Marijuana is a popular recreational drug. Many people find they are able to use it without ever becoming physically or mentally addicted, having no difficulty in quitting when they decide to discontinue use. Others, however, find themselves addicted. They try to stop smoking marijuana but are unable to, feeling a strong urge to continue use even as they wish to quit. These individuals should seek additional help.
Recognize your addiction to marijuana. As with any addiction, you cannot move forward until you’ve come to terms with the disruptive force the drug is having in your life. If you find you cannot quit even when you want to, in spite of difficulties arising due to use (such as trouble with family, friends, school or work), then you have an addiction.
Study your marijuana addiction. Note when you started using, as well as when the use became habitual. Try to understand the motivating or underlying factors that led to your continued use of the drug in spite of a desire to quit.
Abstain from old habits and friends that might entice you to continue smoking marijuana. While it may be difficult and even painful to do so, it is important to disengage from the behaviors and relationships that are feeding into your marijuana addiction.
Build a support network of positive friends and family members who want to help you kick your marijuana addiction. This will be especially helpful when you are feeling tempted to use again. Call them up and let them offer you their support and good advice.
Attend counseling. This can be either one-on-one therapy with a psychiatrist or drug counselor, or group therapy. This is particularly useful to individuals who started using marijuana to deal with some underlying and unresolved psychological issues.
Check into a drug rehab center, where you can go through detox and group or one-on-one counseling.
Attend Marijuana Anonymous meetings. They follow the same basic principles of Alcoholics Anonymous, including the 12 step program. You can find more information under the “Resources” section.