Key Takeaways

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a proven way to help those who use too much marijuana.
• CBT is all about figuring out what makes you feel bad and learning how to deal with it healthily.
• Dual diagnosis facilities make CBT work better by treating people who have more than one mental health problem at the same time.
• CBT for relapse prevention treatment focuses on helping people control their emotions.
• CBT is vital for those who are trying to get over opiate addiction and other drug use disorders.

Introduction

People may think that marijuana is less hazardous than other drugs, but using it too much may make you dependent on it, lose drive, become emotionally unstable, and have trouble dealing with life without it. The origins of addiction go deeper than habit; they’re emotional, especially when usage starts as a way to cope with anxiety, depression, or trauma (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2018).

This is where cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) comes in. During dual diagnosis, when mental health and drug use are treated concurrently, CBT plays a significant role in helping clients understand and overcome the emotional causes behind marijuana misuse. People start their long-term rehabilitation by talking about their ideas, actions, and emotions in a structured therapy context.

How Can CBT Help People Figure Out What Makes Them Feel Bad When They Use Marijuana?

The idea behind CBT is that our ideas, emotions, and actions are all interrelated. When used on people who use too much marijuana, it helps them figure out what ideas and feelings lead them to consume the drug.

Someone could use pot to prevent feeling like a failure or feeling anxious, for example. A CBT therapist helps the person recognize these repeated ideas (“I can’t handle stress,” “I’m not good enough”) and offers techniques to confront and reframe them. This process changes marijuana from a way to deal with problems to a choice of behavior that the person learns to avoid.

Why Does CBT Work So Well in Facilities That Treat Both Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders?

A lot of people who use too much marijuana also have other mental health problems, such as depression, PTSD, or anxiety. Dual diagnosis clinics are meant to treat both disorders concurrently, boosting the probability of sustained recovery (PubMed Central, 2016).

In these places, CBT is tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual. For instance, someone with PTSD and a cannabis use problem would use pot to dull memories connected to their tragedy. CBT helps the individual deal with the need to use and gives them strategies to deal with trauma-related feelings via mindfulness, changing their ideas, and making their behavior more resilient.

What Part Does CBT Play in Therapy to Stop Relapses?

People sometimes relapse when they are under emotional stress or see social signals that made them take drugs in the past. CBT gives people tools to stop this pattern.

A therapist could act out dangerous circumstances with the client so they can try out various ways of responding. Cognitive behavioral therapy also teaches people how to watch for early indicators of emotional dysregulation, such as being irritable, alone, or talking badly about themselves—things that might lead to a relapse. Thought diaries, coping cards, and behavioral tests are some of the tools that the patient might use to help them heal.

This is also why CBT-based itself is such a part of any marijuana recovery approach, and it applies to more complicated addictions like opioid addiction recovery.

How Can CBT Be Changed to Work Better for Marijuana Than for Other Drugs Like Opioids?

The basic framework of CBT stays the same, but how it is used changes depending on the drug and the person’s emotional state. People who consume too much marijuana may have cognitive distortions, including denying (“It’s just weed”) or minimizing. CBT fights this by getting clients to think about how their usage affects their career, education, relationships, and mental health in real life.

People who are recovering from opioid addiction may need treatment that focuses more on managing pain, getting over trauma, or dealing with the guilt and humiliation that typically come with using opioids. CBT takes these distinctions into account and strengthens healthy ways of coping in both circumstances.

What Does CBT Do to Change Lives in Recovery?

The long-term effects of CBT are what make therapy so powerful. Clients’ feeling of control and confidence improves as they start to constantly question their negative thoughts and learn to be kind to themselves. They don’t need marijuana or other drugs to control their feelings anymore; they know how to do it on their own.

This change affects every element of life, including relationships, work, health, and purpose. Many people say that CBT is the most essential part of their recovery journey. When combined with complete care in a dual diagnosis facility, it has an even bigger impact.

CBT doesn’t simply help people stop being addicted; it helps them become better people. That’s how lives get back on track.

Conclusion

To stop using too much marijuana, you need more than determination; you need to comprehend. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) gives people the tools and knowledge they need to deal with the emotional triggers that make them take drugs. CBT is an essential part of the rehabilitation process, particularly for those who have both mental health problems and substance abuse problems.

We at Virtue Recovery Center believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. Whether you’re fighting marijuana dependence, seeking opioid addiction treatment, or searching for effective relapse prevention therapy, our programs combine the life-changing advantages of CBT. To start changing your life, call us at 866-461-3339.

FAQs

Can CBT help me stop smoking marijuana if I’ve been using it for years?

Yes. CBT is particularly beneficial for those who have been using drugs for a long time because it helps them change deeply ingrained thoughts and habits that keep them using.

Do outpatient programs provide CBT, or do you have to stay in the hospital?

CBT is utilized in both programs for individuals staying in a hospital and those not. Dual diagnosis institutions generally include CBT throughout all levels of treatment.

How long does CBT treatment usually last?

The duration of treatment varies, but CBT programs usually include 12 to 20 sessions. CBT may continue as part of aftercare for those who are getting help for addiction.

In situations with dual diagnosis, can CBT make medication unnecessary?

Not always. In dual diagnosis therapy, CBT typically works with medication management to provide complete care.

Can CBT assist if I have more than just a marijuana problem?

Yes, for sure. CBT may help people with more than one drug use disorder, such as marijuana, opioids, and alcohol, by addressing the emotional triggers that are common to all of them.

Resources:

• National Library of Medicine / PubMed Central. Voigt, Michael et al. “Cognitive‑Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorders.” Psychiatric Clinics of North America, review article (2009‑2010), PMC2897895; https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2897895. 
• National Library of Medicine / PubMed Central. Evidence‑based Treatment Options in Cannabis Dependency. PMC: Review Article, 2016; https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5098026. 
• National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Understanding Drug Use and Addiction DrugFacts.” National Institute on Drug Abuse, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, June 6, 2018; https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction.