Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Cannabis Use Disorder

Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), similar to alcohol use disorder, develops slowly, and cannabis is usually referred as the gateway drug [Budney, A. J., Vandrey, R. G., Fearer, S. (2011). Cannabis. In P. Ruiz & E. C. Strain (Eds.), Lowinson and Ruiz's substance abuse: A comprehensive textbook (5th ed., pp. 226-227). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.]. Cannabis users are more likely to develop codependence to other substances such as cocaine and heroin. Therefore, it appears that early diagnosis and treatment of CUD is critical. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a recommended modality for many substance use disorders (SUDs), as well as for CUD, in order to achieve and maintain sobriety. According to Cognitive Model in CUD, it is accepted that cannabis use is a learned behavior and achievement of abstinence is also a learning process. Behavioral methods focus on interrupting the compulsive cannabis use, and rewarding successful attempts. Cognitive restructuring includes modifying unrealistic expectancies, changing maladaptive beliefs about effects of cannabis and enhancing motivations toward sobriety. In this chapter, CBT methods utilized in different stages of CUD will be explained by case examples. © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved