Cannabis Related Disorders

Cannabis use disorder is a problematic pattern of use that causes significant problems, distress, and/or impairment. The severity of this disorder is based on how many symptoms the individual is experiencing. When two to three symptoms are experienced in the past 12 months the disorder is considered mild; four to five symptoms are moderate, and six or more symptoms are considered severe.

Symptoms of a cannabis use disorder include the following:

• Larger amounts of cannabis are used over a longer period than was intended
• Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to control use
• A great deal of time is spent obtaining, using, or recovering from cannabis
• Craving or a strong desire to use cannabis
• Recurrent cannabis use when it is physically hazardous
• Continued use despite knowledge of how it is causing or exacerbating physical and/or psychological problems
• Increased tolerance for cannabis
• Withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped

Treating Cannabis Use Disorder

An addiction is a chronic behavior that causes an individual to incessantly seek out a substance or livelihood. Drug addiction is considered to be a brain disease that causes users to abuse dangerous substances without any regard for harmful consequences. Once someone realizes that they are addicted they are often in the thick of addiction. Addiction can come from drugs and alcohol or specific behaviors such as sex addiction.

Addiction to cannabis can affect motor function from the way people drive to loss of memory, carelessness, dizziness, disturbed sleep, aggressive behavior and complete disregard for anything that was once important in their lives. The signs and symptoms of cannabis use disorder don’t appear at first glance, but rather appear slowly.

Signs of possible cannabis use:

• Decreased interest in things they used to enjoy
• Withdrawn with friends and family
• Isolation
• Red eyes
• Slowed speech
• Too relaxed gait
• Low energy
• Heightened food cravings
• Motor function lowered
• Memory loss

These signs and symptoms will likely appear on a daily basis. Cannabis may cause a person to begin pulling away from family events and social interactions for fear of being found out.

At Boardwalk Recovery Center, we understand that this drug may be a gateway to others and should be taken care of as soon as addiction sets in, hopefully before it becomes difficult to manage. This drug affects those who are suffering from depression, severe anxiety, and other co-occurring disorders or personal issues.

Treatment for Marijuana at Boardwalk Recovery Center

When we speak to many of our clients and their family members in group therapy, we often hear that there is a cycle of constant back and forth before seeking out often ineffective therapy options. At Boardwalk Recovery Center, we use a comprehensive treatment approach to help you recover from marijuana abuse. Our goal is to provide treatment in a serious yet engaging manner so that clients can recover in the strongest way possible. Clients attend individual therapy sessions and 12-step meetings. The rest of the day is left for recreational activities and other positive events that support recovery.