EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH
Cannabis use disorder?
Cannabis use disorder is a chronic brain disease characterized by compulsive use of cannabis or marijuana despite harmful consequences.
Need immediate help?
If you or someone you know is in danger of hurting themselves or someone else — or if there’s any type of health emergency — please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
How cannabis use disorder might show up
Use of cannabis/marijuana can have a significant impact on a person’s life, leading to problems at school or work and in relationships. It can also increase the risk of developing or worsening other mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
Signs and symptoms of cannabis use disorder include:
- Continuing to use cannabis/marijuana when it is negatively affecting work, school, or relationships with friends and family or despite increased in physical or emotional symptoms
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as decreased appetite, irritability or mood changes, difficulty sleeping, trouble focusing, headaches, or cravings
- Spending a lot of time using, thinking about using, or getting access to cannabis/marijuana
- Increasing use of cannabis/marijuana because of growing dependence or need
- Struggling to quit using cannabis/marijuana
- Craving cannabis/marijuana
Need immediate help?
If you or someone you know is in danger of hurting themselves or someone else — or if there’s any type of health emergency — please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
The Centers for Disease Control cited a study that nearly 3 in 10 people have a cannabis use disorder. Because it is a common challenge for people, Rosecrance provides treatment through many programs and services, including outpatient and residential treatment. Cannabis use disorder is mostly treated through individual therapy and group therapy, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Frequently asked questions about cannabis and marijuana
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The term cannabis is used more in medical references, as it encompasses all products from the cannabis plant, which includes more than 100 compounds or cannabinoids. Marijuana includes parts of the plant that are often dried such as flowers, stems, and leaves that contain tetrahydrocannabinol, more commonly known as THC.
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To put it simply, marijuana alters the brain through chemical manipulation. THC attaches to receptors in the brain, where it triggers chemical reactions that create a sense of relaxation and bliss. The brain responds by shutting down receptors to resist this chemical manipulation. This creates over time a situation where the brain will only function optimally when under marijuana’s influence. The risk of addiction increases for individuals who start using cannabis/marijuana at younger ages.