Treatment and support

Cannabis is the third most common drug of concern (after alcohol and amphetamines) reported by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people seeking alcohol or drug treatment [43453] and the second highest cause of hospitalisation due to drug use [42101].

If someone wants to give up cannabis, but they have been using it regularly, they may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, irritability, loss of appetite and upset stomach, sweating, chills and tremors, sleeping problems and nightmares [49602][26504]. These symptoms can be managed with the support of health professionals.

Counselling is the main treatment for cannabis dependence [29712]. Some people are referred to counselling through diversion programs (referred from the criminal justice system for a drug related offence). These diversion programs give people a chance to address their cannabis use as a health issue. For more information on diversion programs, see the Alcohol and Other Drugs knowledge Centre’s Justice section.