Introduction
Drug addiction is a critical medical issue that challenges and threatens individuals’ well-being and public health. While the majority of drug addicts, about 70%, have been linked to alcohol use, a significant percentage (nearly 40%) are associated with other illicit drug use disorders (Nawi et al., 2021). The issues are even further challenging as Nawi et al. (2021) identify that most people grappling with these issues have not yet sought potential intervention to restore their lives to normalcy. Regardless of how grim this might look, there is hope, as 75% of people who try to reach for help succeed in recovery (Millar et al., 2021). At the core of this analysis, the paper focuses on cannabis use disorder, among the most rampant drug addictions threatening individuals’ and societies’ well-being.
Cannabis use disorder, sometimes shortened as CUD, has raised heated debate over the years among scholars as they seek to find the best way to clarify it in the large scale of mental issues affecting millions worldwide. While the previous DSM edition depicted it as two distinct issues, cannabis dependence and abuse, the recent version (DSM-5) has finally introduced it as a psychological issue (Degenhardt et al., 2018). It might be a complex endeavor to bring its concepts to light, but this study unfolds its symptoms, defining characteristics, underlying factors, and a meticulously tailored recovery plan.
Overview
Within the convoluted concepts of substance-related disorders, cannabis use disorder is a compelling force that can trap individuals with its alluring nature. DSM-5 illuminates this issue, clearly illustrating what it means to develop CUD. Central to its description, DSM-5 associates cannabis addiction with a problematic pattern of urging to use marijuana (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). However, the impacts of such an urge increase until one becomes consumed in it regardless of the overwhelming consequences it might bring to their life.
While individuals who use it justify their action on the relief they get after its consumption, overdoing it has been associated with multiple problems. Many of these issues include the inability to meet family obligations, work, and potential relationship damages. According to WHO, the impact of this drug is even severe as it can cause impairments of cognitive development. This means that the consumption of marijuana can hinder individuals’ learning capabilities.
In addition, the American Psychiatric Association (2022) shows that cannabis interferes with psychomotor performance in diverse tasks, as it leads to divided attention and impairments of one’s judgment and has been associated with over 50% of traffic crashes. This is attested by Lira et al. (2021), who found that over 25% of accidents linked to vehicle fatalities are people tested positive for cannabis. Furthermore, CUD is associated with other mental problems, with significant depression and anxiety issues in the spotlight (Ritvo, 2023). These issues underscore the need to develop a proper intervention plan to help people escape the overreaching impacts of this deadly mental condition.
Symptoms
While there are several ways to view the signs and symptoms of a cannabis use disorder, a more direct route to express it is a continuous use of marijuana that leads to health or other associated problems for the user. People who suffer from CUD will continuously seek and use the drug despite the clear consequences they see and their actions’ impacts on their families (Brubacher et al., 2020). They will not value their relationship with the people they love even if they recognize the significance of connecting well with others. Moreover, a straightforward way to identify cannabis use disorder is when one tries to quit but fails (Degenhardt et al., 2018).
They will always crave it and spend much of their time and money getting the plant to feel good. Furthermore, potential signs of cannabis use disorder can include tolerance to the plant and withdrawal when one tries to quit it permanently (Schluter et al., 2022). These are substantial signs that can help individuals using cannabis to identify if they are addicted or not.
Etiology
Etiological forces shaping cannabis use disorder are intricate, converging from genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and neurobiological mechanisms. Genetic studies underline the hereditary nature of addiction susceptibility, with specific genes influencing an individual’s vulnerability. American Psychiatric Association (2022) also indicated that whenever addressing issues associated with marijuana addiction, it is imperative to recognize that it links to biological inheritances, with about 50% of the risks associated with genetics.
However, there are also environmental factors, spanning social networks and cultural norms, all of which intersect with genetic predispositions to trigger individuals toward cannabis dependence. Moreover, neurobiological mechanisms, notably involving the endocannabinoid system, have also been found to perpetuate the cycle of consumption of cannabis (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). Despite the overwhelming challenges associated with the meant problem, it is critical to understand that reinforcing the need for comprehensive intervention can be the ultimate solution.
Recovery Plan
The path to recovery from cannabis use disorder can be challenging, especially in its requirement to include a comprehensive approach that addresses the multifaceted dimensions of addiction and its healing. Even with convoluted steps, there is hope. Studies indicate the rise of cannabis addiction at the current time, with about 10% of the global population using this drug. That does not mean there is no intervention to help those who have called for one, as many users have sought treatment and succeeded (Ritvo, 2023). The Recovery Plan in this analysis, structured into three pivotal subheadings (logic, treatment plan, and issues in treatment), serves as a compass to guide individuals toward wellness and wholeness.
