Treating Cannabis Use Disorder in Peachtree City, GA—Therapy and Counseling
Pot, Grass, Hash Oil, Weed, Ganger, Herb, Reefer. Many states have legalized cannabis use for recreational and/or medicinal purposes, and as cannabis use has been in the news, it seems there are as many controversies about it as slang names for it.
Regardless of whether people are pro- or anti-legalization, the truth is that cannabis use is widespread. Some people and do not have any resulting problems or long-term challenges from using weed. Others do.
Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) is now recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). If marijuana use is lowering your daily functioning or causing distress, you are not alone. Many people need professional help as they control their weed use.
Thriveworks Peachtree City offers treatment for Cannabis Use Disorder. Our therapists know what it takes to detox from and live without weed.
CUD: What Is It?
The cannabis plant contains a psychoactive compound called Delta-9-TetraHydrocannabinol (THC). When ingested, THC slows the brain-body connection, and may produce hallucinogen effect. THC is found in cannabis’ stem, leaves, and buds.
Weed has a reputation for not being addictive, but this is not the whole truth. Similar to alcohol, many people use cannabis without forming a dependency. Others, however, use weed, and it becomes a problem. About 17 percent of teens who use cannabis and 9 percent of adults who use it develop an addiction. The percentages of addiction among daily users rises significantly: between 25-50 percent.
Cannabis dependency is acknowledged in DSM-5 as Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). DSM-5 defines CUD as pot use for at least one year with lowered functioning and increased agitation as shown through two or more of the following symptoms:
- Dedicating considerable time to obtaining, ingesting, and recovering from marijuana use.
- Prioritizing weed over job, hygiene, family, school, and friends.
- Experiencing withdrawal when trying to quit or curb use.
- Continued pot use despite harm to oneself, family, friends, or work.
- Using weed more frequently.
- Using greater amounts of weed to experience the same high.
- Attempting to stop or lessen cannabis use without success.
- Mixing pot and risky behavior such as driving a car while high.
- Craving weed, even through images, dreams, smells, and obsessive thoughts.
Not all cases of CUD as the same level of intensity. DSM-5 gives varying degrees of dependence, based upon the displayed symptoms.
1. DSM-5 (305.20 F12.10) Cannabis Use Disorder, Mild
Two to three symptoms suggest Mild CUD.
2. DSM-5 (304.30 F12.20) Cannabis Use Disorder, Moderate
Four to five symptoms suggest Moderate CUD.
3. DSM-5 (304.30 F12.20) Cannabis Use Disorder, Severe
Six or more symptoms suggest Severe CUD.
Treating CUD and the Benefits of Detox
Detoxing from CUD can take time because THC, the active compound in cannabis, is stored in the body’s fat cells. Cleansing it is more challenging than if it were water soluble. People who have detoxed from cannabis report feeling its effects even months after they quit.
Many people also feel withdrawal symptoms as they detox. It is normal to experience depression, insomnia, headaches, nightmares, digestive problems, sweats, and more. One common symptom is intense emotional expression. One moment people may feel euphoric, then angry, then depressed, then back to euphoric. In particular, if people have used cannabis to alleviate emotional pain, the feelings may come rushing back when they stop using weed.
Counseling has helped many people navigate the challenges of detox. Therapists may also prepare people with the coping skills they need to live life without weed.
There are no quick-fixes for CUD. Recovery may mean many challenges, but people who have overcome their CUD are often glad they did. There are many potential benefits from recovery, including…
- Better concentration and memory
- Improved sleep
- Renewed enjoyment of hobbies and interests
- More energy
- Better relationships
- More money in the bank
- Balanced mood
Scheduling Therapy through Thriveworks Peachtree City
Take a moment to think about how and when you use weed. Do you recognize any troubling habits? Is weed making your life harder? If your life is becoming more complicated and consumed with pot use, then reaching out for help may be a good option.
Thriveworks Peachtree City, GA offers therapy for CUD and have available appointments. We know it takes courage to seek help, so we have done what we can to make scheduling therapy as easy as possible: A scheduling specialist will answer your call and help you make an appointment. We have convenient after-hours appointments, but we do not keep a waitlist. Many clients see their therapist within 24 hours. We also work with most insurance companies.
Call today, and you may be able to see your therapist tomorrow.
