Written by:

Medically Reviewed by:

Dr Mateen Durrani – MBBS, DPM, MSc, BCPsych

Last Updated:

August 13th, 2025

Cannabis Addiction | Definition, Symptoms and Effects

Rehab isn’t something most people associate with cannabis. For many, it still seems like a casual habit, not a serious problem. But if cannabis has started to affect your life, relationships or peace of mind, then cannabis rehab is absolutely a valid and accessible option.

At Primrose Lodge, we provide the structure, space and support to help you step away from cannabis and begin something better. This page explains what that really looks like.

What does cannabis rehab involve?

Cannabis rehab is a structured programme that helps you stop using cannabis and learn new ways to cope with life’s pressures and emotions. At Primrose Lodge, this involves a blend of therapy, support and aftercare, all tailored to your individual circumstances.

We’re not here to judge how or why things got to this point. Instead, we’re here to help you work out how to feel better and move forward. For some, cannabis has been used to escape stress, dull emotional pain or feel some kind of control. Rehab is where you start to understand those patterns and gently build something more solid to stand on.

Why do we offer inpatient cannabis rehab?

Outpatient options can be helpful for some, especially where there’s strong support at home. But if cannabis use has become a deeply ingrained habit, stepping out of your usual surroundings can make a real difference. Inpatient rehab at Primrose Lodge removes the distractions, routines and triggers that made quitting so difficult in the past.

You’ll be in an environment built for recovery. You’ll have meals cooked for you, a daily routine that brings structure and people around you who genuinely get it. Most importantly, you’ll have space, mental and physical, to start looking at your life with fresh eyes.

How is the cannabis rehab programme structured?

We know that no two people arrive at rehab in the same way. Some have been using cannabis for decades. Others feel they’ve lost control after a few years. That’s why everything we do at Primrose Lodge is shaped around your story, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Initial assessment

Your stay begins with a relaxed and private conversation with our team. We’ll talk through your cannabis use, general wellbeing and what you’d like to get out of your time here. This isn’t a test. It’s a way for us to tailor your care to match your goals.

Detox support (if needed)

Not everyone experiences a physical detox from cannabis but if withdrawal symptoms do arise, such as anxiety, insomnia or mood swings, our team will help you through it. Support is always available, both for physical symptoms and emotional discomfort.

Therapy and healing

Once your body and mind start to settle, therapy becomes the focus. This is where you explore what role cannabis has been playing in your life. Maybe it helped you sleep. Maybe it numbed stress. Maybe it became a habit that crept in and never left. Whatever the reason, therapy gives you space to understand it and replace it with something more fulfilling.

Planning for the future

Near the end of your stay, we’ll help you put together a realistic plan for life after rehab. This includes connecting you to aftercare, relapse prevention tools and continued support, so you’re not going back into the world without a plan. Whether you’re nervous, excited or somewhere in between, we’ll help you feel ready.

The role of therapy in cannabis rehab

Therapy isn’t about looking backwards and picking things apart for no reason. It’s about looking at what’s been driving your choices and learning how to change the way you respond. Many people come to us thinking cannabis was their only coping tool. Through therapy, they start to realise that it was a temporary fix for something deeper.

At Primrose Lodge, we offer several forms of therapy to help with this process:

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

CBT helps you recognise negative thought patterns and replace them with more balanced, realistic ones. It’s particularly useful if cannabis has been a go-to during moments of self-doubt, frustration or hopelessness.

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)

If you often feel overwhelmed or emotionally drained, DBT can help you manage those feelings. It teaches tools to stay grounded during tough moments, especially when the urge to use is strongest.

One-to-one counselling

Not everything is easy to share in a group. In private sessions, you can explore your personal story and work through anything that feels difficult, painful or confusing, with a therapist who listens without judgement.

Group therapy

Sharing your experience or just listening to others who’ve been in similar places, can be deeply reassuring. Group therapy reminds you that you’re not the only one who’s struggled with cannabis. There’s comfort in being understood.

Motivational interviewing (MI)

You might not be totally sure if you want to quit for good. MI gives you a safe space to explore that. It helps you weigh up the pros and cons and find a way forward that feels right for you.

Together, these therapies help build self-awareness, resilience and practical coping skills, all crucial for lasting change.

What is aftercare?

Finishing rehab doesn’t mean you’re suddenly immune to old habits or thoughts. That’s why aftercare exists: to keep you supported while you adjust to life outside. For many, the first few weeks back home can feel shaky. Aftercare is there to keep things steady.

At Primrose Lodge, aftercare is a part of your plan from the start. Before you leave, we’ll make sure you have access to continued therapy, local or online support groups and strategies for handling everyday challenges.

You may also stay in touch with others you met during your stay. These connections can be a quiet source of strength, especially on days where everything feels a little harder.

Aftercare doesn’t promise life will be perfect. But it helps you stay steady when life gets real again.

What are the next steps?

Rehab might not have been something you ever pictured for yourself. But if cannabis has started taking more than it’s giving, it could be the support you’ve been looking for.

At Primrose Lodge, we understand that cannabis addiction doesn’t always look dramatic from the outside. It’s often quiet, hidden in routines and rationalisations. But that doesn’t make it any less important to address. Our team is here to help you step away from it with care, structure and real support.

If you’re ready to take the next step or even just curious about what that might involve, we’re here when you need us.

Frequently asked questions

What therapies are used in cannabis rehab?

Cannabis rehab includes CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, group therapy and one-to-one counselling. Each helps address habits, emotions and triggers linked to cannabis use and dependency.

Is cannabis rehab necessary if withdrawal symptoms are mild?

Even with mild withdrawal, rehab can help uncover why cannabis became a crutch. Therapy and structure support long-term change and reduce the risk of returning to old habits.

How long does cannabis rehab take?

A typical stay is 28 days but some may benefit from longer treatment depending on their progress, goals and whether deeper emotional support is needed during recovery.

Do you need rehab for cannabis addiction?

Private rehab is the most effective treatment for cannabis addiction. At Primrose Lodge, we offer a holistic programme that focuses on meeting your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs, giving you the best chance of a sustainable recovery.

Is cannabis bad for you?

Yes, cannabis use brings along with it many unpleasant and detrimental side effects to your health and wellbeing. It can negatively affect your mental state and cause long-term damage and alterations to your brain.

What are the health benefits of cannabis?

Cannabis is known to relieve chronic pain and help some cancer patients combat nausea during chemotherapy, however, it is not considered healthy due to its detrimental side effects, including mental health problems, respiratory issues, and memory loss.

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