Logistics
The Logistics section of the recovery plan focuses on organizing a treatment strategy for CUD within a group or individual counseling setting. The primary objective is to enhance the effectiveness of the recovery process as the process takes significant approaches needed to tailor the treatment to the specific needs of the target population. In this case, the chosen model of treatment is group counseling. Group counseling has several benefits that transcend the conventional implications expected from the treatment strategies. However, much of its strengths lies in the capacity to include peer support, shared experiences, and a sense of community (Schluter et al., 2022). This makes it a viable strategy in this case.
The treatment plan will be focused on young adults. Classifying them as such can be challenging, but the treatment plan mainly targets those aged 18 to 30. According to studies, this is the most vulnerable group to develop cannabis addiction, justifying why the demographic has been chosen (Montoya & Weiss, 2018). In addition, this choice is backed by the desire to align with the analysis’s emphasis on early intervention (Schluter et al., 2022).
At the initial stages of the treatment, a thorough assessment of each participant’s history will be the priority to attain success. Ritvo (2023) emphasizes that it should be closely followed by an analysis of the severity of addiction, which can be either mild, moderate, or severe based on the participants’ signs. Moreover, examining co-occurring disorders embodies effective and credible intervention in dealing with cannabis addiction, as previous analysis has shown how it can be associated with depression and anxiety (Ritvo, 2023). This assessment will guide the customization of the treatment plan, ensuring its appropriateness for each individual.
Treatment Plan
The Treatment Plan delineates the structure and progression of the recovery journey for young adults with CUD. Recognizing that recovery is a gradual process, the plan spans twelve weeks, encompassing weekly group sessions lasting 90 minutes each. The treatment plan is organized into three distinct phases.
Engagement and Education (Weeks 1-4)
During this initial phase, the treatment approach is set to assist participants in comprehending the convoluted notions that define cannabis addiction. Thus, members will comprehensively understand various concepts studies suggest are appropriate to shed light on the issues. This list can be long and target CUD’s physiological and psychological implications and potential long-term consequences. Psychoeducation will focus on raising awareness and fostering insight among participants.
Skills Development (Weeks 5-8)
This will be the second stage after the group members’ engagement. It is focused on fundamental insights, far more intricate than before, as participants are assumed to have already comprehended the issues. However, they will be clarified and equipped with essential coping skills, stress management techniques, and healthier alternatives to cannabis use (Schluter et al., 2022). Cognitive-behavioral strategies will be incorporated as a reinforcement to the skill development process. It is a critical step to challenge maladaptive thought patterns and enhance self-regulation, making it a necessary endeavor.
Relapse Prevention and Integration (Weeks 9-12)
The final phase emphasizes formulating personalized relapse prevention plans, identifying triggers, and cultivating a strong support network. Participants will be empowered to navigate challenges and sustain their progress through effective coping mechanisms.
Issues in Treatment
The Issues in Treatment segment delves deeply into the challenges confronting implementing the recovery plan for young adults with CUD. However, addressing this section requires considering co-morbidity and screening techniques implemented to attain a reliable outcome. Co-morbidity, when a participant showcases signs of more than CUD, underscores the significance of having an agile and flexible approach that can handle diverse issues (Ritvo, 2023). Psychological struggles, encompassing anxiety and depression, are the core areas that will require high emphasis as they often coexist with CUD (Brady et al., 2021).
However, the ability to make a remarkable impact calls for a collaborative effort among mental health specialists to synergize a comprehensive approach targeting CUD and its concurrent co-morbidities. In addition, deploying the standardized Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test (CUDIT) for precise participant selection enhances the recovery plan’s effectiveness by gauging addiction severity and guiding treatment decisions. This strategic screening method functions as a pivotal compass, navigating the complex landscape of CUD intervention.
Conclusion
The comprehensive recovery plan outlined in this paper has laid a critical step targeted to addressing cannabis use disorder. Its strength comes to light by emphasizing a structured and holistic approach. The analysis shows how it is aimed to unfold the fundamental principles that define the issue, coping skills, fighting withdrawal, and addressing problems that might impose barriers to success. Moreover, incorporating group counseling has been linked to viable success. Combining it with a phased treatment approach and considering co-morbidity and accurate screening is a testament to the promising path towards overcoming the challenges posed by CUD and achieving a healthier, more fulfilling life.
References
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