When teens struggle with marijuana use, many parents ask the same questions: Is this really serious enough for treatment? What kind of help actually works? The answers lie in understanding that today’s marijuana is stronger, more accessible, and more entangled with teen mental health than ever before — and that treatment must reflect those complexities.

At Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center, the approach is not just about getting teens to stop using marijuana. It’s about understanding why they’re using it — and treating what’s beneath the surface.

“Our treatment is mental health driven.”

“Marijuana is by far the most common drug of choice among the teens we treat,” says Bryan Fikes, Co-Founder and CEO of Stonewater. “But our treatment is mental health driven. It’s not about labeling someone an addict — it’s about helping them find stability, identity, and real tools for managing anxiety, depression, or trauma.”

In other words, cannabis use is often the symptom, not the root issue. Teens turn to it to escape feelings of inadequacy, regulate emotions, or cope with undiagnosed conditions. If treatment focuses solely on stopping the behavior — without addressing the why — it rarely sticks.

Understanding Dual Diagnosis in Adolescents

Teens struggling with marijuana often meet the criteria for what’s known as dual diagnosis: a substance use disorder alongside a mental health condition. This might include:

• Generalized anxiety disorder

• Depression or dysthymia

• PTSD or unresolved trauma

• ADHD or executive functioning challenges

• Autism spectrum disorder

“Treating both at the same time is essential,” says Elizabeth Fikes, Co-Founder and Director of Outreach. “We see teens come in who’ve been misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all, and their marijuana use is really about trying to self-regulate. When we address the mental health side, the substance use starts to make more sense — and we see more sustainable progress.”

What Does Treatment Look Like?

Stonewater’s holistic approach to treating adolescent marijuana use includes:

• Psychiatric and psychological assessments to uncover co-occurring diagnoses

• Individual and group therapy rooted in trauma-informed care

• Family therapy to repair connection and improve communication

• DBT and CBT techniques for emotional regulation and behavior change

• Experiential therapy including outdoor adventure, music, and mindfulness

Jeff Noles, Clinical Director, explains: “The treatment isn’t about stripping away their freedom. It’s about helping them discover what they’re capable of without the substance — giving them actual tools and letting them practice in real time.”

A Resilient Brain, A Hopeful Future

“The adolescent brain is remarkably plastic,” says Elizabeth Fikes. “Even teens who come in resistant, disregulated, or in full psychosis — we see tremendous transformation when we stabilize them and help them learn to cope differently.”

Many teens in treatment find purpose and clarity for the first time in years. They reconnect with their families. They reclaim their goals. They begin to believe that they’re capable of more than numbing out.

What Parents Should Know

If you’re considering treatment for your teen, remember:

• It’s not about punishment — it’s about healing.

• Early intervention leads to better outcomes.

• Programs that address mental health first are often the most effective.

• Recovery isn’t just about sobriety — it’s about identity, connection, and confidence.