Home Admissions Insurance Contact Call (857) 312-1697
Home / Treatments / Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana Addiction Treatment in Salem, New Hampshire

Marijuana addiction is one of the most misunderstood substance use disorders. Because it’s legal in many states and widely perceived as harmless, people who develop a genuine dependency often face dismissal instead of help. But cannabis use disorder is real, clinically recognized, and increasingly common — especially with today’s high-potency products. At Trailhead, we take it seriously, because your struggle deserves the same clinical attention as any other addiction.
24-48hr Admission Timeline
4:1 Staff-to-Client Ratio
CBT Focused Approach
Dual NH & MA Licensed
Recognize the Signs

Signs & Symptoms of Marijuana Addiction

Cannabis use disorder exists on a spectrum. Today’s marijuana products are far more potent than those from previous decades, and dependency develops more easily than most people realize.

Mild
Using more marijuana or using it more frequently than originally intended — what starts as occasional use becomes a daily routine.
Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control marijuana use, despite genuine desire to reduce consumption.
Spending increasing amounts of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of marijuana.
Continuing to use despite problems in relationships or social situations caused or worsened by marijuana.
Moderate
Increased tolerance — needing significantly more marijuana or higher-potency products to achieve the same effects.
Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home because of marijuana use or its aftereffects — the chronic fog and lack of motivation.
Giving up important activities, hobbies, or relationships in favor of marijuana use.
Using marijuana to cope with stress, anxiety, boredom, or insomnia rather than addressing those issues directly.
Severe
Withdrawal symptoms when not using — irritability, insomnia, decreased appetite, restlessness, anxiety, and physical discomfort.
Continued use despite knowledge of physical or psychological harm, including increased anxiety, paranoia, or depression.
Strong cravings or urges to use that dominate daily thinking and planning.
Inability to function normally or regulate emotions without marijuana in the system.

If any of these resonated, our clinical team can help determine the right level of care.

Get a Free Assessment

Your recovery story starts with a single call

Same-day admissions available. Most insurance accepted. Completely confidential.

Treatment Programs

Programs for Marijuana Addiction

Multiple levels of care designed to meet you where you are. Step up or down as your recovery evolves — each chapter builds on the last.

i.

Partial Hospitalization Program

Our most intensive outpatient level. Full-day programming with clinical assessments, group therapy, individual sessions, holistic activities, and daily lunch. Ideal for those whose marijuana use has become all-consuming.

Mon–Fri, 9am–3:30pm 20–30 days Lunch included
ii.

Intensive Outpatient Program

A structured step-down from PHP. Continued group therapy and individual sessions with more flexibility for work, school, or family. Morning, afternoon, or evening tracks.

Mon–Fri, 9am–12:30pm 60–90 days Switch tracks daily
iii.

Evening Professional Track

Designed for working adults who can’t attend daytime programming. The same evidence-based IOP curriculum, delivered in the evening.

Mon–Thu, 6pm–9pm For working professionals
iv.

Outpatient Program

Step-down support for continued recovery momentum. Less intensive than IOP but maintains therapeutic continuity with weekly groups and individual sessions.

1–3 sessions/week Ongoing as needed
v.

Telehealth Services

Full access to our programming from anywhere. HIPAA-compliant video sessions for groups, individual therapy, and psychiatric consultations.

Full or hybrid attendance NH & MA residents
JCAHO Accredited NH Licensed MA Licensed LegitScript Certified HIPAA Compliant
What They Say

Stories from Recovery

“[Client testimonial about marijuana recovery at Trailhead — everyone told me weed wasn’t addictive, so I felt crazy for not being able to stop. The team here validated what I was going through and gave me real tools to change.]”
— [Client Name] • Google Review
“[Client testimonial about the personalized approach — I was using concentrates daily and couldn’t sleep, eat, or function without them. My therapist helped me see the anxiety underneath it all. I haven’t used in six months.]”
— [Client Name] • Google Review
“[Family member testimonial — our daughter was smoking all day, every day, and had completely lost her motivation. The family support program helped us understand it was a real addiction and how to help without pushing her away.]”
— [Family Member] • Google Review
Why Trailhead

10 Reasons to Choose Trailhead for Marijuana Treatment

1. We take marijuana addiction seriously. Many treatment centers dismiss cannabis use disorder. At Trailhead, we recognize it as a clinically significant condition that deserves the same evidence-based approach as any other substance use disorder.

