Many people can use cannabis without developing serious problems and seem to be able to stop easily when they need to. Some people find it more difficult to cut down or quit when they want, the same as with other drugs such as alcohol.

Although the effects of cannabis are unlike those of any other drug, the way in which dependence develops is quite similar. Using heavily (on most days) over a long period of time results in certain physical and psychological changes. The user may find that the effects of cannabis can, over time, get weaker, as they acquire tolerance to its effects. That is, they will need more of the drug to get the same effect. This is due to the body gradually adapting to the effects of the drug which contributes to physical and psychological dependence.

After some time, the user will find that they need to have a smoke to feel okay. Without cannabis in their system, they may feel certain withdrawal symptoms - these may indicate some degree of physical dependence. Some examples of these include: restlessness, irritability and anxiety; trouble sleeping; perspiration and night sweats; nausea and stomach problems and cravings and recurring thoughts about smoking.

Certain psychological symptoms may also occur if the user has not had a smoke for some time. These symptoms make it very hard to remain abstinent, and often lead people to relapse after a very short time.

If you feel that you are dependent on cannabis and need assistance with quitting the drug contact the Cannabis Information and Helpline on 1800 30 40 50. This is a telephone counseling service operated by trained professionals.

You could also to talk to the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) in your state or territory, particularly if you want to discuss other drug issues.

• NSW ADIS: (02) 9361 8000 or 1800 422 599
• VIC DirectLine: 1800 888 236
• SA ADIS: (08) 8363 8618 or 1300 131 340
• WA ADIS: (08) 9442 5000 or 1800 198 024
• QLD ADIS: (07) 3837 5989 or 1800 177 833
• TAS ADIS: 1800 811 994
• NT ADIS: 1800 131 350
• ACT ADIS: (02) 6205 4545

Some other useful helplines include the following:

• VIC: Victorian Drug User Group/VIVAIDS: (03) 9329 1500
• NT: Amity House: (08) 8944 6565 or 1800 684 372
• SA: SAVIVE: (08) 8334 1699
• WA: WA Substance Users Association (WASUA): (08) 9227 7866
• WA: Parent Drug Information Service: (08) 9442 5050 or 1800 653 203

Cannabis Clinics

NSW Health has established 5 clinics for cannabis users, with a 6th due to open in the Hunter New England Area Health Service mid 2009. The clinics offer outpatient services for people 16 years or over seeking to stop or reduce their cannabis use. Cannabis users with mental health issues and parents and carers of cannabis users are also offered support.

The clinics are located in:

• Southern Sydney at Sutherland: (02) 8536 0300.
• the Central Coast, based at Wyong Hospital with outreach to Gosford, Erina, Long Jetty, Woy Woy and Wyong: (02) 4394 7999.
• the Central West, based in Orange with outreach to Bathurst, Cowra, Forbes, Parkes and Condobolin: (02) 1300 663 433.
• the North Coast, based in Tweed Heads, Lismore and Kempsey with outreach to numerous towns along the coast and hinterland: (02) 1300 664 098.
• Western Sydney at locations in the Parramatta Area: Specialist clinics are run for ‘Cannabis Only’ at Westmead Hospital, for ‘Cannabis and Mental Health’ and ‘Cannabis and other Drug Treatment’ at the Cumberland Hospital Centre for Addiction Medicine and ‘Cannabis for young people under 25 years of age’ at FYRST STOP in Parramatta. For all clinics phone: (02) 9840 3355.

Below are some links to some treatment centres across Australia that may be able to give you some further information or assistance.

There are a range of treatment options for people with problems with their cannabis use. NCPIC does not necessarily endorse the treatment providers listed below:

Treatment Centres

• Odyssey House - provides residential and non-residential rehabilitation programs for those with a drug, alcohol or gambling problem. When appropriate, the dependant children of residents participating in the program may also receive accommodation and support to help minimise the adverse effects of their parent's problems. The treatment method used at Odyssey House is unique in that it treats addiction, drug misuse and associated types of anti-social behaviour as being symptomatic of underlying causes and manages clients accordingly.
• Palmerston Association - is one of the largest specialist non-government providers of alcohol and substance use education and counselling in Western Australia. It provides a wide variety of residential and non-residential services for individuals, families and communities. The agency operates in the community and also at its special purpose rehabilitation facility at Palmerston Farm in Wellard.
• We Help Ourselves - is a drug free therapeutic program. This is complemented by incorporating the concepts of harm minimization for substance misuse/abuse, including the spread of communicable diseases such as HIV/HCV.
• Manly Drug Education & Counselling Centre (MDECC) - MDECC provides assessment, counselling and treatment for young people (12 - 24 years) experiencing problems with their cannabis use. MDECC also provides a group program called "Trimming the Grass" for young people wishing to make changes to their cannabis use. In addition, MDECC provides counselling and group programs for parents and families affected by cannabis or other drug use.
• Narcotics Anonymous - is a nonprofit, international, community-based organisation for recovering addicts active in over sixty countries. Narcotics Anonymous members learn from one another how to live drug-free and recover from the effects of addiction in their lives. Its primary approach to recovery is the belief in the therapeutic value of one addict helping another. Members take part in meetings by talking about their experiences and recovery from drug addiction.