Cannabis Addiction Therapy
Cannabis use disorder: The Hidden Struggles Behind a Normalised Addiction
Cannabis is often perceived as a harmless or socially acceptable substance. With growing global legalisation and medicinal use, its reputation has shifted dramatically in recent years. But for many individuals, particularly those who use it daily, cannabis can become a silent coping strategy for emotional pain, anxiety, or chronic stress. What may start as occasional use can slowly evolve into dependence, undermining focus, motivation, emotional clarity, and overall mental health.
At Addiction Therapist London I offer discreet, specialist therapy for individuals navigating problematic cannabis use. Whether you’re trying to stop, reduce, or simply better understand your relationship with cannabis, therapy provides a private, structured, and clinically informed space to explore the psychological drivers behind your habit and support meaningful personal development.
Is Cannabis Addictive?
Yes cannabis (also known as marijuana) can be addictive, particularly when used frequently or heavily over time. While it may not create the same level of physical dependence as substances like heroin or alcohol, it can lead to strong psychological addiction.
According to both NHS guidelines and the World Health Organisation, Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) is now a recognised clinical diagnosis affecting approximately 1 in 10 regular users, rising to 1 in 6 among those who begin in adolescence.
What makes cannabis addictive? Primarily it’s the effect cannabis has on the brain’s reward and motivation systems. Over time, regular use can influence dopamine regulation making it more difficult to experience motivation, pleasure or emotional regulation without the drug. This is particularly true for high-THC strains or concentrates such as oils, resins, and cannabis shatter.
You can get addicted to cannabis, even if your use feels manageable at first. Many clients report psychological cravings, agitation when not using and an increasing sense of dependence, especially under stress or during emotional lows.
Signs of Cannabis Addiction
You may be struggling with cannabis addiction if you recognise the following signs:
- Using cannabis daily or feeling unable to function without it
- Low mood, apathy, or lack of motivation
- Difficulty focusing, working, or maintaining relationships
- Anxiety, irritability or sleep issues when unable to use
- Memory problems or cognitive slowing
- Using cannabis to cope with emotional pain or stress
- Withdrawing from social contact or activities you once enjoyed
- Frequently researching marijuana addiction, marijuana use, addiction treatment, cannabis rehab, drug addiction, or substance abuse
- You may be struggling with other substance use such as alcohol addiction, cocaine addiction or other forms of drug abuse
- Hiding your usage or feeling ashamed about the habit
Not everyone who uses cannabis is addicted, but if you feel trapped in a cycle of reliance or if your use is negatively affecting your clarity, relationships, or emotional wellbeing professional support can help.
Who Is This Therapy For?
I work with clients from all walks of life including:
- Adults who use cannabis to relax after work but feel increasingly dependent
- Students or creatives who experience concentration issues or productivity loss
- Neurodivergent individuals using cannabis to manage sensory overload or racing thoughts
- Adults who began smoking in adolescence and now struggle to quit
- Clients facing anxiety, depression, or emotional numbing linked to cannabis use
Whether your goal is complete abstinence, harm reduction, or better understanding, therapy supports you in making choices rooted in awareness, not avoidance.
Psychological vs Physical Addiction
While the physical withdrawal symptoms of cannabis addiction (e.g. disrupted sleep, irritability, low appetite) tend to be less severe than those of alcohol or opioids, the psychological addiction can be just as intense. Many people use cannabis to regulate emotions, especially those with underlying trauma or anxiety, making the process of quitting feel emotionally destabilising.
It’s common to hear questions like:
- “Is cannabis addiction real?”
- “Is cannabis more addictive than alcohol?”
- “Am I addicted to cannabis if I can still function?”
The answer lies in how cannabis is affecting your inner world. Individuals can experience emotional dependence, especially if cannabis is used to self-medicate or avoid difficult feelings.
Therapeutic Approach to Cannabis Addiction Treatment
I offer a trauma-informed, flexible therapy model that meets you where you are. Our work begins with a comprehensive consultation (up to 120 minutes) to understand your history, emotional needs and goals. From there I create a tailored treatment plan which may include:
- Psychodynamic therapy to explore emotional wounds and unconscious patterns
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques (CBT) to challenge distorted thinking and behaviours
- Motivational enhancement therapy to strengthen your readiness for change
- Relapse prevention and practical habit-reversal strategies
- Psychoeducation around dopamine, memory, and the cannabis–mood relationship
- Creative work through Art Psychotherapy for clients who struggle with verbal expression
- Referrals to consultant psychiatrists for dual-diagnosis cases or when medication may help
- Support with cannabis withdrawal planning and daily structure
Therapy is adapted to support neurodivergent clients and those with histories of complex trauma, burnout or sensory sensitivity. Cannabis is sometimes used alongside alcohol or stimulants as part of a wider pattern of use. For more information, visit my Polydrug & Cross-Addiction Therapy page.
Cannabis, Mental Health and Motivation
Long-term cannabis abuse is strongly associated with:
- Emotional blunting or apathy
- Decreased ambition or goal-directed behaviour
- Increased risk of anxiety, panic attacks and depression
- Greater likelihood of psychosis in genetically vulnerable individuals
- Poor sleep quality and disrupted circadian rhythms
Many clients come to therapy not just because they want to quit marijuana use, but because they feel they’ve lost clarity, drive or emotional presence. They describe a dulling of internal life: "I don’t feel fully awake" or "I can’t focus the way I used to."
In my professional experience, the true cost of cannabis addiction is often not the habit itself but what it slowly erodes: clarity, motivation, and a grounded sense of self. Therapy helps you reconnect with what matters beyond the haze, to restore vitality, self-direction and emotional depth.
Am I Addicted to Cannabis?
If you’re asking the question, that’s often the first step. Addiction doesn’t always look dramatic, sometimes it’s about noticing that you can’t seem to stop, even when you want to.
You might benefit from therapy if:
- You’ve tried to reduce your cannabis use but relapse or feel stuck
- You feel foggy, unmotivated or emotionally flat when not using
- You experience cravings, anxiety or restlessness between sessions
- Cannabis has become your primary coping strategy for stress or low mood
- You’re questioning whether your habit is sustainable or healthy long-term
You don’t have to wait for a crisis or rock bottom. Therapy is most effective when you begin the conversation early with honesty, curiosity and support.
Discreet Therapy in the Harley Street Medical Quarter
Sessions take place in confidential, serene consulting rooms in London’s Harley Street Medical Quarter, St Pauls in the City of London. I also offer online therapy for clients across the UK and internationally.
I do not operate a public diary and rarely publish my precise location online, ensuring client confidentiality, low visibility and a quiet entrance.
Recovery Is A Gradual Process
Recovery from cannabis addiction isn’t about willpower, it’s about self-awareness, structure, emotional resilience and support. You don’t have to “just stop.” You can understand, adapt and rebuild your relationship with yourself.
In therapy, we:
- Develop practical coping mechanisms for cravings, anxiety or stress
- Rebuild emotional regulation and self-trust
- Explore deeper emotional needs hidden beneath the habit
- Reconnect with purpose, motivation and meaning
- Create a healthier daily rhythm free from dependence
Next Steps
If your cannabis use or marijuana use is impacting your clarity, wellbeing or relationships or if you're wondering how to overcome cannabis addiction; I invite you to take the next step.
Initial consultations are available by direct enquiry or professional referral. These sessions allow time to explore your current concerns, ask questions and assess whether therapy is the right next step.
You’ll be met with professionalism, discretion and a commitment to supporting your recovery in a way that’s personal, non-judgemental and clinically grounded.
Book a complimentary consultation or a private therapy session.