As laws concerning the consumption of cannabis are relaxing and the drug is becoming more socially acceptable, cases of cannabis use disorder are increasing. While cannabis generally doesn’t present the type of immediate health dangers that “harder” drugs like heroin and meth do, more and more people are discovering that cannabis is far from innocuous, particularly in the potent forms that are offered today. Furthermore, use of the drug can drastically exacerbate existing mental health conditions. The dual diagnosis treatment program at Creative Care helps individuals heal from their cannabis use disorder while treating their underlying mental health disorders simultaneously. To learn more about our residential dual diagnosis program, call us today.
Cannabis use disorder is a mental health condition in which individuals continue their cannabis use despite the deleterious effect it has on their lives.
Cannabis, also commonly known as marijuana and weed, is a plant containing the psychoactive chemical, THC. Users smoke, vape, or otherwise ingest this chemical to achieve a euphoric or relaxing “high.” This relaxing feeling makes cannabis an attractive choice for those attempting to self-medicate mood, anxiety, and personality disorders. Despite commonly held beliefs, cannabis users can develop a tolerance to the chemical as well as withdrawal symptoms in its absence.
The symptoms of cannabis use disorder include signs of cannabis intoxication, negative behaviors associated with problematic cannabis use, and cannabis withdrawal symptoms.
- Bloodshot or glassy eyes
- Impaired motor skills
- Dry mouth
- Short-term memory loss
- Trouble controlling cannabis use
- Problems at work, school, or in relationships caused by cannabis use
- Continuing to use cannabis despite these problems
- Increased tolerance to cannabis
- Withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing cannabis use, including decreased appetite, heavy sweating, particularly at night, headaches, mood swings, irritability, and depression
Most mental health conditions, including cannabis use disorder, are the product of both genetic and environmental factors. Individuals with a family history of substance abuse or who witness substance abuse in the household at a young age are at increased risk for cannabis use.
Cannabis use disorder also has strong connections to co-occurring mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. It also often occurs in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder, or who have experienced trauma during childhood.
The high prevalence of cannabis use with other mental health conditions makes dual diagnosis treatment a particularly effective option. A dual diagnosis approach can untangle the web caused by cannabis use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Clients learn to recognize triggers to cannabis use and develop positive coping strategies in its stead. Meanwhile, their therapist takes them to the roots of their depression, anxiety, or other condition to heal them at the source.
Creative Care has over 30 years of experience helping individuals manage and overcome co-occurring substance use conditions like opioid use disorder. For compassionate, innovative treatment, call Creative Care today.