P., Gage, S. H., Zammit, S., Hickman, M., Cannon, M., Munafo, M. R., MacLeod, J., & Heron, J. (2020). Association of high-potency cannabis use with mental health and substance use in adolescence. JAMA Psychiatry, 77(10), 1044–1051. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2020.1035

    [3] [7] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Cannabis health effects. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/health-effects/index.html

    [4] [5] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2026). Advisory: Cannabis use disorder in primary care settings: A lifespan approach. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://library.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/advisory-cannabis-use-pep26-07-003.pdf

    [6] Hoch, E., Bonnet, U., Thomasius, R., Ganzer, F., Havemann-Reinecke, U., & Preuss, U. W. (2015). Risks associated with the non-medicinal use of cannabis. Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, 112(16), 271–278. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5098026/