→ No judgment, no minimizing

2. Flexible scheduling across three tracks. Morning, afternoon, or evening sessions — switch daily based on your work, family, or personal commitments. Our Evening Professional Track (6–9 PM) is built specifically for working adults.

→ Switch tracks daily — no penalty
→ Switch tracks daily — no penalty

3. On-site Nurse Practitioner within 24 hours. Every client meets our NP within a day of admission for health assessment and evaluation of co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, or insomnia that often underlie marijuana dependence.

4. CBT and motivational enhancement therapy. These are the gold-standard approaches for cannabis use disorder. Our clinicians help you identify triggers, build coping skills, and strengthen your motivation for lasting change.

→ Evidence-based cannabis protocols
→ Evidence-based cannabis protocols

5. Daily DBT skills groups provide the emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness foundation that helps you manage the anxiety and restlessness that often surface when marijuana use stops.

6. Weekly individual therapy with a licensed therapist at every program level. One-on-one sessions aren’t a luxury — they’re a standard.

7. Client-driven therapy choice. CBT, ACT, 12-Step, SMART Recovery — your modality is based on your preferences and clinical needs, not a rigid curriculum.

→ Your recovery, your approach
→ Your recovery, your approach

8. Rapid admission. Multiple weekly admission opportunities. No months-long waitlists — begin programming within 24 to 48 hours of your first call.

9. A family-style environment where staff know every client by name. Shared lunches build fellowship. This isn’t a factory — it’s a family.

10. Holistic & experiential programming including yoga, meditation, breathwork, equine therapy at Blue Sky Farm, and sober recreational activities — healthy alternatives to the relaxation and stress relief marijuana once provided.

Recovery Timeline

Your Path Through Marijuana Treatment

Weeks 1–2 • Stabilization
The First Pages
The first days without marijuana can bring irritability, insomnia, decreased appetite, and anxiety. These withdrawal symptoms are real and temporary. Your first days at Trailhead focus on stabilization, meeting your team, and beginning to understand the tools that will carry you forward.
  • Comprehensive biopsychosocial evaluation
  • NP evaluation and co-occurring condition assessment within 24 hours
  • Sleep hygiene and anxiety management planning
  • Therapist and case manager assignment
Weeks 3–4 • Active Treatment
Finding Your Voice
Now the real work begins. Daily groups, individual sessions, and skill-building exercises help you understand why you became dependent on marijuana and what needs it was filling — and build healthier ways to meet those needs.
  • Daily CBT, DBT, and motivational enhancement groups
  • Weekly individual therapy sessions
  • Psychoeducation on cannabis and the endocannabinoid system
  • Relapse prevention planning begins
Weeks 5–8 • Integration
Writing New Chapters
You start applying what you’ve learned to real life. Step down from PHP to IOP. Build a support network. Discover that life without marijuana isn’t just manageable — clarity, energy, and genuine engagement with life return in ways you may have forgotten were possible.
  • Real-world skill application exercises
  • Equine therapy, hiking, sober activities
  • Family therapy and monthly support groups
  • Transition planning and aftercare coordination
Weeks 9–12+ • Maintenance
The Story Continues
Recovery doesn’t end when programming does. Outpatient support, alumni connection, and aftercare referrals ensure you’re never writing this chapter alone.
  • Step-down to OP or ongoing individual therapy
  • Alumni program enrollment
  • Sober living coordination if needed
  • External provider referrals
Our Space

Tour Trailhead

Group Room

Group Therapy Rooms

Comfortable spaces for open dialogue and therapeutic connection.

Meditation Room

Meditation Room

Quiet sanctuary for mindfulness and breathwork.

Serenity Room

Serenity Room

Private space for decompression and sensory regulation.

Dining Area

Dining Area

Where fellowship happens — shared lunches and community.

Game Room

Recreation Room

Ping pong, foosball, Xbox — recovery can be fun.

Outdoor

Outdoor Space

Fresh air and green space between sessions.

Your Team

The People Behind Your Recovery

[Clinical Director]

LCMHC, CCTP

Oversees all clinical operations at Trailhead. Specialized training in trauma processing and evidence-based addiction treatment.

* Years of clinical experience in behavioral health

[Lead Therapist]

LADC, Master’s Degree

Over a decade of experience in addiction counseling. Specializes in CBT, motivational interviewing, and individual therapy for substance use disorders.

