What we have to do is ask the incredibly complicated question of “what’s really going on here”?

The reason that is buried beneath your need to use the substance is what we have found to be really important. There may also be many reasons, propped up by a multitude of supporting circumstances. The order of the day is for us to figure out the root cause of the compulsion – when it first formed, how it first formed, how it has developed and then, finally – we figure out what we are going to do about it. By treating the underlying cause of the compulsion, the compulsion will start to diminish and more often than not, disappear completely.

No more fighting with it, about it, no more bad thoughts about how awful you are for doing it.

Just – gone.

Disclaimer: this is not easy (at all), but we have proven many times that it is completely possible. All we need is for you to commit to working together with us to achieve this, for you.

What is the root cause of my cannabis use?

The root cause of your substance use disorder can be just about anything – figuring it out is complicated and that’s why you cannot be expected to figure it out by yourself. Therefore, our job is to figure this out with you. We can already tell you that your compulsion is being driven by something (or a number of things) that you have experienced and may still be experiencing.

We also know that your cannabis use compulsion is uniquely yours – not your friends, partners, parents or anyone else. It resides in you and is sitting tight as a result of your history, your circumstances and your perception of your life experience! Therefore we need to work with you as an individual to figure out what is really going on and how are we going to fix it. This is largely why our various treatment programmes are genuinely individualized and our treatment process is focused predominantly on individual, one-on-one therapy sessions.

Do I need treatment? What criteria do I need to meet?

We have successfully treated countless people for cannabis use disorders, all unique and very interesting.

Athletes who have injured themselves and therefore cannot do what they have trained their whole lives for (i.e. who have lost their identity), people gifted with creativity who feel like they cannot properly create something without smoking. We have clients who have come from very wealthy families, very poor families and a number of people in between. We treat people who smoke all the time and then some who only smoke on the odd occasion, when they are angry, sad, happy, excited, depressed, anxious or nervous – and then, of course, people who fall somewhere in the middle on this spectrum.

In other words – although your case is unique, there is no need for concern. We specialize in understanding each unique case and figuring out the way forward.

In South Africa, cannabis use is legal – so what?

The consumption of weed, dagga, grass, pot (etc) is legal! Wait. So is alcohol. So are prescription meds. So is work and so is sex – mostly, as long as they don’t happen at the same time. Well, what we can conclusively confirm is this: even though these substances and behaviours are legal, they are still potentially harmful to our wellbeing and happiness, especially if misused or if we develop a dependency thereon.

The only important thing is to figure out why you are REALLY making use of the substance. Often, people do not really know – so we help them to find out what they really feel and why they do what they do. That’s what matters.

It’s actually never about the legality the mind uses specific substances because they work to solve a problem. Problematic substance use is more of a symptom of an underlying problem that needs to be helped. The substance itself be it marijuana, cocaine, heroin, alcohol or processes like gambling, porn or sex addictions are simply indicators that something is hurting the human being on an emotional or psychological level.

Medical cannabis – it’s medical, so it’s fine?

Yes, we hear this point made very often and yes, this may well be a legitimate reason for use. However the same concept applies as with the legality – we need to figure out WHY you are actually using the substance.

That is what matters.

Again, we find that people are often unaware as to why they are doing what they are doing. We will help you to figure out what is driving your use and then you can evaluate whether or not you wish to carry on or if there is another alternative. The outcome of your decision is completely up to you – our job is to help you to gain insight and information in order to be able to make the best decision for yourself.

Some facts about the forms and use of cannabis in South Africa:

Cannabis ordinarily comes in the form of leaves, seeds and stems – really, a deconstructed plant!

How cannabis is actually used, it can get rather interesting. Use can be in the form of smoking as a joint or out of a bong. Dried cannabis can be heated and e-liquids containing THC, CBD and/or CBN (all extracted from cannabis) can be used to create vapour which delivers the desired effect. Cannabis can also be eaten as a brownie, cake or even as a breadstick if you get creative enough! Concentrates are made which are known as Dab (also with many other names like honey, shatter), which are intensely and often overly effective in achieving the goal of using – this is used by means of a dab rig, ceramic pen or just a trust pin and a blowtorch. There are also oils, tinctures, suppositories, drops, etc etc etc.

Really, the presented forms and ways in which people use cannabis are extensive and we really cannot exhaustively list everything – partly because these evolve and change daily! So, if you are wondering whether or not something is cannabis-related, then give us a call and let us help you to figure it out.

Am I Addicted to Dagga?

Cannabis/dagga addiction is characterised by interferences with work, social life, feelings of guilt, withdrawal circumstances, irritability, mood/sleep problems, appetite loss, psychological cravings or general restlessness. People under stress or those suffering from mental illnesses, genetic predispositions and some adolescents are prone to potential dependence and addiction problems. In order to determine whether or not you are addicted to any substance, simply stop using the substance for a while, observe your reactions (physical and psychological responses to stopping) and call us if you need help.

While Cannabis has many redeeming properties if used in moderation it is not a completely harmless and risk-free drug. THC is a psychoactive compound that can in itself cause a wide range of detrimental psychological problems in individuals specifically in teens.
1 in 9 regular cannabis users mask deeper psychological problems like trauma, depression or anxiety by using Cannabis and consequentially can develop abnormal tolerances to the substance and can create spark behavioural or psychological “substance addiction” cycles of Cannabis use.

The development of a problem known as a marijuana use disorder can take the form of addiction in more severe cases. Recent data suggest that 30% of those who use marijuana may have some degree of marijuana use disorder. People who begin using marijuana before the age of 18 are four to seven times more likely to develop a marijuana use disorder than adults.