We have our regular potheads, and then we have those that might have a problem.
It’s pretty self-explanatory, really. Cannabis use disorder is a condition in which users are unable to give up the drug despite it being the source of their social and health issues. We have the regular potheads who toke every day, and then we have those who toke every day, if you get my drift.
What are the symptoms? Here’s a checklist.
The following is a list of what you should keep in mind. Rule of thumb: If any two or more of the following apply to you, you may consider seeing a doctor to see if have a cannabis use disorder. The severity of this disorder may increase with the number of symptoms you experience.
- You consume more cannabis than you had intended to. Alternatively, you may have been using it longer than you intended.
- You are unable to limit or regulate your use. Or you wish you could just stop all the time.
- It takes a lot of time to obtain cannabis, use it, and recover from its effects.
- You're craving cannabis like crazy.
- Your primary tasks at home, at work, or at school are no longer possible.
- Even when your cannabis use is negatively impacting your relationships, you continue to use.
- You no longer participate in significant activities due to your cannabis use.
- When using cannabis in hazardous situations, you do so.
- You continue to use cannabis despite being aware that it's having a negative impact on your physical or mental health.
- Over time, you either get less effect from the same amount of cannabis or need more and more of it to have the same effect. We refer to this as tolerance.
- When you reduce or quit using cannabis, you experience uncomfortable side effects. We refer to this as withdrawal.
How does one treat a cannabis use disorder?
Drug education, group therapy, and one or more forms of counselling are the best bets for treatment. Medications are also used.
The focus of treatment extends beyond drug usage. It aids in easing the feelings of rage, annoyance, melancholy, and disappointment that frequently accompany drug cessation.
Your treatment takes into account other aspects of your life.
- How are your relationships with your family and friends?
- What's happening at work and in school?
- Do you experience health issues?
- How do you currently live?
Therapy aids in problem identification and management. A drug addiction impacts your entire circle. A common component of treatment is family counselling and follow-up care.
Here's a helpful page with links to resources if you think you might be having problems.
According to one study, roughly 30% of marijuana users suffer from a marijuana use disorder. One additional study found that there is a 10% chance of addiction for cannabis users.
Those who begin using marijuana in their youth or adolescence and who use it more frequently are at a higher risk of developing a marijuana use disorder.
