Cannabis Use Disorder on the Rise: Understanding the Signs and Treatments
Cannabis use disorder is on the rise, affecting about 30% of users, with treatment options including therapy and support groups
Key Points
- 1Cannabis use disorder affects about 30% of users, according to the CDC
- 2EU cannabis products have higher THC levels than in the past, increasing addiction risk
- 3Treatment options include motivational interviewing, CBT, and support groups
- 4An online Reddit community offers peer support for cannabis addiction recovery
- 5Dr. Smita Das emphasizes the importance of seeking help for cannabis addiction
Cannabis use disorder, a condition where individuals develop an addiction to marijuana, is becoming increasingly prevalent, according to experts like Dr. Smita Das, an addiction psychiatrist at Stanford University. Despite the common misconception that marijuana is non-addictive, the disorder affects about 30% of users, as noted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This rise in addiction is partly attributed to the increasing potency of cannabis products available today
The European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) reports that cannabis remains the most widely used illegal drug in Europe. The average THC content in cannabis flowers sold in the EU is 11%, while concentrates can reach up to 23%. This is a significant increase from the 1960s when marijuana typically contained less than 5% THC. The higher potency is linked to a greater risk of developing cannabis use disorder, which is diagnosed using criteria similar to other substance use disorders
Cannabis use disorder is identified by symptoms such as needing more of the drug to achieve the same effect, experiencing withdrawal symptoms, and spending excessive time obtaining or using the substance. According to Dr. Das, these criteria help make the disorder more relatable and understandable. In Europe, about 0.5% of residents aged 15 to 64 were estimated to have cannabis use disorder in 2019
Treatment for cannabis use disorder includes various approaches such as motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These methods focus on helping individuals find internal motivation to change their behavior and challenge negative thought patterns. Support groups like Marijuana Anonymous also offer a community-based approach to recovery, emphasizing the importance of peer support
One example of peer support is a Reddit group founded by Dave Bushnell, a retired digital executive creative director, which has grown to 350,000 members. This online community provides a platform for individuals struggling with cannabis addiction to share their experiences and support each other. Dr. Das emphasizes that seeking help is crucial, whether through professional treatment or peer support, and reminds that legality does not equate to safety