Thoughtful, Personalized Outpatient Care for a Common but Often Overlooked Addiction
As marijuana becomes increasingly legal and culturally accepted, many people underestimate its addictive potential. While some can use marijuana recreationally without issue, others find themselves physically and psychologically dependent. At Lanier Recovery Center in Atlanta, we provide evidence-based outpatient treatment for marijuana addiction designed to help individuals restore balance, emotional clarity, and control over their lives.
What Is Marijuana?
Marijuana is a psychoactive drug derived from the Cannabis plant. It contains THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the chemical responsible for the mind-altering effects. Although it’s widely used for both recreational and medical purposes, regular use—especially in high-THC strains—can lead to dependency, cognitive impairment, and emotional instability.
The increased potency of today’s marijuana, along with the rise in high-concentration THC products like wax, dabs, and edibles, has made addiction more common than many realize.
Effects of Marijuana on the Brain and Body
Short-term effects include:
- Euphoria or relaxation
- Altered sensory perception
- Impaired memory and attention
- Increased appetite (the “munchies”)
- Anxiety or paranoia in some users
Long-term effects include:
- Motivation loss and cognitive fog
- Memory issues and poor concentration
- Worsening of anxiety, depression, or psychosis
- Dependency and withdrawal symptoms
- Relationship and career problems
While not as acutely dangerous as opioids or stimulants, marijuana addiction can quietly disrupt a person’s health, motivation, and relationships over time.
Marijuana Use Statistics
- In 2022, more than 52 million Americans reported marijuana use in the past year.
- Around 1 in 10 marijuana users develop a cannabis use disorder; this rises to 1 in 6 for those who begin use in adolescence.
- Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States, even in states where it is legal.
- In Georgia, possession of marijuana remains illegal in most contexts, and misuse continues to contribute to legal consequences and functional impairment.
Recognizing Marijuana Addiction
Because marijuana is socially accepted and perceived as harmless, many people overlook signs of dependency until their life is significantly affected.
Signs of marijuana addiction:
- Needing more to get high
- Using marijuana daily or multiple times a day
- Being unable to cut back despite wanting to
- Spending significant time and money obtaining and using
- Using to cope with stress, boredom, or anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating or finishing tasks without using
Daily Challenges of Marijuana Addiction
People living with marijuana addiction often experience:
- Foggy thinking and lack of motivation
- Difficulty managing responsibilities at work, school, or home
- Emotional numbness, anxiety, or depression
- Social withdrawal or only associating with users
- Irritability or insomnia when attempting to quit
- Relationship tension over substance use
At Lanier Recovery Center, we focus on restoring mental clarity, emotional balance, and long-term resilience through clinically sound and personalized treatment.
How We Treat Marijuana Addiction at Lanier Recovery Center
Our outpatient treatment programs are designed for individuals who are ready to break the cycle of habitual use and build healthier coping skills. We offer multiple levels of care to meet each client’s unique needs.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
PHP offers full-day treatment, including psychiatric support, individual therapy, group counseling, and holistic programming. This level of care is ideal for those who are experiencing significant impairment in daily functioning.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
IOP includes 3–5 days per week of structured therapy and education. Clients work on identifying triggers, improving emotional regulation, and strengthening support systems while maintaining work, school, or family responsibilities.
Outpatient Program (OP)
OP includes weekly therapy and continued accountability for those who have stabilized and are maintaining recovery. It’s ideal for ongoing growth and relapse prevention.
Our clinical approach includes:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Individual and group therapy
- Dual diagnosis care for anxiety, depression, or trauma
- Family counseling and education
- Life skills, mindfulness, and relapse prevention planning
Why Choose Lanier Recovery Center?
- Clinical expertise in cannabis use disorders
- Personalized care that meets you where you are in your journey
- Compassionate, stigma-free support from professionals who care
- Outpatient flexibility to fit your schedule and goals
- Whole-person healing that integrates mental, emotional, and behavioral wellness
Frequently Asked Questions
Is marijuana actually addictive?
Yes. While not everyone becomes addicted, chronic marijuana use can lead to physical dependence, emotional reliance, and withdrawal symptoms when quitting.
What are marijuana withdrawal symptoms?
Common symptoms include irritability, anxiety, insomnia, decreased appetite, restlessness, and mood swings.
Can I recover without going to residential rehab?
Absolutely. Many clients find outpatient treatment effective for marijuana use, especially with strong clinical support and accountability.
Does insurance cover marijuana addiction treatment?
We accept most major insurance plans and can verify your benefits quickly.
Take the First Step Toward Marijuana Recovery
If marijuana use is impacting your motivation, relationships, or emotional well-being, it may be time to seek help. At Lanier Recovery Center in Atlanta, we offer ethical, individualized outpatient care to help you regain clarity, direction, and purpose. Call today for a confidential assessment and start your recovery journey.
