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Cannabis abuse is a serious problem that can lead to addiction and other negative consequences. If you or someone you know is struggling with cannabis abuse, it’s important to understand what it is and how to get help.
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Cannabis Abuse Defined
Cannabis abuse is defined as a pattern of negative consequences resulting from the repeated use of cannabis. These consequences may be physical, mental, or social. Cannabis abuse can lead to a number of problems, including but not limited to impaired memory, sleep difficulties, and temporary psychosis.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)
In 2013, the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) was published. The DSM-5 is the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health professionals in the United States.
One change in the DSM-5 that has received a lot of attention is the inclusion of cannabis use disorder (CUD) as a diagnosable condition. CUD is defined as a problematic pattern of cannabis use that leads to significant impairment or distress.
To be diagnosed with CUD, an individual must meet at least two of the following criteria:
Cannabis is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period of time than was intended.
There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control cannabis use.
A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain, use, or recover from the effects of cannabis.
Cannabis use Causes clinically significant impairment in important areas of functioning (e.g., work, school).
Cannabis use continues despite knowledge of having persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problems that are likely to have been caused or exacerbated by cannabis use.
Cessation of Cannabis Use Results in Withdrawal Symptoms . Withdrawal from Cannabis Use Only Occurs When Used Frequently for Long Periods
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) defines cannabis abuse as a pattern of problematic use that leads to significant clinical and functional impairment. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5), people who abuse cannabis may exhibit one or more of the following behaviors in a 12-month period:
-Use despite recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused by or exacerbated by cannabis use
-Continued use despite recurrent physical or psychological problems caused by or exacerbated by cannabis use
-Tolerance, as evidenced by needing more cannabis to achieve the desired effect or effects diminishing with continued use of the same amount of cannabis
-Withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, restlessness, insomnia, nausea, or sweats, upon cessation of chronic use
-Using cannabis in larger amounts over a longer period than intended
-Persistent desire toCut down on or control cannabis use without success
-Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of cannabis
-Giving up important social, occupational?or recreational activities because of cannabis use
Prevalence of Cannabis Abuse
Cannabis Abuse is defined as a maladaptive pattern of cannabis use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress. Cannabis abuse is a growing problem in the United States. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 9% of people who use cannabis will become addicted.
The National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC)
The National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) is a nationally representative longitudinal study of the US civilian (non-institutionalized) adult population. NESARC Wave 1 was conducted by the US Census Bureau in 2001-2002 with face-to-face interviews of 43,093 individuals, 18 years and older. The response rate was 81%. Data were weighted to adjust for differences in the probability of selection and to provide national estimates.
NESARC Wave 2 followed up with respondents from Wave 1 after 4-5 years. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 34,653 respondents, aged 18 years and older, between 2004 and 2005. The overall response rate for Wave 2 was 86%. Data were again weighted to produce national estimates.
The following questions pertain to using cannabis in the past 12 months:
-Have you used cannabis?
-How often did you use cannabis?
-What was the main reason for using cannabis?
Cannabis abuse was defined as using cannabis weekly or more often, or using it for non-medical reasons.
The National Comorbidity Survey-Replication (NCS-R)
The National Comorbidity Survey-Replication (NCS-R) is a nationally representative face-to-face household survey of the English-speaking civilian noninstitutionalized population aged 18 years and older in the United States. The survey instrument included 50 items to assess DSM-IV disorders, including abuse of/dependence on cannabis, alcohol, and other drugs.
Findings from this epidemiological study indicate that the lifetime prevalence of cannabis abuse is 4.0% in the United States.16 Fewer individuals meet diagnostic criteria for abuse than for dependence, with a lifetime prevalence of 2.5%.16 Interestingly, although the number of people who meet criteria for abuse is lower than the number who meet dependence criteria, the number of people with cannabis abuse as their primary substance disorder (i.e., their only substance disorder or the substance disorder with onset first) is actually higher (1.6%) than those with cannabis dependence as their primary substance disorder (1.3%).17 This suggests that people who abuse cannabis are more likely to develop Cannabis Use Disorder than those who develop dependence without first abusing cannabis.
Symptoms of Cannabis Abuse
Cannabis is a drug that is often abused by people who are looking for a high. It can be smoked, eaten, or vaporized. Cannabis abuse can lead to short- and long-term effects, including addiction, anxiety, and paranoia. Let’s take a closer look at the symptoms of cannabis abuse.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is the handbook used by health care professionals in the United States and much of the world as the authoritative guide to the diagnosis of mental disorders. DSM-5 lists criteria for a single mental health disorder called cannabis use disorder (CUD), which is characterized by a problematic pattern of cannabis use leading to significant impairment or distress.
To be diagnosed with CUD, an individual must meet at least two of the 11 DSM-5 criteria during a 12-month period. The criteria are grouped into four categories:
1. Impaired control: Cannabis is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period of time than was intended. There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control use. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain, use, or recover from its effects. Craving or a strong desire to use cannabis can occur.
2. Social/interpersonal problems: Use has resulted in continued social or interpersonal problems, such as arguments with family members, decreased work performance, and failing to meet major obligations at home, school, or work.
3. Risky behavior: Use has led to hazardous situations, such as driving while intoxicated by cannabis. Use has resulted in legal problems, such as being arrested for driving under the influence of cannabis or for possessing cannabis.
4. Tolerance and withdrawal: Withdrawal symptoms (e.g., irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbance) occur when Stopping use after long-term (days to weeks) heavy use; OR Cannabis is taken to relieve withdrawal symptoms
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) describes Cannabis abuse as a pattern of problematic use that leads to significant impairment or distress. Cannabis abuse is also defined as using the herb in a manner that deviates from the legal regulations in your particular jurisdiction. For example, using medical Cannabis recreationally would be considered an act of abuse in most U.S. states where medical Cannabis is legal.
Cannabis abuse often results in symptoms that negatively impact a person’s ability to function in daily life. These symptoms may include:
-Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed
-Withdrawal from friends and family
-Poor performance at work or school
-Relationship problems
Treatment for Cannabis Abuse
Cannabis abuse is a growing problem in many countries. Cannabis is a drug that is made from the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant. It is usually smoked, but it can also be eaten. Cannabis abuse can lead to serious problems, such as addiction, mental health problems, and problems with learning and memory.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is the United States federal government agency responsible for conducting and supporting scientific research on the health aspects of drug use and abuse. NIDA is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases.
Cannabis abuse refers to the problematic use of cannabis that leads to negative consequences in a person’s life. Cannabis abuse can take many forms, including but not limited to: neglecting responsibilities at work or school; using cannabis in hazardous situations; legal problems associated with cannabis use; continuing to use cannabis despite social or interpersonal problems caused by its use; and continuing to use cannabis despite physical or psychological problems caused by its use.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Cannabis abuse is a serious problem in the United States. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), more than 10 percent of people who use cannabis will develop an addiction. Cannabis abuse can lead to a number of problems, including mental health problems, addiction, and difficulty functioning in school or work.
If you or someone you know is struggling with cannabis abuse, there are treatment options available. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) recommends seeking professional help from a qualified mental health provider. Treatment for cannabis abuse may include counseling, medication, and support groups.