* Combines professional credentials with lived recovery experience

[Nurse Practitioner]

APRN, Psychiatric NP

Manages psychiatric evaluations, co-occurring condition treatment, and ongoing medication management for anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. Available within 24 hours of admission.

* On-site for all PHP and IOP clients
The Local Picture

Marijuana Use in New Hampshire

Marijuana is the most widely used illicit substance in New Hampshire and across the nation. Approximately 22.5% of adults in New Hampshire report past-year marijuana use1, a figure that has risen steadily with increased availability and normalization. Among those users, an estimated 1 in 3 who use regularly develop some degree of cannabis use disorder2 — a rate that climbs significantly higher among those who began using as teenagers.

The potency of today’s marijuana products compounds the problem. Average THC concentrations have risen from around 4% in the 1990s to over 20–25% in modern flower, with concentrates reaching 80–90%3. Higher potency means faster tolerance, stronger withdrawal, and greater risk of dependency. At Trailhead, we believe treatment changes these numbers — one person at a time.
SAMHSA National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 2022–2023 estimates for New Hampshire.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Cannabis Use Disorder research summary, 2023.
DEA and NIDA marijuana potency monitoring data, 2023.
Coverage

Insurance We Accept

We work with most major insurance providers. Verify your coverage in minutes.

Provider Network Status
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield In-Network
Point 32 Health (Harvard Pilgrim) In-Network
Point 32 Health (Tufts) In-Network
Tricare In-Network
Uprise Health In-Network
WellSense (NH Medicaid) In-Network

Don’t see your provider? We may still be able to help. Call or submit the form below.

Verify Benefits

Check Your Coverage

Submit the form below and our admissions team will verify your benefits within minutes.

Your information is secure and confidential. We will never share your data.

At a Glance

Trailhead by the Numbers

Trailhead Treatment Center maintains an approximate 4:1 staff-to-client ratio, with roughly 16 staff members supporting up to 60–70 clients at any given time. Each counselor carries a caseload of about 12 clients, which means there is space — real space — for the kind of individualized attention that makes treatment work. Admissions can be completed within 24 to 48 hours of an initial call, with multiple admission windows available each week. Our facility in Salem, New Hampshire serves adults ages 18 to 80, offering co-ed programming across every level of care. We are licensed in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts, with JCAHO and CARF accreditations pending.

The hardest part is the first call

Once you make it, we handle everything else. Admissions, insurance, scheduling — all of it.

For Families

How to Help a Loved One with Marijuana Addiction

Dear Family Member,

If you are reading this, you may be feeling unsure. Society says marijuana is harmless, but you can see that something is wrong. Your loved one is different — less motivated, more withdrawn, unable to stop even when they want to. Trust what you see. Cannabis use disorder is real, and your concern is valid.

Marijuana addiction is a medical condition, not a lack of willpower. Today’s high-potency products can create genuine physical dependence, and the psychological grip — using to manage every emotion, every stressor, every moment of boredom — can be just as powerful.

Start by educating yourself. Understand how cannabis use disorder develops, how THC affects the brain, and why “just stop” is rarely helpful advice. Avoid minimizing or dismissing — but also avoid enabling by ignoring the problem or funding the habit.

Set clear boundaries with compassion. “I love you, and I’m concerned about what this is doing to your life.” Have the conversation when they are sober and calm, using “I” statements rather than accusations. Offer specific next steps: “I found a program in Salem — can we call together?”

Take care of yourself, too. Consider therapy or our monthly family education groups on Zoom. Trailhead offers individual family therapy sessions and ongoing family support — for all family members ages 18 and up, past and present clients.

With hope,
The Clinical Team at Trailhead Treatment Center
When They Won’t Go

What If They Refuse Treatment?

Resistance to treatment for marijuana is often rooted in denial that the problem is real. “It’s just weed” is the most common defense. Below, our clinical team answers the questions families ask most.

