Marijuana use disorder becomes addiction when you can’t stop using despite harm to your health, relationships, or daily life. Signs include cravings, using more than intended, skipping responsibilities, and problems with memory or focus.

Frequent users may experience withdrawal—like irritability, sleep issues, or cravings—when they try to quit. If you’ve tried to stop and can’t, it may be a sign of addiction.

Marijuana contains cannabinoids like THC, which causes a high, and CBD, which doesn’t. Your body also makes its own cannabinoids to regulate functions. With heavy marijuana use, the brain reduces its natural cannabinoid production, leading to dependence.

THC floods the brain with feel-good chemicals like dopamine, rewiring the reward system. Over time, you build tolerance—needing more to feel the same effects—which increases harm and risk of addiction.

Quitting marijuana can be hard to do alone. Most people need support from trained counselors and a structured program.

Affect’s program is built specifically to treat addictions like marijuana using proven science-based methods. Since marijuana rewires the brain’s reward system, the most effective way to break the cycle is by using rewards to reinforce healthy behavior—a method called contingency management.

Think of it like a game: you earn rewards for progress, which keeps you motivated to keep going, even when it’s hard.

Relapse is common with marijuana addiction, which is why rigid rehab programs often fail. Research shows that gradually reducing use—known as harm reduction—is more effective.

There are no FDA-approved medications for marijuana addiction, but Affect’s medical team can prescribe medications to ease anxiety, depression, and cravings when needed.

Yes it does. Affect’s digital program is shown to be twice as effective as traditional methods to treat marijuana addiction and help people quit.

Our members dramatically increase their number of sober days in just the first month. Their energy and health improves and their brains start to recover. With the help of licensed addiction counselors, members explore the roots of their addiction and learn how to identify and control triggers without feeling the need to use marijuana. As withdrawal symptoms fade and healthy habits are formed, our members rebuild their lives as they recover from marijuana. You can read what they have to say about our program.

Affect’s program is also unique in supporting “whole recovery” of our members’ lives. Care teams include advocates who provide members with support for housing, employment, healthcare and more.