Pot, Weed, Grass, Hash oil, Reefer, Herb, Boom, Gangster. There are many names for cannabis, and it seems as if there are just as many opinions about its use. In some states, it is legal. In others, it is not. Others allow use only for medicinal purposes and with a doctor’s supervision. Some people use it in legal and responsible ways. Others do not. Many people struggle with dependency.
Whatever term people use for it and whatever opinion people have of it, cannabis use can be done responsibly, but it also can get out of control in people’s lives. Cannabis Use Disorder is a diagnosis recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). When people continue using weed despite serious distress or impairment, they may struggle with Cannabis Use Disorder.
If you use pot and see that it is negatively affecting your life, quitting is possible, and you do not have to do it alone. Thriveworks Knoxville, TN offers counseling for Cannabis Use Disorder, and our therapists are ready to help.
What Is Cannabis?
Cannabis is a plant that has a psychoactive compound in it called Delta-9-TetraHydrocannabinol (THC). When ingested or smoked, THC has a depressant effect. It does not necessarily cause people to feel depressed, but it slows the messages between the brain and the body. In larger doses, it can have hallucinogen effects.
While cannabis has a reputation for not being an addictive drug, this reputation is a myth. Up to 9 percent of adults and 17 percent of teens who use cannabis become addicted. Daily use of pot can be particularly problematic as 25-50 percent of daily users develop an addiction. While many people use weed without forming a dependency, enough people have formed an addiction that is recognized as Cannabis Use Disorder.
Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD)
DSM-5 defines CUD as cannabis use for at least one year with impaired functioning and increased agitation, as shown through at least two of the following symptoms:
- Using more weed, more often than intended.
- Failed attempts to stop or lessen cannabis use.
- Substantial time dedicated to obtaining, ingesting, and recovering from pot.
- Experiencing cravings such as dreams, images, smells, and obsessive thoughts about cannabis.
- Continued weed use despite harm to oneself, family, friends, or work.
- Prioritizing weed over job, hygiene, school, family, and friends.
- Mixing pot and risky behavior such as driving a car.
- Using more cannabis to experience the same psychoactive or hallucinogenic effect.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit use.
DSM-5 categorizes Cannabis Use Disorder according to the number of symptoms displayed:
1. DSM-5 (305.20 F12.10) Cannabis Use Disorder, Mild
Mild CUD occurs when an individual displays up to three symptoms.
2. DSM-5 (304.30 F12.20) Cannabis Use Disorder, Moderate
Moderate CUD occurs when an individual displays four to five symptoms.
3. DSM-5 (304.30 F12.20) Cannabis Use Disorder, Severe
Severe CUD occurs when an individual displays six or more symptoms.
Health Risks and CUD
CUD can raise a person’s risk for other long-term health difficulties. Cannabis may affect how people’s major body systems function, including their…
Respiratory System
Especially when ingested through smoking, CUD may increase people’s risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, bronchitis, serious upper respiratory infections, influenza, and rhinovirus.
Cardiovascular System
Cannabis can raise people’s heart rate and blood pressure and be especially harmful to people with pre-existing heart disease.
Reproductive System
Although the research is not completed, there is evidence that cannabis affects men and women’s reproductive health.
Benefits of Treating CUD
Many people seek treatment for their CUD and are glad they did. Each individual’s disorder has different symptoms, severity, and impact, but after treatment, many have reported similar benefits:
- Better sleep
- More energy
- Improved relationships
- Balanced mood
- More money in the bank
- Improved concentration and memory
- Renewed enjoyment of hobbies and interests
Therapy is not a quick-fix for CUD, but it’s benefits may be worth the time and effort.
Making an Appointment
Is pot giving you more trouble than highs? Has your relationship with it become more consuming and complicated? If so, it may be time for help. Therapy to treat Cannabis Use Disorder often provides the support and guidance people need to treat their addiction.
Making that first call to schedule an appointment can be difficult, and the therapists at Thriveworks Knoxville understand. We have made the processing of scheduling therapy as easy as possible.
When you call our office, a person will help you make an appointment. If you need a weekend of evening session, they are available. We also work with most insurance providers.
We do not want anything to stand in the way of you overcoming Cannabis Use Disorder. Call today.
