At Bonus Round Recovery, we are dedicated to offering compassionate, evidence-based treatment for marijuana addiction, also known as cannabis use disorder, which can subtly erode daily functioning and well-being for many seeking relaxation or escape. Founded by Linnsey Dolson and Tony Holtz. These individuals have triumphed over their own battles with addiction and homelessness to build lives of purpose and success. Our center provides intensive outpatient programs (IOP), partial hospitalization programs (PHP), and transitional housing designed for adults aged 18-80. Our 12-week programs incorporate proven therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to empower you to regain control. Maintaining a client-to-clinical team ratio of 8:1, we emphasize holistic recovery, encompassing physical health enhancement, financial literacy, and relationship restoration. We distinguish ourselves in the recovery field through mentorship drawn from genuine, lived experiences. In this detailed guide, we will examine what marijuana is, its history, essential facts, symptoms of abuse, effects, withdrawal, and how our specialized treatment can lead you to your “bonus round” in life.
What Is Marijuana?
Marijuana, or cannabis, refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds from the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant, containing psychoactive compounds like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and non-intoxicating cannabidiol (CBD). THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, altering mood, perception, and cognition, producing effects ranging from euphoria and relaxation to impaired coordination. Available as flower for smoking, concentrates like oils or edibles, marijuana is consumed via inhalation, ingestion, or topicals. While some states have legalized it for medical or recreational use, the DSM-5 recognizes cannabis use disorder when patterns lead to significant impairment or distress. Its addictive potential arises from THC’s impact on the brain’s reward system, fostering dependence with chronic use.
At Bonus Round Recovery, we address marijuana addiction as a valid and treatable condition, not a sign of weakness. Our programs tackle the neurobiological, emotional, and social layers of this disorder, guiding clients through detoxification and skill-building for sustained freedom. Our out-of-network model offers flexible care tailored to your unique needs.
History of Marijuana Use and Addiction
Marijuana’s history stretches over 5,000 years, with ancient Chinese texts around 2700 BCE describing its use for medicine and fiber. In India and the Middle East, it held ritualistic roles in Hinduism and Islam by 2000 BCE. Spanish explorers introduced it to the Americas in the 16th century, where it became “hemp” for ropes and textiles, while psychoactive use grew in Mexico and the Caribbean. The 19th century saw cannabis tinctures in Western pharmacopeias for pain and insomnia, but U.S. anti-immigrant sentiments led to the 1937 Marihuana Tax Act, effectively criminalizing it amid exaggerated “Reefer Madness” campaigns.
The 1960s counterculture revived recreational use, prompting the 1970 Controlled Substances Act’s Schedule I classification. Medical advocacy gained ground in the 1990s, with California’s 1996 legalization sparking a wave; by 2025, 24 states permit recreational use, and 38 allow medical access, per the National Conference of State Legislatures. Yet, rising potency (THC levels from 4% in 1995 to over 15% today) correlates with increased addiction rates, as noted in NIDA studies. Our founders’ journeys through addiction provide clients with relatable insights into marijuana’s evolving grip, emphasizing compassionate, informed recovery.
Key Facts About Marijuana Addiction
Marijuana addiction, though often downplayed, affects a significant portion of users and intersects with mental health trends. Here are key facts:
- Prevalence: About 18 million Americans used marijuana in the past month as of 2024, with 4 million meeting criteria for cannabis use disorder; youth initiation rates remain high despite legalization.
- Health Impacts: Daily use doubles schizophrenia risk in vulnerable individuals and impairs lung function similar to tobacco; edibles delay onset, increasing overdose-like intoxication.
- Potency Surge: Modern strains average 20-30% THC, versus 4% in the 1980s, heightening addiction and psychosis risks, per JAMA Psychiatry.
- Demographics: Young adults 18-25 show the highest use (35%), with co-use with alcohol or nicotine common; women face unique risks like cyclical vomiting syndrome.
