NUNP 6670 WEEK 4 DB Cannabis-Related Disorders

NUNP 6670 WEEK 4 DB Cannabis-Related Disorders

Diagnostic Criteria for Cannabis-Related Disorder Cannabis is one of the most commonly used illicit drugs in the world (Sadock, Sadock, & Ruiz, 2014). Cannabis-Related Disorders encompass five subcategories that include, cannabis-use disorder, cannabis intoxication, cannabis withdrawal, other cannabis-induced disorder, and Unspecified cannabis-related disorder (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). To be diagnosed with a cannabis use disorder, there needs to be significant disruption in a person’s functionality and at least two of the following criteria need to be met within 12 months. The first criteria are the use of more significant amounts or use over more extended periods of time. The second criteria are the relentless desire to use, or there is a failure in the ability to cut down the use. In the third criteria, a significant amount of time is spent in obtaining, using, or recovering from its effects of cannabis. The fourth criterion there is an intense desire or craving to use cannabis. In the fifth criterion, recurrent cannabis use causes the failure of the client to fulfill significant role obligations. The sixth is the continuation of cannabis use despite social or personal problems caused by the use of cannabis. The seventh criterion is the reduction or missing of important social, occupational, or recreational activities. In the eight criteria, the client continues to use, even when it is physically harmful. The ninth is having continuous use, even with having the knowledge of physical or psychological problems. The tenth criterion is the building up of tolerance, where there is a need for more copious amounts to achieve the desired effect, or there is a decreased effect of the substance with the same amounts. The last criteria are the manifestation of withdrawal symptoms when cannabis is ceased, or the need to use another substance to avoid symptoms of withdrawal (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Typically, the clinical manifestation of cannabis use disorder shows impairment in functional domains such as school, work, social or recreational, and using it in dangerous situations such as driving under the influence. Other clinical features that can be noted is the client's preoccupation with getting and using cannabis even when they are aware that it is causing issues within their lives. Psychotherapy and Psychopharmacologic Treatment The psychotherapy for a cannabis-related disorder is much like that of other substance use disorders. Because few clients seek professional assistance with treatment, studies are not well researched and published. However, the most consistent evidence validates the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) both individually and in groups, as well as individual motivational enhancement therapy (MET) (Gates, Sabioni, Copeland, LeFoll, & Growing, 2016). Even further evidence shows that when CBT and MET are used in conjunction earlier reduction in the use of cannabis was noted (Gates, Sabioni, Copeland, LeFoll, & Growing, 2016). There are no FDA approved treatments for cannabis use; however, there is newer research into potential pharmacotherapies. One of the major factors thought to potentiate the use of cannabis is anxiety. Building on that, research has looked at serotonergic agents such as buspirone as a potential treatment for cannabis use disorder (Brezing & Levin, 2017). Some trails have shown that gabapentin can help modulate the anxiety state and help reduce cravings (Gates, Sabioni, Copeland, LeFoll, & Growing, 2016).