Marijuana addiction treatment in Dallas: signs and care

What cannabis use disorder is

Marijuana and cannabis are two words for the same plant. Cannabis use disorder is the medical term for marijuana addiction. NIDA says it is linked with heavy use, every day or almost, of products with THC. THC is the part of the plant that makes people feel high.

Doctors diagnose this using a set list of symptoms. The disorder can be mild, moderate or severe. Many people wonder if marijuana can be a real problem. If it is getting in the way of your life, or a person you love is worried, that is reason enough to talk to someone.

What withdrawal can feel like

NIDA says a person may have withdrawal after stopping or sharply cutting back heavy or long-term use. This can happen even without cannabis use disorder. Symptoms can include irritability, anxiety, restlessness, depression, trouble sleeping and headaches. If you feel very low or unsafe, call or text 988 at any hour, and talk to a doctor.

How it is treated

NIDA says there are currently no FDA-approved medicines for cannabis use disorder or for withdrawal, but research is ongoing. Some FDA-approved medicines are based on THC or CBD, another part of the plant, but they are for other conditions.

Behavioral treatments can be effective. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches you to spot and change patterns that lead to use. Motivational enhancement therapy helps build your own reasons for change. Contingency management gives small rewards for reaching goals, such as staying off cannabis. Most of this happens in outpatient treatment. Some people need more structure, such as intensive outpatient.

Counseling often starts with what marijuana does for you, such as helping you sleep or easing stress, and then looks for other ways to meet those needs. Goals can differ. Some people aim to stop right away, and others begin by cutting back. A doctor or counselor can also check for anxiety or depression. If you have either, see dual diagnosis.

For parents and families

If you are searching for a teen, look for a program that works with young people. See treatment for teens. If you are searching for an adult, focus on what you have seen and what worries you. See talking about treatment.

The list below shows Dallas programs by outpatient service. It does not show which substances a program treats, so ask on the phone.