Weed. Ganja. Hashish. Mary Jane. Pot. Skun. Bhang. Flower. Marijuana. There are hundreds of nicknames for cannabis, and it seems twice as many controversies about it. With some states legalizing its use for recreational and/or medicinal use, cannabis has been in the news and on people’s minds. Amidst the debates, separating fiction and fact can be a challenge.
Some people claim, “cannabis is highly addictive, and anyone who uses it has a problem.” Others claim almost the opposite, “people cannot develop a dependency to cannabis—it’s not habit forming.”
Reality is that many people use cannabis without forming an addiction while others form a dependency, kind of like alcohol use. About 30 percent of users will become addicted, and the rates for daily users increase. If you feel like you are using weed more often and/or in larger quantities, you are not the only one. Many people struggle. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) now recognizes the struggle as Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD).
The therapists at Thriveworks Georgetown treat Cannabis Use Disorder and have provided guidance and support for many people who have detoxed from pot and learned to live without it.
Cannabis Use Disorder and Its Symptoms
Cannabis is a plant that has the psychoactive compound Delta-9-TetraHydrocannabinol (THC) in its buds, leaves, and stems. THC slows the brain’s communication with the body and has hallucinogenic effects when ingested in large quantities.
Not all cannabis use is destructive, and knowing when appropriate use has slipped into dependent use can be a challenge.
The DSM-5’s definition for Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) can clarify the difference. CUD is defined as pot use for a minimum of one year while experiencing hindered daily functioning and increased life disruptions as measured by the presence of at least two of the following symptoms:
- Trying to stop or lessen use without success.
- Using more weed to experience the same psychoactive or hallucinogenic effects.
- Experiencing cannabis cravings—possibly including psychosomatic smells, intense dreams, obsessive thoughts, and/or vivid images about it.
- Maintaining pot use despite personal, professional, or relational harm.
- Dedicating significant time to weed—obtaining, ingesting, and recovering from it.
- Allowing one’s job, school, family, hygiene, or friends to suffer because of pot use.
- Using pot at more frequent intervals.
- Feeling withdrawal symptoms while attempting to quit.
- Engaging in risky behavior while high (e.g., such as driving a car).
CUD can vary in its severity and intensity. DSM-5 gives a scale for the disorder that is based upon the number of symptoms a person displays. With Mild CUD, people experience two to three symptoms. With Moderate CUD, people experience four to five symptoms. With Severe CUD, people experience six or more symptoms.
Risk Factors for CUD
There are particular circumstances and contexts that may contribute to the likelihood of a person developing Cannabis Use Disorder. The DSM-5 acknowledges that the following factors may increase a person’s risk:
- History of abuse.
- Tobacco use.
- Low socio-economic status.
- A family history of addiction.
- Difficult family circumstances.
- A drug-tolerant culture.
- A pre-existing Antisocial Personality Disorder or Conduct Disorder.
- Poor school performance.
- Family members who use weed.
- Easy access to pot.
Treatment for CUD
The body stores, THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis, in its fat cells, making detox harder. Cleansing the body of water soluble compounds is an easier process. Detoxing from cannabis, therefore, may take time. During detox, people have felt the effects of pot for weeks or even months after their final use.
Treating CUD can be difficult, and many have overcome that difficulty with the help of therapy. Counseling has prepared many people to cope with detox and find healthier alternatives to deal with life’s stress. Therapy often treats the foundational causes of addiction and may help people resolve difficult emotions and memories.
Treatment at Thriveworks Georgetown, TX
Has your pot use become more consuming and complicated? Have you wondered if it may be time to quit, but you need support? Know that the therapists at Thriveworks Georgetown treat CUD and are ready to support you in your journey.
Appointments to treat CUD are available, and when you call our office, we want you to experience the care we provide, from the moment you dial our number. It’s why a scheduling specialist (i.e., a person) will answer your call and set up your treatment. It’s why many clients see their therapist within 24 hours of their call. It’s why after-hours sessions are available. It’s why we work with many insurance providers. We want our clients to receive the quality care they deserve.
If you are ready to treat CUD, we are ready to help. Call today.