How do I convince them marijuana is actually addictive?
You don’t need to win an argument about addiction science. Instead, focus on the observable impact: “I’ve noticed you’re not sleeping well without it. I’ve noticed you’ve stopped doing things you used to love.” Focus on behaviors and consequences they can’t deny, not labels they can reject.
What if they say they can stop anytime?
This is a common defense mechanism. Rather than challenging it directly, try: “I’m glad you feel that way. Would you be open to talking to a professional about it? If they agree you don’t need help, that’s great. But let’s check.” A clinical assessment can reveal what self-assessment cannot.
Can we force them into treatment?
In most cases, no — and forced treatment tends to be less effective anyway. What you can do is set clear boundaries and follow through on consequences. “I will not support a lifestyle that revolves around getting high. I love you, and I refuse to watch you lose yourself without saying something.” Boundaries protect you and can create the conditions for them to choose help.
Is marijuana addiction really “bad enough” for treatment?
If marijuana is impairing their ability to work, maintain relationships, manage responsibilities, or experience life without being high, treatment is appropriate. There is no minimum threshold of suffering required to deserve help. Cannabis use disorder is in the DSM-5 for a reason — it is a recognized medical condition with effective treatments.
What should we do in the meantime?
Take care of yourself. Consider therapy or family support groups. Educate yourself about cannabis use disorder as a medical condition. Keep the lines of communication open without enabling. And when they’re ready — or when there’s a window of willingness, even a small one — have the information ready. We can admit clients within 24 to 48 hours of a call.

Your family deserves peace

Our family support program is open to all family members ages 18+, past and present clients.

Service Area

Marijuana Treatment Near You

Trailhead Treatment Center is located in Salem, New Hampshire — minutes from the Massachusetts border and easily accessible from communities across southern New Hampshire and northeastern Massachusetts.

103 Stiles Rd, Suites 1 & 2, Salem, NH 03079
Salem, NH Nashua, NH Manchester, NH Derry, NH Londonderry, NH Windham, NH Pelham, NH Hudson, NH Haverhill, MA Lawrence, MA Methuen, MA Andover, MA Lowell, MA North Andover, MA
Call (857) 312-1697
[Map Placeholder]
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Marijuana Treatment

Is marijuana really addictive?

Yes. Cannabis use disorder is a clinically recognized condition in the DSM-5. Approximately 9% of people who use marijuana develop dependency, rising to about 17% among those who start as teenagers and 25–50% among daily users. Today’s high-potency products make dependency even more likely than in previous decades.

• • •

What does a typical day in PHP look like?

PHP clients attend Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. A typical day includes group therapy (CBT, DBT, or ACT), an individual session with your assigned clinician, psychoeducation, holistic activities like breathwork or yoga, and lunch. You go home each evening — this is outpatient treatment, not residential.

• • •

Is there medication for marijuana addiction?

There is no FDA-approved medication specifically for cannabis use disorder. However, our Nurse Practitioner can prescribe medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Treatment focuses on behavioral therapies — particularly CBT and motivational enhancement therapy — which are the most effective approaches for marijuana addiction.

• • •

What are the withdrawal symptoms from marijuana?

Marijuana withdrawal is real and can include irritability, anxiety, insomnia, decreased appetite, restlessness, depressed mood, and physical symptoms like headaches and sweating. Symptoms typically peak within the first week and resolve within 2–3 weeks. Our clinical team provides support and symptom management throughout this period.

• • •

Will my insurance cover marijuana treatment?

Most major insurance plans cover substance use treatment, including cannabis use disorder. We are in-network with Anthem BCBS, Point 32 Health (Harvard Pilgrim and Tufts), Tricare, Uprise Health, and WellSense (NH Medicaid). Use the verification form above or call our admissions team — we can typically verify benefits within minutes.

• • •

How quickly can I start treatment?

Most clients begin treatment within 24 to 48 hours of their initial call. We have multiple admission windows each week. If your situation is urgent, same-day admission may be available when clinically appropriate.

• • •

Can I work while in treatment?

Yes. Our IOP program offers morning (9 AM), afternoon (12:30 PM), and evening (6 PM) tracks specifically designed for people who need to maintain employment. You can even switch between time slots on a daily basis. Telehealth options provide additional flexibility.

• • •

Do you treat marijuana alongside other substance use?

Yes. Many clients present with polysubstance use — marijuana alongside alcohol, opioids, or other substances. Our clinical team is trained to treat co-occurring substance use disorders as well as dual diagnosis conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma. Your treatment plan is individualized to address everything you’re dealing with.

This page is information. Treatment is action.

When you’re ready to move from reading to recovering, we’re here.

Call (857) 312-1697