Herb, Pot, Grass, Reefer, Weed, Hash oil, Gangster. Cannabis has sparked many slang names for itself and just as many controversies. Everyone, it seems, has an opinion about pot use, and the wide range of opinions shows in legislation. Some states have legalized its use. Some legalized medical use. Others ban it completely. No matter where people live or how they feel about it, there is one constant: some people use cannabis.
Some use it in legal and responsible ways. Others use it in illegal and irresponsible ways. Much like alcohol, it is possible to use cannabis without forming an addiction, but addictions are also fairly common, especially for people who use cannabis every day. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) acknowledges this phenomenon as Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD).
Has your cannabis use negatively affected your everyday functioning and/or relationships? If so, you may be struggling with CUD.
The therapists at Thriveworks Johnson City treat CUD, and know how to provide the support and guidance their clients need to mitigate how cannabis may be negatively affecting their lives.
What Is Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD)?
The psychoactive compound, Delta-9-TetraHydrocannabinol (THC) is contained in the stem, leaves, and buds of the cannabis plant. THC has a depressant effect in a person’s body which slows the brain-body connection. In large quantities, THC is also a hallucinogen.
Some say cannabis is not addictive, but this has proven to be a myth. About 9 percent of adults and 17 percent of teens form a dependence upon cannabis, and the percentages are higher for people who use pot on a daily basis.
DSM-5 labels the addiction as Cannabis Use Disorder, and it defines CUD as cannabis use for a minimum of one year wherein people’s daily functioning is hindered by their cannabis use. Hindered functioning is measured according to these symptoms:
- Prioritizing weed over job, hygiene, school, family, and friends.
- Substantial time dedicated to obtaining, ingesting, and recovering from pot.
- Using weed more often than intended.
- Continued weed use despite harm to oneself, family, friends, or work.
- Experiencing cravings such as dreams, images, smells, and obsessive thoughts about cannabis.
- Failed attempts to stop or lessen cannabis use.
- Mixing pot and risky behavior such as driving a car while high.
- Using more cannabis to experience the same psychoactive or hallucinogenic effect.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit use.
Not all CUD is the same, and DSM-5 quantifies CUD according to the number of displayed symptoms:
1. DSM-5 (305.20 F12.10) Cannabis Use Disorder, Mild
Mild CUD displays 2-3 symptoms.
2. DSM-5 (304.30 F12.20) Cannabis Use Disorder, Moderate
Moderate CUD displays 4-5 symptoms.
3. DSM-5 (304.30 F12.20) Cannabis Use Disorder, Severe
Severe CUD displays 6+ symptoms.
Long-term health problems may accompany CUD. Cannabis use may affect the body’s major systems, in particular its cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Pot can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Ingesting cannabis is especially harmful if someone has a pre-existing heart condition. Similarly, smoking pot is linked with many respiratory system problems. CUD may increase a person’s risk of influence, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, rhinovirus, and chronic inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.
Why Treat CUD?
Treating CUD can be a challenge. Detoxing may produce withdrawal symptoms, and learning to live without weed may involve learning new coping skills. There is no quick-fix for treating CUD, but it is often worth the effort. Many people have reported the benefits of treating their CUD, including:
- Renewed enjoyment of hobbies and interests
- Better concentration and memory
- Improved sleep
- Better relationships
- More money in the bank
- Balanced mood
- More energy
Scheduling an Appointment to Treat CUD
Think for a moment about how, when, and why you use weed. Is your use becoming more consuming and complicated? Has an occasional way to blow off steam turned into something more? If you are ready to take back control of your cannabis use, know that Thriveworks Johnson City, TN treats CUD and may provide the support you need.
If you schedule treatment through our office, here are a few things that may be helpful to know: A scheduling specialist will answer your call and help schedule your appointment. You may be able to see your therapist the day after you call. We accept many forms of insurance. Weekend and evening sessions are available.
Our aim is to provide client-centered care from the moment you call throughout your treatment. Are you ready to treat your CUD? If you are ready to start, we are ready to help. Call today.
