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VA » Health Care » Mental Health » Cannabis Use Disorder – How Veterans Can Get Help

Mental Health

Cannabis Use Disorder – How Veterans Can Get Help

Substance Use

Are you concerned about yourself or about a Veteran in a substance use-related crisis?

Get support anytime day or night

If you see someone showing symptoms of overdose or who is in immediate danger, dial 911.

If you're worried that you or a loved one is at risk of overdosing, it's important that you talk to a specialist right away. The following resources offer free, confidential support, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Veterans Crisis Line
- Call 988 and Press 1.
- Chat online.
- Text 838255.
The SAMHSA National Helpline offers confidential, free help from public health agencies that can point you to substance use treatment and information.
- Call 1-800-662-4357.

Cannabis Use Disorder

What is cannabis use disorder?

Cannabis use disorder develops in individuals who consume cannabis and are unable to stop its use despite experiencing adverse health and social consequences.

Nearly 1 in 10 Veterans have experienced cannabis use disorder at some point in their life. At the start of 2020, about 3 in 100 Veterans had been recently diagnosed with the disorder. Rates of recently diagnosed cannabis use disorder are considerably higher among Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and with other psychiatric and substance use problems.

Veterans will not be denied VA benefits because of cannabis use and are encouraged to discuss cannabis use with their VA providers. VA health care providers will record cannabis use in the Veteran’s VA medical record to have the information available in treatment planning. However, as with all clinical information, this is part of the confidential medical record and protected under patient privacy and confidentiality laws and regulations.

Signs and symptoms of cannabis use disorder

Signs of cannabis use disorder include:

Using more cannabis than intended.
Trying but being unable to stop using cannabis.
Spending a lot of time using cannabis.
Craving cannabis.
Using cannabis even though it causes problems at home, school, or work.
Continuing to use cannabis despite social or relationship problems.
Giving up important activities with friends and family members in favor of using cannabis.
Using cannabis in high-risk situations, such as while driving a car.
Continuing to use cannabis despite physical or psychological problems.
Needing to use more cannabis to get the same high.
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping cannabis use.

Take this brief and anonymous questionnaire if you are concerned about your cannabis use. Your results are completely confidential and will not be stored or sent anywhere—this is simply a self-assessment for your own use. You will have the option to print a copy of the results, either for your records or to share with your physician or a mental health professional.

This screening tool is just a guide. If your result is positive or you have concerns about your substance use, even if the screening result is negative, reach out to your health care provider.

Effects of cannabis use disorder

Cannabis use is associated with physical and mental health challenges. These problems may be caused by using cannabis, particularly if use is frequent and chronic.

The amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cannabis has increased over the past few decades. THC is the ingredient in the cannabis plant that makes the user feel “high” when smoking cannabis or eating an edible. Researchers do not yet know the full extent of the consequences when the body and brain are exposed to high concentrations of THC.

Potential medical problems for adults with cannabis use disorder include:

Chronic bronchitis.
Repeated and severe bouts of nausea, vomiting, dehydration, and stomach pain (cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome)
Impairment in short-term memory.
Impaired motor coordination and ability to perform complex psychomotor tasks, such as driving.

Potential mental health challenges include:

Psychosis, especially in genetically vulnerable populations.
Depression and suicidal thinking.
Impairment in cognitive ability, such as the ability to plan, solve problems, make decisions, or control emotions.

Chronic cannabis use also can lead to dependence and issues with withdrawal.

Treatment for cannabis use disorder

Recovery is possible. No matter what you are experiencing, treatments and resources are available. VA offers evidence-based treatments for cannabis use disorder that are proven to be effective for most people. Although there are no FDA-approved medications to treat cannabis use disorder, VA offers evidence-based, effective, non-medicinal treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational enhancement therapy. Treatments are available at your local VA medical center or clinic. In addition, assessment and treatment referral services are available at Vet Centers.