Compassionate Cannabis Addiction Treatment Services at DeLand Treatment Solutions

Understanding Cannabis Use Disorder & Treatment Options

Cannabis is often perceived as benign, but for many individuals, regular or heavy use can develop into a condition known as Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). At DeLand Treatment Solutions, we recognize that CUD is a real and treatable concern, and our specialized treatment program helps individuals regain control, heal underlying issues, and rebuild a healthy, balanced life.

What Is Cannabis Use Disorder?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Cannabis Use Disorder is characterized by a problematic pattern of marijuana use that leads to significant impairment or distress. 

People may use more than they intend, struggle to cut down, or continue even when it negatively impacts their health, relationships, or responsibilities.

CUD exists on a spectrum ranging from mild to severe, with symptoms including increased tolerance, withdrawal when stopping, cravings, and persistent use despite harm. 

Why Cannabis Use Disorder Develops

Several factors contribute to the development of CUD:

• Brain Chemistry: THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis) affects the brain’s reward center. Over time, the brain may begin to rely on cannabis for its dopamine-driven “feel-good” effects, reducing motivation for other activities.

• Psychological Factors: Anxiety, depression, stress, or trauma may drive someone to use cannabis as a way to self-medicate.

• Genetic and Social Risks: Family history, social environment, and early exposure can all increase the risk of problematic use.

• Adolescent Vulnerability: In Florida and elsewhere, early cannabis use is especially concerning: the brain continues to develop into the mid-20s, and frequent use in teens has been linked to cognitive impairments, memory issues, and higher risk of dependency.

Recognizing the Signs & Symptoms

Here are some of the most common indicators that cannabis use may be escalating into a disorder:

• Spending more and more time using cannabis or recovering from it

• Strong urges or cravings to use, often associated with certain triggers

• Repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut down or quit

• Neglect of work, school, or family responsibilities

• Withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, sleep problems, or mood swings when not using

• Continued use even when it creates social, emotional, or financial problems

When these symptoms are present, and especially if they interfere with daily functioning, professional help becomes crucial.

Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches

Treating CUD typically involves psychological interventions, because, at present, there are no medications specifically approved for cannabis addiction.Below is a breakdown of the most effective treatment options:

1. Behavioral Therapies

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals identify triggers and change patterns of thinking and behavior related to cannabis use.

• Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET): Uses motivational interviewing to help clients find their own reasons to change.

• Contingency Management (CM): Provides rewards or incentives for staying abstinent, reinforcing positive behavior.

Research shows that combining CBT or MET (or both), especially when paired with contingency management, tends to produce better outcomes.

2. Supportive Counseling & Group Therapy

Group settings offer shared experiences, accountability, and emotional support. Therapists may also work with clients in individual counseling to address underlying mental health issues or stressors that fuel cannabis use.

3. Family Involvement / CRAFT

The Community Reinforcement Approach and Family Training (CRAFT) empowers loved ones to support recovery by learning healthier communication, reinforcing positive behaviors, and helping the individual move toward change.

4. Mindfulness & Life Skills

Learning stress-management tools, like mindfulness, meditation, and healthy routines, can reduce reliance on cannabis for emotional relief. Building new habits helps replace old patterns.

5. Medication (Experimental / Off-Label)

Currently, no FDA-approved medications exist for CUD. However, some clinical trials are exploring potential treatments. For example, a review found that certain cannabinoids (like cannabidiol or nabiximols) and other compounds may help reduce cravings or withdrawal, but the evidence remains preliminary. 

Why Treating Cannabis Use Disorder Matters

Recovery from cannabis use disorder impacts more than just substance use, it touches many domains of life:

• Improved Mental Health: Reducing or stopping cannabis can help improve mood, sleep, and clarity of thought.

• Better Relationships: As use becomes less compulsive, people often reconnect with loved ones and rebuild trust.

• Enhanced Life Satisfaction: Without cannabis as a central coping tool, individuals can reengage in hobbies, work, and meaningful goals.

• Reduced Long-Term Health Risks: Heavy use over time can impact lung health, motivation (sometimes called “amotivational syndrome”), and even cognitive performance.

Getting Help with Cannabis Use Disorder at DeLand Treatment Solutions

At DeLand Treatment Solutions, our Cannabis Use Disorder Treatment Program is built on empathy, evidence, and individualized care. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Comprehensive Intake & Assessment: We evaluate cannabis use history, co-occurring mental health concerns, and personal goals.

2. Personalized Therapy Plan: Using CBT, MET, and other approaches tailored to your needs and readiness to change.

3. Behavioral Support & Coaching: Individual and group sessions to build coping mechanisms, manage triggers, and stay motivated.

4. Family Engagement: If helpful, we involve loved ones to strengthen your support network through CRAFT or family therapy.

5. Aftercare & Relapse Prevention: We work with you to develop a long-term plan that includes support groups, relapse tools, and ongoing check-ins.

A Real-Life Recovery Story

Consider Taylor, a 28-year-old who began using cannabis daily to manage stress from work. Over time, Taylor’s usage grew from a few puffs after work to full evenings spent vaping, and mornings characterized by fog and guilt.

At DeLand, Taylor worked with a therapist using CBT and motivational interviewing to identify emotional triggers and build new coping skills. With group sessions and coaching, Taylor learned how to reduce use, eventually cut back dramatically, and regain energy and focus. Today, Taylor enjoys more fulfilling relationships and a sense of balance that had been missing.

Taking the First Step Toward Healing

Recognizing that cannabis use might be more than a casual habit is already a courageous first step. If you’re reading this and wondering whether your cannabis use is out of control, you’re not alone, and help is available.

At DeLand Treatment Solutions, we provide a safe, judgment-free environment where you can explore your use, understand your motivations, and build healthier habits, without shame.

Call us today at (386) 866-8689 to begin your journey toward recovery. One decision can change your path in powerful, lasting ways.