Marijuana is often seen as harmless. It’s used socially, and for some people, it doesn’t cause major problems. But that’s not always the case. For others, it slowly becomes something they rely on.
Maybe it started as a way to relax. Maybe it helped with sleep. Over time, though, it can turn into something harder to walk away from. It affects how you think. It can change your motivation and your mood. Some people feel anxious more often. Others notice their memory slipping or their energy dropping.
At White River Recovery, we support people who want to step away from marijuana and start feeling like themselves again. Some come in ready to quit. Others just know they don’t want to keep going the way they’ve been. Wherever you are, we’re here to meet you there.
White River Recovery Centre is fully accredited by the South African Department of Health and has been rated as a 3-star rehabilitation facility by the Rehab Grading Council of South Africa (RGC).
It isn’t always obvious when something has gone too far. But there are signs that can tell you it’s time to take a closer look:
- It might feel harder to stop than you thought it would
- You may find yourself needing more just to feel the same
- Things might feel foggy, and it’s tough to stay motivated
- There could be more tension at home or work
- You’ve stopped doing things that used to matter to you
- When you’re not using, you might feel anxious or low
- Your sleep or appetite could be off
- You’ve taken risks or made choices that don’t feel like you
These aren’t signs of failure. They’re simply signs that something needs attention.
What treatment looks like at White River Recovery
We don’t follow a one-size-fits-all plan. We take time to get to know you. Then we build a path that feels realistic.
Therapy and emotional support
You’ll work with a counsellor who listens. These sessions aren’t rushed, and you’ll talk through what’s been going on and figure out what’s behind it.
Group sessions are also part of the process. These are small, honest spaces where people talk about what they’re facing. There’s no pressure to share until you’re ready. If you’ve experienced trauma, we’ll go at your pace. You don’t have to carry it alone.
Medical and mental health care
If you’re feeling anxious or depressed, we’ll help you with that too. Some people need support with sleep. Others need help managing more than one issue at once.
You’ll have access to medical staff who know how to work with addiction. That includes doctors, psychiatrists, and nurses. If medication is needed, we’ll walk through it together.
Finding steady routines
While you’re here, you’ll have a calm space to rest and reset. That includes healthy meals and time outdoors. You’ll move your body in a way that feels good. You’ll have space to slow down.
You’ll also learn simple tools to help you handle stress without turning back to old habits. We’ll help you find simple routines that make you feel more grounded and steady — ones you can take with you when you leave.
What happens after treatment
Recovery doesn’t end when you walk out the door. Before you leave, we’ll help you create a plan that feels doable. That might include staying connected to support groups, continuing therapy, or working through things with your family.
We’ll also talk about how to handle challenges when they come up because life will still be life, and having a plan helps.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
If marijuana has started to take more than it gives, it might be time to talk to someone. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own.
Reach out to White River Recovery for a private, no-pressure chat. We’ll listen, answer your questions, and help you explore what support might look like for you or someone close to you. You can call us on +27 87 250 2843 or email us at booking@whiteriverrecovery.co.za to find out more.
Frequently Asked Questions
The brain starts to adjust fairly quickly once you stop using. Studies suggest that certain brain receptors begin to return to normal within two days. For many people, a clearer head and better focus return within a few weeks. Everyone’s timeline looks a little different, but most feel noticeable changes by the one-month mark.
Here are a few common signs that the relationship with marijuana might be shifting into something more serious:
- You keep using even when it’s affecting your health or relationships
- Hobbies or daily responsibilities start to fall away
- It feels hard to cut back, and you notice some discomfort when you try
- You need more than you used to in order to feel the same
These signs don’t always show up all at once. Sometimes it’s subtle. But if you’re noticing any of these, it might be time to talk to someone.
That depends on how often it’s been used. Here’s a general idea:
- If you’ve only used once, it may clear in about three days
- For people who use a few times a week, it can take up to a week
- If you’ve been using every day, it may stay in your system for around ten days
- Long-term, heavy use can take closer to a month to fully leave your body
These numbers aren’t exact for everyone, but they give a sense of how it tends to work.
Yes. Recovery is absolutely possible. With the right support — things like counselling, medical care, and a steady routine — people can move past the grip that marijuana has on their lives. What helps is having structure, accountability, and space to figure out what led to the use in the first place. We’ve seen it happen, and we believe in the process.
