Exploring TMS and Cannabis Use Disorder in Phoenix and Beyond
Cannabis is often thought of as “safe” or “natural,” but Cannabis Use Disorder is a real and growing problem—especially among teens and young adults. In fact, more than 6 million people in the U.S. struggle with it every year. Even though marijuana is legal in many states, including Arizona, people in Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, and Gilbert are seeing the harmful effects of marijuana addiction firsthand.
Some are using more than they want to. Others are unable to stop, even when it hurts their job, school, or relationships. And for many, traditional treatments haven’t helped.
That’s why new therapies like TMS and Cannabis Use Disorder are giving hope. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a safe, drug-free option that helps rebalance the brain and reduce cravings—making it a great marijuana addiction treatment alternative.
“Addiction is not about being broken. It’s about being human.” – Dr. Gabor Maté
What Is Cannabis Use Disorder?
It’s More Than Just “Smoking Too Much”
Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) is when someone can’t stop using marijuana even though it’s causing problems in their life. It’s not just about getting high—it’s about being stuck in a cycle that affects your brain, your mood, and your future.
People with CUD may:
- Try to quit but can’t
- Feel anxious or angry without weed
- Use more than they planned
- Lose interest in hobbies or goals
- Struggle at school or work
And they may feel guilty, tired, or even depressed when not using.
How Common Is Marijuana Addiction?
The Numbers Are Surprising
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that:
- About 30% of people who use cannabis develop Cannabis Use Disorder
- Daily users are more likely to become addicted
- The younger someone starts, the higher the risk
In Phoenix and nearby cities, this is becoming a big issue, especially with stronger weed on the market. Today’s cannabis is much more potent than it was 20 years ago. That means higher risks of dependency, mood changes, and long-term effects on memory and motivation.
The Risks of Long-Term Use
What Can Happen Over Time
Many people think weed is harmless, but long-term use can lead to:
- Memory problems
- Trouble learning or focusing
- Lower motivation (sometimes called “amotivational syndrome”)
- Mood swings
- Depression or anxiety
- Withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, irritability, and cravings
For teens and young adults, cannabis can also affect brain development. That’s why early use is especially dangerous.
How TMS and Cannabis Use Disorder Are Connected
What Is TMS?
TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. It’s a safe, FDA-approved therapy that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate parts of the brain involved in mood, decision-making, and reward.
In people with addiction, these parts of the brain don’t work as well. TMS helps “wake them up,” making it easier to resist cravings and think more clearly.
TMS is already used to treat depression, anxiety, and OCD—and now it’s being explored for people with Cannabis Use Disorder, too.
Why It Works for Marijuana Addiction
When someone is addicted to weed, their brain gets used to high levels of dopamine (the “feel good” chemical). TMS helps rebalance dopamine levels naturally, without using medication.
TMS can help:
- Reduce cravings
- Improve focus
- Lift depression and anxiety
- Help people quit for good
This makes TMS a great choice for those who want a non-medication treatment that works with the brain—not against it.
What Does TMS Treatment Look Like?
Safe, Simple, and No Meds
At a clinic like Bella Vida TMS in Phoenix, here’s what TMS looks like:
- Consultation: A provider meets with you to see if TMS is right for your needs
- Mapping: They find the best area of your brain to treat
- Daily Sessions: You come in 5 days a week for 4–6 weeks
- No Downtime: You can drive home or go back to work right after
Sessions are short—about 20 to 30 minutes—and you stay awake the whole time. Most people feel only a tapping or tingling on their head.
Real Success Stories
What the Research Says
Studies are showing that TMS may really help people with Cannabis Use Disorder:
- A pilot study from Neuropsychopharmacology found that TMS reduced marijuana use and cravings
- Other trials show better impulse control and decision-making after TMS treatment
- People using TMS also reported less anxiety and depression, which often go hand-in-hand with addiction
These results are especially exciting for people in Glendale, Scottsdale, and Gilbert who are looking for new, brain-based ways to recover.
Other Marijuana Addiction Treatment Options
It’s About Finding What Works for You
While TMS is a great option, it works best when combined with:
- Therapy (like CBT or motivational interviewing)
- Support groups (like SMART Recovery or Marijuana Anonymous)
- Healthy habits (like exercise, sleep, and nutrition)
- Family support and honest conversations
There’s no one-size-fits-all cure. But for many, TMS gives them the boost they need to take that first big step.
Should You Consider TMS?
Who It’s Best For
TMS might be a good fit if:
- You’ve tried to quit but keep going back
- You feel anxious, down, or unmotivated
- You want to avoid taking more medication
- You live in Phoenix or nearby and want help that actually works
TMS is safe, gentle, and doesn’t come with side effects like drowsiness or weight gain. And best of all, it can change the way your brain responds to weed—without you needing to rely on willpower alone.
Pass on the Grass
“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Cannabis Use Disorder is real—and it can steal your focus, your joy, and your future. But you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you’re a teen in Scottsdale, a college student in Gilbert, or a parent in Glendale, help is here.
TMS therapy may not be a magic cure, but it’s a powerful, drug-free tool that can help rewire your brain, lift your mood, and put you back in control.
