Therapy for Cannabis Use Disorder in Cumming, GA—Forsyth Therapists and Counselors
Cannabis use has been in the news over the past several years as many states have legalized its use for medicinal and/or recreational purposes. But the legislation has come with much controversy, and many states do not allow for any cannabis use. Whatever the laws may be and whatever people’s opinions may be, the reality is that people use marijuana.
Some people use it legally and responsibly. Others struggle with their use. Marijuana has a reputation for not being addictive, but that is a myth. Cannabis is much like alcohol where some users form addictions while others do not. Addiction, thus, is a reality that many people face, and it is common enough that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) recognizes it as Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD).
If pot is negatively affecting your daily routine and relationships, you are not alone. Know that it is possible to treat CUD, and therapy has helped many people. Thriveworks Cumming in Forsyth County offers treatment for Cannabis Use Disorder. Our counselors understand what it takes to detox from weed and gain control over its use. If you think you could benefit from therapy for CUD, call today to schedule an appointment.
Cannabis Use and Addiction
Pot, Grass, Hash Oil, Ganger, Weed, Marijuana, Herb, Reefer. Cannabis is a plant with many slang names. Its stems, leaves, and buds contain Delta-9-TetraHydrocannabinol (THC) which is a psychoactive compound. THC makes communication between the brain and the body slow down. It can have hallucinogenic effects when ingested in large amounts.
About 9 percent of adults and 17 percent of teens who use cannabis develop a dependency to it. People who use it on a daily basis form an addiction at even greater rates: 25-50 percent.
Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) is the official name that DSM-5 has given cannabis dependency. DSM-5 defines CUD as pot usage for at least one year during which people have increased daily agitation and decreased daily functioning as measured by the presence of at least two of the following symptoms:
- Spending substantial time obtaining, ingesting, and recovering from marijuana use.
- Using more and more weed to experience the same high.
- Feeling withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit or curb use.
- Prioritizing weed over job, hygiene, family, school, and friends.
- Continuing weed use despite harm to oneself, friends, family, or work.
- Using pot more frequently.
- Craving weed, even through dreams, images, smells, and obsessive thoughts.
- Failed attempts to stop or lessen cannabis use.
- Mixing pot and risky behavior such as driving a car while high.
The official diagnosis for CUD requires a minimum of two symptoms to be present in a person’s life, but the DSM-5 also gives a range for CUD’s severity based upon the total number of symptoms presented.
- DSM-5 (305.20 F12.10) Cannabis Use Disorder, Mild: 2-3 Symptoms
- DSM-5 (304.30 F12.20) Cannabis Use Disorder, Moderate: 4-5 Symptoms
- DSM-5 (304.30 F12.20) Cannabis Use Disorder, Severe: 6+ Symptoms
Treatment for CUD
THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, is stored in the body through fat cells. Detoxing from cannabis, therefore, may take longer as the body has a harder time cleaning THC from fat cells than if it were water soluble. After detox, some people report experiencing the effects of weed for months after they stopped using it.
As cannabis is cleansed from their system, people may experience depression, insomnia, headaches, nightmares, digestive problems, sweats, and more. A common withdrawal symptom is intense emotional experiences. Some may feel depressed one moment, euphoric the next, then disgusted the next, then they begin the cycle all over again. Feelings may sweep over people, especially if they used cannabis to avoid difficult emotions or experiences.
Therapy has helped many people handle the difficulties of detox. Counseling may equip people with coping skills to survive detox and then resolve the challenging emotions they feel. Treatment for CUD is no quick-fix or silver bullet, but many people are glad they sought out help for their cannabis use. Some of the benefits they experience after treatment include,
- Restored enjoyment of hobbies and interests
- Improved memory and concentration
- Better sleep
- More money in the bank
- Better relationships
- Increased energy
- Stabilized mood
Scheduling Therapy for CUD at Thriveworks Cumming, GA in Forsyth County
Has cannabis use become more complicated and consuming in your life? Did you recognize any of the symptoms for CUD as your behaviors? If so, consider reaching out for help. Thriveworks Cumming in Forsyth County treats CUD and has appointments available.
When you schedule therapy at Thriveworks Cumming, GA a scheduling specialist (i.e., a real person) will take your call and set up your appointment. We offer evening and weekend appointments and work with many insurance providers. You may be able to see your therapist within 24 hours, but you will never be put on a waitlist (because we don’t have one).
Is it time to quit cannabis? Are you ready for help along the way? We are here for you. Call today.