- Economic and Social Costs: Addiction contributes to workplace absenteeism and traffic fatalities; U.S. treatment admissions for cannabis rose 20% from 2019-2023.
- Legal Shifts: As of November 2025, federal rescheduling to Schedule III is under review, potentially easing research but not addressing addiction’s toll.
These facts underscore the importance of professional support. At our facility, we integrate current data into personalized plans, enhancing recovery efficacy through evidence-based practices.
Symptoms of Marijuana Abuse and Addiction
Recognizing marijuana abuse early prevents deeper entrenchment. Symptoms follow DSM-5 criteria for cannabis use disorder, with at least two in a year signaling concern:
- Using more or longer than planned.
- Repeated unsuccessful quit attempts.
- Excessive time spent acquiring, using, or recovering.
- Cravings disrupting daily life.
- Neglecting responsibilities or roles.
- Persistent use despite interpersonal or health conflicts.
- Forfeiting social or recreational activities.
- Hazardous use, like driving impaired.
- Tolerance requiring higher amounts.
- Withdrawal upon reduction.
Other indicators include memory lapses, amotivational syndrome, or secrecy around use. Our pre-screening confidentially uncovers these, paving the way for targeted intervention.
Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Marijuana Abuse
Short-Term Effects: Marijuana induces altered senses, time distortion, increased appetite, dry mouth, red eyes, and impaired short-term memory or motor skills. High doses can trigger anxiety, paranoia, or hallucinations, particularly in novices or with potent edibles.
Long-Term Effects: Chronic use alters brain development in adolescents, reducing IQ by up to 8 points and raising mental health risks like depression or psychosis. Respiratory issues from smoking mimic tobacco’s harms, while cognitive deficits in attention and learning persist post-abstinence. Dependency disrupts dopamine regulation, leading to anhedonia; fertility impacts include reduced sperm count in men and menstrual irregularities in women. Overall, it correlates with lower educational and occupational attainment.
Our programs employ medical evaluations to mitigate these, combining therapy for neural and emotional repair.
Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms
Marijuana withdrawal emerges 1-2 days after heavy use cessation, peaking in the first week. Symptoms include irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances, appetite loss, abdominal pain, sweating, and depressed mood. Cravings and restlessness can endure 2-4 weeks, with “cannabis hyperemesis syndrome” causing severe vomiting in long-term users. Though not typically life-threatening, it motivates relapse without support.
In our PHP, we oversee symptom management, advancing to IOP for behavioral tools to navigate discomfort.
Treatment Options for Marijuana Addiction
Marijuana treatment relies on psychotherapy, as no FDA-approved medications exist, though nabiximols or antidepressants may aid symptoms. CBT challenges distorted beliefs about use, motivational enhancement therapy builds commitment, and contingency management rewards abstinence. Mindfulness-based relapse prevention draws on DBT principles for urge surfing. Group support like Marijuana Anonymous fosters accountability.
At Bonus Round Recovery, our 12-week programs weave these with individualized coaching. Daily groups instill connection, weekly sessions explore origins, and aftercare links to community resources.
Why Choose Bonus Round Recovery for Marijuana Addiction Treatment?
In a diverse recovery arena, our founder-guided model excels through deep empathy and commitment. With 10-15 average clients, we ensure focused, relational care. Our “bonus round” mindset turns setbacks into stepping stones, surpassing one-size-fits-all approaches.
We ease entry barriers like stigma with welcoming assessments, supporting insurance and cash pay pathways.
Start Your Recovery Journey Today
A healthier, happier life is within reach. At Bonus Round Recovery, we are dedicated to helping individuals break free from the pervasive hold of marijuana addiction, so they can rediscover clarity, motivation, and genuine purpose. Our goal is to provide every person who enters our programs with exceptional, personalized care in a supportive and empowering environment.
To learn more about how we can support your path forward or to begin your journey to recovery today, give us a call or visit our admissions page.