Using some form of cannabis (marijuana or “weed”) is extremely common. Approximately 1 in 5 people in the U.S. have used cannabis in recent years. As common as cannabis use is, and as effective as it can be for managing certain health conditions, physical dependence is possible.
Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is a substance use disorder (SUD) defined by a problematic relationship with cannabis (marijuana). According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 1 in 10 people who use marijuana (cannabis) will develop CUD.
Groups provides compassionate, evidence-based treatment for people experiencing SUD. In this article, we’ll explore six key things to know about CUD and the signs that may suggest a physical dependence on cannabis.
Signs and symptoms of cannabis use disorder
Like other SUD, CUD can look different from person to person. However, research examining the condition suggests that common symptoms include:
- A strong desire to use cannabis
- Developing a tolerance for this drug
- Taking cannabis in larger amounts than intended
- Spending a lot of time getting marijuana
- Taking more time to recover from its effects
- Continuing to use despite negative physical or psychological effects
- Avoiding social, work, and recreational activities due to usage
Other signs that you’re experiencing CUD may pop up when you try to quit or cut back on marijuana. Typically, people with this disorder find it hard to stop using marijuana. And when they do try to stop, they may experience several withdrawal symptoms, such as:
- Anger, restlessness, or irritability
- Anxious or depressed moods
- Decreased appetite
- Insomnia
- Nightmares
- Headaches
- Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
- Excessive sweating
- Tremors
The symptoms of marijuana withdrawal usually start within the first 24 to 48 hours of reduced use, and the severity depends on the person. Some people experience a handful of mild symptoms, while others may have a harder time managing them. The symptoms they feel can last a couple of weeks or more.
1. Marijuana can support health, but it can sometimes also harm it.
Many people use marijuana for medicinal purposes and to help cut down on their need for opioids or other substances. For example, it’s often prescribed to help treat chronic pain, certain diseases, symptoms related to cancer treatment, and other issues. Despite these benefits, marijuana can still be habit forming — and long-term use can negatively impact health.
SAMHSA cites several impacts that long-term marijuana use can have on health and well-being, including:
- Brain health — Cannabis can cause permanent brain changes, especially if you started using at a young age.
- Mental health — While many people use marijuana to manage mental health symptoms, research has also associated use with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, suicide planning, and psychotic episodes.
- Athletic performance — This drug can impair coordination and timing, which can mean you aren’t as agile on the field or court as you would be otherwise.
- Driving — If you drive under the influence of marijuana, you can endanger your own life and the lives of others.
- Pregnancy — Using marijuana while pregnant may impact the baby’s development, cognitive function, and cause other issues, including stillbirth.
- Lifestyle — Problematic marijuana use may increase the likelihood of relationship issues, problems at work, and generally low satisfaction in life.
2. CUD is a treatable disorder.
As with other forms of SUD, recovery from CUD is possible with the right kind of treatment and support. To date, there aren’t any FDA-approved medications for treating cannabis use. So, psychotherapy and counseling are the primary methods for treating this disorder. The treatment options for CUD typically include a combination of therapies, such as:
- Motivational interviewing (MI) — This approach identifies and encourages motivation for recovery.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) — This approach helps you replace the problematic thoughts and feelings that typically lead to marijuana use.
- Contingency management (CM) — This approach incentivizes positive behaviors with rewards.
3. Everyone’s CUD recovery journey looks a little different.
CUD recovery is a highly individualized process based on the concrete goals you’ve set for yourself. From taking better control over your health and well-being to building a supportive community, your goals will be unique to your situation.
Even if you know someone else who’s been through addiction treatment or is in recovery for another substance use disorder (SUD), your path might not look exactly the same and that’s OK.
4. Addiction is a chronic mental health condition.
Addiction is a chronic brain disorder that can be effectively managed over time. As the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) states, it involves the complex relationships between your brain circuits, genetics, environment, and life experiences.
So, you may have started using marijuana to relieve stress, feel good, or just experiment with something you’ve seen other people use. But stopping if you realize you may have physical dependence isn’t as simple as it may seem from the outside. Recovery takes time, effort, and commitment.
5. THC and CBD aren’t the same thing.
Marijuana contains both THC and CBD. THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol, and CBD stands for cannabidiol. These two main parts of the cannabis plant produce different effects. THC has psychoactive properties — it’s responsible for making a person feel “high.”
On the other hand, CBD doesn’t make a person feel high. It has a much milder effect associated with alleviating pain, anxiety, and other ailments.
For some people, CBD-only cannabis products can continue providing relief even after stopping THC use. Others may prefer to stay away from any cannabis products.
6. Having a solid support system can make a big difference.
A strong social support system can help you take the first step toward recovery and stay motivated to stick with it. Your community can help you find belonging, safety, and purpose throughout their journey.
How to support someone with CUD
If someone you love is in recovery from CUD, you can support them by:
- Providing valuable resources about addiction and recovery
- Being a shoulder to lean on when they need emotional support
- Offering words of encouragement and compassion
- Listening openly and without judgment
- Making a meal for them or asking them out for coffee
- Driving them to their support group meetings and medical appointments
- Helping them find new coping mechanisms besides marijuana to manage their mental health
Also, remember to be patient and take good care of yourself. Resources and support groups are available for family members affected by addiction. Even if you haven’t experienced an SUD, you can learn more about what your loved one may be going through and better understand your role in their recovery journey.
Reach out to Groups for SUD treatment
Overcoming addiction isn’t easy, but Groups can help your loved one every step of the way. We believe in the power of community and have built our clinical model around this concept. Even though we primarily treat members with opioid use disorder (OUD), you can still work with us if you’re also using marijuana. Many of our members have co-occurring disorders. Your care team is here to support you as they work toward your recovery goals.
Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today at 888-858-1723 for more information. We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our 130+ local offices. If Groups doesn’t offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.
