An Informal Assessment of Marijuana Use in Plain Language
Developing a ‘Cannabis Use Disorder’ feels something like a small insect accidentally being entangled in a spider’s web. At first, the insect might see it as harmless or even cozy and appealing. But as it proceeds into the web, the webbing becomes stickier and more constricting.
Gradually, the inquisitive insect struggles to move immobilized and trapped. This form of substance abuse is much the same for people who find themselves snared and led into addiction. If you’ve been engaged in marijuana use and think it might be problematic, our Cannabis Use Disorder Test can help you reflect on its impact on your life.
Catalina Behavioral Health, an industry leader in Tucson, Arizona, knows that it can be hard to tell if you’re addicted to cannabis use. We have treated many adults who found themselves with hazardous cannabis dependence after beginning with recreational or even medical use.
Keep reading to learn more about cannabis and how to use our Cannabis Use Disorder Test to self-assess whether it’s time to seek guidance from a recovery professional, whether at Catalina or at another accredited and reputable facility.
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The Cannabis Plant and Risks Chemical Dependence
The American Psychiatric Association recognizes the Cannabis plant in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a potential cause of chemical dependence.
Research shows how some people, especially those with high sensitivity to its psychoactive components who begin use during adolescence, are at increased risk for developing Cannabis Use Disorder in the long-term.
Taking the Cannabis Dependence Self-Assessment
There are several cannabis abuse screening tests. The best-known is the CUDIT – cannabis use disorders identification test, followed by the CUDIT-R, the cannabis use disorders identification test – revised. However, these evaluations are administered by psychological medicine specialists.
On the other hand, ours is a quick self-assessment that can point you in the right direction and also complements our marijuana addiction quiz for additional and more in-depth insights.
With this Cannabis Use test, you will answer yes or no to fifteen questions; each “yes” is a point. The scores will help you predict whether you need to seek treatment or have the ability to quit before your body becomes dependent. The key that explains the scores is at the bottom of the printable PDF below.
Here are the individual items asked, and a brief explanation about why each is important.
1) Do you find yourself using marijuana more often than you intend?
Cannabis use more often than planned can reveal difficulty in controlling consumption. The pattern can show how you might have shifted from casual to hazardous cannabis use.
2) Have you tried to cut down or stop using marijuana but couldn’t?
If you’ve tried to stop the substance misuse but couldn’t, it can show a developing pattern of psychological or physically hazardous dependence on your drug of choice.
3) Do you spend much time obtaining, using, or recovering from a high?
Spending too much time on drugs can lead to a lower quality of life, social problems, and a worsening addiction.
4) Do you crave marijuana when you’re not using it?
Craving cannabis is a driving factor behind an active addiction. It is a sign that recreational use appears to be turning to Cannabis Use Disorder.
5) Do you continue to use marijuana despite relationship problems?
Another of the negative consequences of cannabis use (or alcohol dependence or any drug) is the harm it does to relationships. Relationships cannot last when someone feels they can’t measure up to a substance in the eyes of someone they love.
6) Have you given up on recreational activities due to marijuana use?
This behavior illustrates how someone has swapped a positive coping mechanism to relieve stress for the negativity of using drugs.
7) Do you use marijuana in situations where it could be hazardous?
This question shows how someone may take risks they’d never take otherwise due to cannabis use. For instance, it might mean driving while using weed or alcohol or engaging in other substance abuse.
8) Has your marijuana use led to financial or legal problems?
Substance use disorder often brings with it high financial costs. Legal costs due to laws broken or a job loss due to low performance can occur.
9) Do you use marijuana to escape from problems or soothe emotions?
Some past clients who were deeply addicted to a cannabis-based drug of choice (such as flower, concentrates that are often dabbed, or edibles) reported that these drugs became like best friends who brought them great comfort. This may indicate other mental disorders being covered by the drug use.
10) Have you had decreased memory or focus since you started using it?
Cannabis Use Disorder can mean impaired concentration. You may feel forgetful, confused, or forget the right word for things.
11) Do you use marijuana in larger amounts or over a longer time than planned?
Using more cannabis than planned could show that you are no longer in control of your consumption. It suggests increased tolerance for the drug and that quitting marijuana consumption would have measurable benefits.
12) Have friends or family members expressed concern about your marijuana use?
Your loved ones have noticed changes in your behaviors. They approach you out of concern for your well-being.
13) Has your marijuana use affected your performance at work, school, or home?
Similar to question #10 about concentration, cannabis use can make you very mellow or less motivated. You put your career or education at risk in some situations.
14) Do you feel anxious if you know you won’t be able to use marijuana?
Dependency means that could be growing more reliant on marijuana. If the thought of being without it makes you feel squeamish, you have a higher potential for Cannabis Use Disorder.
15) Have you experienced withdrawal symptoms like irritability, insomnia, appetite disturbance, or restlessness when you’ve tried to quit marijuana?
These symptoms indicate that your brain may panic when you stop using, signaling withdrawal symptoms from marijuana to the rest of your body. These are why treatment facilities are the safest place to detox when you decide to quit using drugs or alcohol.
Insurance Benefits Often Cover Cannabis Use Disorder Treatment
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act of 2010, which set new criteria that made mental health services equal to services for physical well-being, care for addiction is now widely available.
Reach out to the admissions and insurance team at Catalina Behavioral Health; we will reach out to your insurer to determine your coverage. It’s time to get the care you deserve.
What Methods Can Help You Get the Tools to Overcome Substance Abuse?
Catalina Behavioral Health offers both inpatient and outpatient services.
Inpatient (residential) care is generally best for people with complex or long-term addictions. For example, a person who has an addiction to drugs plus alcohol and a dual diagnosis of depression may be a candidate for inpatient treatment.
On the other hand, outpatient care is best for working adults or college-age students with fewer complications. With outpatient, clients attend therapy several hours a day while managing daily obligations.
Regardless of what level of care you need, we provide adults with research-based treatment that can help you leave drug abuse in your past.
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Reach Out to Catalina Today for Help With Marijuana Use
If you took the screening and need more information, reach out to our team today. We are glad to answer your questions and help you decide to make addiction a distant memory. It’s time to turn the page on cannabis dependence.
Make the confidential call today, and get proven support for putting down marijuana with us now!