Marijuana addiction can be subtle. Only you can truly know if your marijuana use is a problem. However, if you feel you are experiencing negative consequences from it, consider therapy.
A therapist can help you explore the underlying reasons for your use and assist you in finding healthier coping mechanisms instead of relying on marijuana. Therapy can provide a better understanding of your internal struggles and guide you in letting go of those issues without the use of substances.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of marijuana overuse include:
- Increased tolerance
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbance
- Neglecting other interests
- Social isolation
- Respiratory problems
- Decreased focus
- Impaired cognition
- Anxiety
- Depression
Each person will experience different effects when using or trying to quit using marijuana.
If you’re looking to reduce your usage, our therapists can assist you in identifying and changing your habits through a nervous system approach, rather than just discussing it.
Risk Factors and Causes
Some causes of marijuana addiction include:
- Genetics
- Early exposure
- Peer pressure
- Mental health disorders
- Environments where it’s normalized
- Stress and lack of coping mechanisms
Some people turn to marijuana use as a coping skill for stress, anxiety, or social pressures.
However, not everyone who uses marijuana will become addicted. Understanding these risk factors can help individuals make informed decisions to prevent substance use or substance abuse.
Short and Long-Term Effects
Chronic marijuana use, whether short-term or long-term, can impact physical and mental health.
Short-term effects of marijuana use include:
- Impaired cognitive functioning
- Impaired motor skills
- Altered perception
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Dry mouth and red eyes
- Increased appetite
Long-term effects of marijuana use include:
- Respiratory problems
- Mental health issues
- Reduced motivation
- Relationship and social problems
- Withdrawal symptoms
The severity of these consequences will vary depending on the person. It is important to be aware of these side effects before beginning marijuana use.
For more information about our counselors or to schedule an appointment with an addiction therapist, call the therapy center.
(786) 522-2376Effective Marijuana Addiction Therapy in South Florida
At Evolve Therapy & Counseling, our focus goes beyond merely stopping marijuana use. Counseling is structured and paced. It focuses on helping you remove dependence on external factors for your well-being.
Our therapists utilize the Sovereign Body Method, which focuses on:
- Understanding your patterns
- Managing emotions so they don’t dictate your marijuana use
- Learning to listen to yourself, allowing you to use marijuana only when you genuinely need or want to, rather than out of impulse
We offer confidential sessions both virtually and in person across Palm Beach County and Miami for your convenience.
Within this method, you may use somatic therapy techniques, receive psychoeducation, and use interventions such as Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), or other approaches based on what you and your therapist decide together.
The goal is to empower you to understand what is right for you and to make decisions based on your desires, rather than accepting things that are not beneficial. It’s about truly knowing what is right and wrong for you and having the courage to pursue it without fear.
Benefits of Counseling at Evolve Therapy & Counseling
Therapy at Evolve differs from traditional talk therapy because our therapists use a structured, nervous system-based approach instead of repeating narratives.
We recognize that clients don’t simply stop using substances when they understand their triggers. Our goal is to help clients regain control of their lives by building a connection with themselves, allowing them to listen to their needs rather than engaging in behaviors that don’t benefit them or bring them joy.
What to Expect in Marijuana Addiction Therapy
We begin by hearing from you about your experiences, the issues you are facing, your goals, and anything else you feel is important to share. You do not have to go into your history if you don’t want to; we believe that simply discussing past traumas is not always helpful.
In the first session, you can share what you feel is important. This is also the time to set your goals for therapy. Remember, these goals should be based entirely on what you hope to achieve during our sessions.
Throughout your therapy process, your therapist may help you understand why you became addicted to marijuana. The goal is to normalize the experience and eliminate the stigma and shame associated with it.
You will learn ways to regulate your nervous system—not so you can be calm all the time, but so you can experience your feelings without letting them control you. This will enable you to let go of those feelings more quickly and return to your baseline in recovery.
You will also work on rewriting any negative patterns or narratives you have internalized. This process will free you to become the person you want to be and create the life you desire, rather than conforming to someone else’s expectations.
The Effectiveness of Marijuana Addiction Treatment
Marijuana addiction therapy is effective when you stop fighting your habit and address the underlying causes. It works when you stop avoiding your feelings and instead create space in your body to process and release them. The issue isn’t about needing instructions; it’s about learning to listen to what your body is truly trying to convey instead of ignoring it.
After therapy, our clients notice that they:
- No longer act on autopilot
- Become better at handling stress without shutting down
- Feel clearer, and are more present in their daily lives
- Follow through with their commitments.
The goal is simple: you regain control of your choices.
Cost of Marijuana Addiction Counseling
Sessions last 50 minutes and cost $220 each. We accept most major insurances. Contact our office to confirm if we accept your insurance.
We offer marijuana addiction therapy in Brickell, Downtown Miami, and West Palm Beach, as well as virtually. Reach out to schedule a consultation today.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a medical or clinical professional for more personalized guidance.