Therapy and Counseling for Cannabis Use Disorder in Colorado Springs, CO

Weed. Grass. Pot. Hash. Broccoli. Giggle Smoke. Reefer. Numerous nick names, controversies and multiple misunderstandings. It seems as if everyone has an opinion regarding if cannabis should be used; and if so, how, when and where. With so many people fiercely debating, it’s difficult to find truths and facts.

Here are some common myths:

“A person cannot become addicted.”

Research consistently shows that Cannabis is addictive.  

“There aren’t negative side effects of using Cannabis” 

Research shows there are respiratory effects, brain and mental health effects.

“Detoxing is easy”

 Cannabis stays in a person’s system anywhere from 4-50 days. This depends on the frequency of use, body fat levels, method of use and other factors.

When withdrawing from Cannabis, people tend to report:

• Nightmares
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Excessive sweating
• Tremors
• Digestive problems
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Fatigue

The truth is, up to 30% of people who use cannabis will develop a cannabis use disorder (CUD). People who begin using cannabis, or marijuana as teenagers are 4 to 7 times more likely to develop cannabis use disorder than adults. Keeping these statics in mind is important when using cannabis medically or for pleasure. When used legally and effectively, it can be something that enhances life. On the other hand, when using it more often and in greater quantities than intended, problems may arise. In this case, a person may want to cut back on their use or quit completely. In these cases, some people may find it helpful to have professional support.

The therapists at Thriveworks Colorado Springs treat Cannabis Use Disorder and have helped many people detox and live without weed.

Weed, Pot, Marijuana, Cannabis – What is it, exactly?

Cannabis is derived from the dried flowering tops, leaves, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis sativa (hemp) plant. It has been used for hundreds of years by humans for fiber (hemp), seed oils, seed, medical treatment, and recreationally. The key psychoactive substance is THC (delta-9-tetrahydro-cannabinol). The THC acts on brain cell receptors, cannabinoids, to alter the neurotransmitter release, resulting in pain relief. In addition to pain relief, people use cannabis to treat different types of medical conditions. Cannabis is similar to alcohol in that not all use is harmful or addictive. Many people use it in a legal and safe manner.

The question quickly becomes, “How much is too much?”

According to the DSM-5 (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), the official definition of Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) is:

“The use of pot regularly for a minimum of one year while also experiencing a loss of functioning and an increase in life disruptions. The lack of functioning and increase in disruptions may show themselves through at least two of the following symptoms”

Symptoms:

• Cravings for cannabis
• Ineffective attempts to cut back or stop use.
• Spending substantial time and an increased time in using cannabis (obtaining, ingesting, and recovering from use).
• Increased frequency of use.
• Experiencing personal, professional, or relational harm from weed use and continuing to use cannabis in the same way.
• Increased tolerance levels, resulting in needing more cannabis to feel similar effects as one did at the very beginning of use.
• Allowing one’s job, hygiene, school, family, or friends to suffer, due to cannabis use.
• Engaging in risky behavior, such as driving a car while high.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms during extended absences of cannabis use.

With varying degrees of addiction, the DSM-5 has a scale for CUD that relies upon the number of displayed symptoms:

Mild CUD             1 to 3 symptoms

Moderate CUD    4 to 5 symptoms

Severe CU           6 or more symptoms

Due to the subjectivity of one’s use, diagnosing oneself or a loved one based on this scale is not recommended. Speak with a professional to gain an understanding on where you or a loved one might be on the scale, regarding the cannabis use.

Risk Factors

There are several factors that may influence a person’s risk at developing cannabis use disorder:

• A family history of chemical dependency.
• A pre-existing mental health disorder or condition.
• History of tobacco or other drug use.
• Unstable relationships.
• Low school performance.
• Easy to access to pot.
• Family members who use weed.

Treatment for marijuana addiction, weed addiction, pot addiction, CUD (Cannabis Use Disorder):

When googling “marijuana detox” or something similar, many sites come up. Clearly, detoxing is a common problem and people are seeking help with it. The truth is, detoxing is only one part, the first part, of treating an addiction, regardless of the severity. And, detoxing is difficult! It can take a while, since the THC is stored in fat cells. Because this can be challenging, therapy will equip and empower people with coping strategies, to endure the withdrawal symptoms and alter their lifestyle to live without using weed.

Therapy will also allow people to explore any negative experiences and emotions which may have led them to begin using pot. Through counseling, people may be able to resolve these experiences and emotions in a healthy way.

Why choose Thriveworks Colorado Springs?

If you or a loved one is feeling it may be time to cut back or quit the use of cannabis, know that the professionals at Thriveworks are here to help. They work with people in a caring and non-judgmental manner. Their experience in working with clients who struggle with pot use/abuse is vast and wide. Every provider will ensure each person receives a unique and individualize treatment plan.

Calling to schedule an appointment with us is easy. We don’t have a wait list and we have evening and weekend appointments available. We also work with many insurance plans. We want to simplify getting help as much as possible.

Call us today: 719-266-3919

Resources:

https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/marijuana/addiction

https://www.verywellmind.com/cannabis-use-disorder-22295

https://drugabuse.com/library/marijuana-withdrawal/

https://www.drugs.com/answers/how-long-does-marijuana-stay-in-system-53067.html

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/246392.php

DSM – 5 The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition