Cannabis Use Disorder Therapy and Treatment in Las Vegas, NV—Quitting Weed
Hashish. Bhang. Ganja. Marijuana. Pot. Weed. Skun. The slang names for cannabis seem endless and so do the arguments about how, where, when, and if people should use it. Within all the controversy, misinformation and misunderstandings abound. Separating myth from reality, when it comes to marijuana, can be tricky. Have you ever heard…
Marijuana is not addictive.
Or how about…
Marijuana is highly addictive.
Or maybe…
People do not get withdrawal symptoms when they quit marijuana.
Here is a more accurate picture: cannabis can be addictive, but it is similar to alcohol in that many people use it without forming a dependency. Approximately 17 percent of teens and 9 percent of adults who use marijuana develop an addiction, and 25-50 percent of people who use it daily from an addiction. Some people have a problem. Others do not. Withdrawal symptoms are similar: some people do not experience withdrawal symptoms, but many do.
Enough people have difficulty controlling their marijuana use and/or experience withdrawal symptoms that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) now recognizes Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD).
You are not alone if you find yourself using marijuana in greater amounts and more often than you want. Many people develop CUD, and therapy has helped many people regain control.
Thriveworks Las Vegas treats Cannabis Use Disorder. Our therapists have equipped many people to progress through detox and live without cannabis in their daily life.
Symptoms of Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD)
Marijuana leaves, buds, and stems contain a psychoactive compound called Delta-9-TetraHydrocannabinol or THC that slows the connection between a person’s mind and body. This is the reason cannabis affects people’s minds and moods. When ingested in larger quantities, THC can cause hallucinations.
Marijuana use is not always addictive or harmful. Distinguishing between safe use and addictive use can be difficult. How much use is too much? How often is too often?
The DSM-5 officially defines CUD and its symptoms. Think about your own cannabis use and whether your behavior falls within this definition or symptoms.
When people use cannabis on a regular basis for a minimum of one year, they may develop Cannabis Use Disorder if they also experience hindered daily functioning and heightened life disruptions from their cannabis use. These can be measures through experiencing at least two of the following symptoms:
- Spending substantial time using cannabis—obtaining it, ingesting it, and recovering from it.
- Craving weed, possibly experiencing intense dreams, psychosomatic smells, vivid images, and/or obsessive thoughts about it.
- Using pot more and more frequently.
- Continuing use despite professional, personal, or relational harm.
- Unsuccessfully attempting to curb use or quit.
- Allowing one’s job, family, school, hygiene, or friends to suffer because of pot use.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, cravings, nightmares, sweats, digestive problems, and more.
- Ingesting more cannabis to feel similar psychoactive or hallucinogenic effects.
- Mixing risky behavior and pot use such as driving a car while high.
Not all cannabis addiction is the same. DSM-5 acknowledges a scale for different levels of CUD, depending upon the displayed symptoms.
- Mild Cannabis Use Disorder displays 2-3 symptoms.
- Moderate Cannabis Use Disorder displays 4-5 symptoms.
- Severe Cannabis Use Disorder displays 6 or more symptoms.
Risk Factors
The DSM-5 recognizes that not everyone who uses cannabis will develop a disordered use. It also recognizes that some factors can increase a person’s risk. The following circumstances may increase a person’s risk for CUD:
- Lower socio-economic position.
- Family members who use marijuana.
- An abusive background.
- Family history of addiction.
- Living in a drug-tolerant culture.
- Previous tobacco use.
- Having a Conduct Disorder or Antisocial Personality Disorder.
- Easy to access to cannabis.
- Lower school performance.
- Difficult family context.
CUD Treatment
When people detox from cannabis, they may experience overwhelming emotions and/or vivid dreams. Especially if people have used marijuana to avoid dealing with difficult feelings or experiences, coming off cannabis can unleash those pent-up emotions.
Counseling may help people cope with detox and equip them to handle life’s stress in a healthier way. In the safe context of therapy, people often resolve the difficult emotions and experiences they had numbed with cannabis use.
Treating CUD is hard work, and there are no quick-fixes. However, therapy has offered people the support and structure they need to successfully treat their CUD.
Therapy at Thriveworks Las Vegas, NV
Has weed caused more and more problems in your life? Do you have this nagging feeling that it is time to quit? You do not have to detox alone. Thriveworks Las Vegas offers therapy that treats CUD.
It may be helpful to know that when you call our office, a person will answer and help you schedule an appointment. First-time clients often meet their therapist within 24 hours, and evening and weekend sessions are available. We do not put people on waitlists, but we do work with many insurance companies.
If cannabis is making your life harder, know that help is available. Let’s get started. Call today.
