Contents
Cannabis Use Disorder is a diagnosable medical condition that occurs when someone uses cannabis to the point where it causes problems in their life.
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Introduction
Cannabis use disorder is a diagnosis used to describe problematic cannabis use that leads to clinically significant impairment or distress. It is defined as a problematic pattern of cannabis use leading to significant impairment or distress in at least two areas of functioning, as indicated by at least two of the following criteria :
-Cannabis is often taken in larger amounts over a longer period of time than 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.
-Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use cannabis.
-Recurrent cannabis use resulting in failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.
-Continued cannabis use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused by, or exacerbated by, the effects of cannabis.
-Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of cannabis use.
-Recurrent cannabis use in situations in which it is physically hazardous.
-Cannabis use continues despite knowledge of having persistent physical and/or psychological problems that are likely to have been caused by, or exacerbated by the effects of cannabis (for example: using while aware that one must operate heavy machinery; continuing to smoke despite asthma).
-Tolerance as defined by either (1) a need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve desired effect(s), OR (2) markedly diminished effect with continued injections at the same dose level
-Withdrawal symptoms occur when stopping after prolonged and/or heavy substance abuse
What is Cannabis Use Disorder?
Cannabis Use Disorder is a medical diagnosis characterized by a problematic pattern of using cannabis that leads to clinically significant impairment or distress. The disorder is identified in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and has been found to be a valid and reliable diagnosis.
Prevalence
Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) is a diagnostic term used by some health care professionals to describe a problematic pattern of using cannabis that leads to clinically significant impairment or distress.1
CUD is defined in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)2 as a problematic pattern of cannabis use that leads to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by at least two (or more) of the following 11 criteria, occurring any time in the same 12-month period:
Criteria 1: Cannabis is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
Criteria 2: There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control cannabis use.
Criteria 3: A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain, use, or recover from the effects of cannabis.
Criteria 4: Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use cannabis.
Criteria 5: Recurrent cannabis use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.
Criteria 6: Continued cannabis use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of cannabis.
Criteria 7: Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of cannabis use.
Criteria 8: Recurrent cannabis use in situations in which it is physically hazardous (e.g., driving an automobile).
Criteria 9: Cannabis use continues despite knowledge of having a persistent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused by, or exacerbated by, the substance.
Criteria 10: Tolerance, as defined by either (1) needing markedly increased amounts of cannabis to achieve intoxication; OR (2) markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount.
Criteria 11: Withdrawal manifestations occur when stopping (or reducing) heavy and prolonged [daily] use after physical dependence has developed addiction potentialities according to DSM-5
Risk Factors
Cannabis use disorder is a real and increasing problem. The main risk factor for developing cannabis use disorder is starting to use cannabis at a young age. Other risk factors include having friends or family members who use cannabis or having other mental health disorders. Some people are more likely to develop cannabis use disorder than others, but anyone can develop it.
Treatment for cannabis use disorder is available and should be sought if you or someone you know is struggling with it.
Symptoms
Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is defined as a problematic pattern of cannabis use that leads to clinically significant impairment or distress.1 Cannabis use disorder occurs when an individual continues using cannabis despite experiencing negative consequences associated with its use. These negative consequences may include problems with one’s physical or mental health, social life, or ability to function at work or school.
The symptoms of CUD can be divided into four categories:4
• Impairment in daily life activities: Cannabis use interferes with an individual’s ability to meet work, school, or family obligations.
• Risky use: Cannabis is used in potentially hazardous situations (e.g., driving while under the influence of cannabis).
• Social problems: Cannabis use leads to conflict with friends and family members or gets an individual in trouble with the law.
• Tolerance and withdrawal: An individual needs to use increasing amounts of cannabis to get the desired effect and experiences withdrawal symptoms when not using cannabis (e.g., irritability, trouble sleeping, restlessness).
Treatment
Cannabis Use Disorder is a medical condition that is characterized by a continued use of cannabis despite the negative consequences it causes in a person’s life. Cannabis use can lead to a number of problems, including poor work or school performance, financial difficulties, and relationship problems. If you or someone you know is struggling with Cannabis Use Disorder, there is help available.
Pharmacological Treatment
There are currently no medications approved for the treatment of cannabis use disorder, though researchers are investigating a few potential options.
Some people who have difficulty quitting cannabis on their own may benefit from counseling or therapy, either one-on-one or in a group setting. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps people recognize and change negative patterns of thought and behavior, may be particularly helpful.
Cannabis use disorder is a diagnosable condition that requires treatment. Research has shown that people who get treatment for cannabis use disorder are more likely to quit using cannabis and are less likely to experience negative outcomes related to their cannabis use.
There are a number of different types of treatment for cannabis use disorder, but the most effective approach is a comprehensive one that includes both psychosocial and pharmacological interventions.
Psychosocial interventions for cannabis use disorder include individual and group counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, contingency management, and family therapy. These interventions aim to help people change their patterns of cannabis use and address the underlying psychological and social factors that contribute to problematic cannabis use.
Pharmacological interventions for cannabis use disorder include medications that can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, as well as improve impulsivity control. Medications that have been shown to be effective in treating cannabis use disorder include Naltrexone, Acamprosate, and disulfiram.
Conclusion
Cannabis use disorder is a real and serious condition that can have profound consequences for those who suffer from it. If you or someone you know is struggling with cannabis use disorder, there are resources and treatments available that can help.
