Therapy and Counseling for Cannabis Use Disorder in Colorado Springs, CO
The truth is, up to 30% of people who use cannabis will develop a cannabis use disorder (CUD). People who begin using cannabis, or marijuana as teenagers are 4 to 7 times more likely to develop cannabis use disorder than adults. Keeping these statics in mind is important when using cannabis medically or for pleasure. When used legally and effectively, it can be something that enhances life. On the other hand, when using it more often and in greater quantities than intended, problems may arise. In this case, a person may want to cut back on their use or quit completely. In these cases, some people may find it helpful to have professional support.
The therapists at Thriveworks Colorado Springs treat Cannabis Use Disorder and have helped many people detox and live without weed.
What Cannabis Exactly?
Cannabis is derived from the dried flowering tops, leaves, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis sativa (hemp) plant. It has been used for hundreds of years by humans for fiber (hemp), seed oils, seed, medical treatment, and recreationally. The key psychoactive substance is THC (delta-9-tetrahydro-cannabinol). The THC acts on brain cell receptors, cannabinoids, to alter the neurotransmitter release, resulting in pain relief.
In addition to pain relief, people use cannabis to treat different types of medical conditions. Cannabis is similar to alcohol in that not all use is harmful or addictive. Many people use it in a legal and safe manner.
Symptoms of Cannabis Use Disorder
Symptoms of cannabis use disorder include:
- Cravings for cannabis
- Ineffective attempts to cut back or stop use.
- Spending substantial time and an increased time in using cannabis (obtaining, ingesting, and recovering from use).
- Increased frequency of use.
- Experiencing personal, professional, or relational harm from weed use and continuing to use cannabis in the same way.
- Increased tolerance levels, resulting in needing more cannabis to feel similar effects as one did at the very beginning of use.
- Allowing one’s job, hygiene, school, family, or friends to suffer, due to cannabis use.
- Engaging in risky behavior, such as driving a car while high.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms during extended absences of cannabis use.
Risk Factors for Cannabis Use Disorder
There are several factors that may influence a person’s risk at developing cannabis use disorder:
- A family history of chemical dependency.
- A pre-existing mental health disorder or condition.
- History of tobacco or other drug use.
- Unstable relationships.
- Low school performance.
- Easy to access to pot.
- Family members who use weed.
Treatment for Cannabis Use Disorder
When googling “marijuana detox” or something similar, many sites come up. Clearly, detoxing is a common problem and people are seeking help with it. The truth is, detoxing is only one part, the first part, of treating an addiction, regardless of the severity. And, detoxing is difficult! It can take a while, since the THC is stored in fat cells. Because this can be challenging, therapy will equip and empower people with coping strategies, to endure the withdrawal symptoms and alter their lifestyle to live without using weed.
Therapy will also allow people to explore any negative experiences and emotions which may have led them to begin using pot. Through counseling, people may be able to resolve these experiences and emotions in a healthy way.
Get Help at Thriveworks Colorado Springs, CO
If you or a loved one is feeling it may be time to cut back or quit the use of cannabis, know that the professionals at Thriveworks are here to help. They work with people in a caring and non-judgmental manner. Their experience in working with clients who struggle with pot use/abuse is vast and wide. Every provider will ensure each person receives a unique and individualize treatment plan.
Calling to schedule an appointment with us is easy. We don’t have a wait list and we have evening and weekend appointments available. We also work with many insurance plans. We want to simplify getting help as much as possible. Reach out today to get started.
