Hey Sonar:
I turned 21 back in January. Ever since then, I’ve been taking edibles almost daily. On the weekends, I smoke a couple of spliffs with my roommates.
I’m starting to feel like maybe I am doing too much bud. I don’t think I’m addicted, but I definitely want to slow down. Any thoughts?
– Signed, Puff Puff Pass
Hey P Cubed! Happy belated birthday. People who use cannabis may do so to relieve stress, help with sleep and relaxation or feel a sense of euphoria.
However, using pot frequently on a daily basis or several times a week may be a symptom of Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD).
CUD is defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) as a problematic pattern of cannabis use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, diagnosed by at least two of 11 criteria within 12 months.
According to the National Library of Medicine (March 2024), criteria may include:
- Using larger amounts or using longer than intended
- Persistent desire to cut down without success
- Excessive amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from cannabis
- Craving the use of cannabis
- Neglect of social obligations
- Continued use despite social or interpersonal problems
- Forging important social, occupational or recreational activities to use cannabis
- Continued use despite physical harm
- Continued use despite psychological problems associated with use
- Tolerance
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using cannabis
If you think you meet two or more criteria, please talk to your doctor or mental health professional. On campus, you can access the Student Health Center for substance and alcohol safety or contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
I would encourage you to check out the judgment free resources on campus. However, effective reduction strategies include:
- Taper down use. Avoid quitting cold turkey to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
- Set goals and track usage. Monitoring your progress keeps you accountable.
- Delay and distract. If you have a craving, wait 10-15 minutes to see if it passes. Call a friend or play a game on your phone.
- Portion control. Set an amount per day that you’ll use and stick to it. Use your tracker to stay accountable.
- Change up your space. Hide your bongs, papers, vapes etc. Out of sight, out of mind.
- Identify and avoid triggers. Learning to recognize social situations, emotions, or people who trigger your need to use. Learn a new coping mechanism, like exercise or journaling.
- Find a new hobby. Try to avoid boredom and triggers by learning a new skill or craft.
- Social support. Look for friends who don’t use cannabis.
- Budgeting. Use the money formally spent on cannabis to save up for a reward for meeting your goal.
A gentle reminder is that you don’t have to reduce your weed consumption alone. If you need help, it is cool to ask for it. CAPS is useful and available for us students. You can call CAPS, or schedule an appointment to meet with a counselor.
