THC Concentrates and Addiction Risk

Cannabis is now legal in many states, as are THC concentrates, which have boomed in popularity. However, cannabis and THC concentrates can be addictive, with THC concentrates coming with a higher risk of addiction and other consequences. It’s important to understand these risks, the signs of addiction, and what help is available.

What Are THC Concentrates?

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrates are extremely potent extracts from the cannabis plant, and contain between 50% to 90% THC, compared to the 12% to 30% levels in the cannabis flower. It comes in several forms, including:

• Wax/Budder (waxy or buttery consistency)
• Shatter (glass-like)
• Oils/Honey
• Crumble

They are used in a few different ways including:

• Dabbing (Heating them on a hot surface and inhaling the vapor)
• Vaping
• Edibles or drinks
• Infused joints

Effects of THC Concentrates

THC concentrates cause many effects, some pleasurable, and some not. These effects include:

• Euphoria
• Enhanced mood
• Deep relaxation
• Increased sensory perception
• A feeling of floating
• Slowed thoughts
• Tranquility
• Trouble focusing
• Memory issues
• Paranoia
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Agitation
• Hallucinations
• Psychosis
• Impaired judgment
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Severe vomiting
• Coughing or bronchitis

THC Concentrates – Addiction Risk and Consequences

Because of the high concentrations of THC in the concentrates, the risk of THC addiction, also known as cannabis use disorder, is much higher than that of just smoking marijuana. You can also build tolerance faster, meaning that you need more and more to get the same effects, which leads to a physical dependence on the drug. This can lead to intense withdrawal symptoms when you stop using THC concentrates. Withdrawal symptoms include:

• Irritability
• Anger or aggression
• Anxiety
• Decreased appetite
• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting

Additionally, using THC concentrates can lead to mental health issues like paranoia, and acute psychosis. It can also impair cognitive functioning and memory.

Signs of THC Addiction

While only a mental health professional can formally diagnose cannabis use disorder, the clinical definition specifies 11 criteria that indicate that an addiction is present.

1. Using more THC than intended or for longer than intended
2. Wanting to reduce or stop THC use but not being able to
3. Spending excessive amounts of time using THC or recovering from using
4. Feeling cravings for THC
5. Failing to live up to responsibilities due to THC use
6. Having relationship problems because of THC use
7. Giving up activities that you enjoy in order to use THC instead
8. Engaging in risky behaviors like driving while under the influence
9. Continuing to use THC in spite of negative consequences like health issues
10. Needing more THC to get the same effects
11. Having withdrawal symptoms when you are not using THC

Having two to three of these symptoms indicates a mild cannabis use disorder, four to five is considered moderate, while six or more is severe.

Treatment for THC Concentrate Addiction

THC or cannabis addiction treatment may be inpatient, outpatient, or both, depending on the severity of the addiction.

Inpatient Treatment

An inpatient treatment program includes a period of detox, during which you are kept as comfortable as possible during withdrawal, and intensive therapy, both individually and in groups. You may also receive treatment for any co-occurring disorders that you may have, such as anxiety or depression. Medication may be part of the treatment.

Inpatient treatment is intensive, with most of your time spent in group therapy. Group therapy is crucial to the treatment process, giving you the opportunity to share your feelings and questions, learn about the nature of addiction, practice coping strategies, and interact with peers.

The type of therapy most commonly used in cannabis use disorder treatment, both individually and in groups, is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). In CBT you’ll learn to recognize your irrational thoughts and emotions and to challenge them using more reasonable, positive thinking. You’ll also learn healthy coping skills to face life’s challenges without using substances.

An example of challenging your thoughts might go like this. You think “I just need to take a break, and they I can just use THC on the weekends.” You’ll learn to recognize that this is not rational and change the thought to “I haven’t been able to control my THC use and it’s been negatively affecting my life. I have to stop completely.”

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment programs usually come in two forms.

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) allows you to live at home while attending treatment for four to six hours per day, five days a week. The program may last anywhere from four to ten weeks. The treatment involves therapy similar to that of inpatient treatment.

A PHP program is often a transitional treatment that occurs after inpatient treatment, although it can be an alternative to inpatient treatment.

The other option is an intensive outpatient program (IOP), which generally involves two to three hours of therapy three days a week for eight to twelve weeks. Often, treatment sessions are in the evenings so that you can still go to work or school during the day. Treatment, again, may involve individual and group cognitive behavioral therapy.

IOPs can be standalone treatments, or they can be attended after inpatient treatment, a PHP, or both.

Comprehensive Treatment

The most effective treatment for cannabis use disorders, particularly if they are severe, is a comprehensive treatment program that involves an inpatient program, a PHP, and an IOP. Research shows that success rates increase the longer people remain in treatment.

Often, people also find it helpful to attend support group meetings after treatment. Recovery is a lifelong process, and support groups give you an opportunity to interact with peers and form mutually supportive relationships.

In Closing

THC concentrates come with a higher risk of addiction than smoking marijuana and can also lead to mental health and cognitive issues. If you are struggling with THC use and think that you have an addiction, Bridges of Hope is here to help. We offer several treatment options, and are committed to providing you with individualized, compassionate care so that you can move on to a healthier, brighter future. Give us a call to learn more.