here’s how to spot cannabis use disorder
cannabis use disorder affects about 30 per cent of marijuana users.
may 17 2021
2 minute read
among cannabis users, adolescents are more likely to develop an addiction. /
istock / getty images plus
by: maria loreto, the fresh toast
while most people can use cannabis without developing an addiction, it is still possible to to do, an addiction that can be limiting and harmful for some.
cannabis use disorder (cud) affects about 30 per cent of marijuana users, impairing their lives to a degree that it affects their relationships and overall health.
according to the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (dsm-5) , used by mental health practitioners to diagnose mental health conditions, a person must meet two of 11 criteria to be diagnosed with cud. these are extensive and include cannabis cravings, interpersonal problems related to marijuana use and using the plant when in a dangerous situation.
among cannabis users, adolescents are more likely to develop an addiction.
studies show how important it is to understand cannabis use in adolescents given that their brains are still developing.
other factors increasing the odds of developing marijuana reliance include if people are coping with mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, as well as the influence of genetics.
it can be difficult to spot symptoms of cannabis withdrawal, although irritability, nervousness, aggression, sleep disturbances and headaches are among them. people who are addicted to cannabis may have similar experiences to those who are addicted to cigarettes, finding themselves fidgeting or needing to increase their dose over time to have the same experience they previously did.
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like all addictions, if a person finds himself or herself having arguments with family members or are putting themselves in dangerous situations because of cannabis, it’s certainly possible they have a problem.
to manage this condition, it’s important to stop usage for a period of time and to monitor the body’s response. if unable to get through a period of a week or two without using cannabis, professional assistance from a psychologist or psychiatrist may be in order.
common treatments include the use of cognitive behavioural therapy, which is regarded as a first resource for treating different addictions.
the freshtoast.com, a u.s. lifestyle site that contributes lifestyle content and, with their partnership with 600,000 physicians via skipta, medical marijuana information to the growthop.
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