Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic Use Disorder and Cannabis Use Disorder

Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic Use Disorder and Cannabis Use Disorder

Cannabis use disorder is linked with two or more of the following signs and symptoms which occur within 12 months: strong craving for cannabis, unsuccessful efforts or persistent desire to control or cut down cannabis use, continued use regardless of constant interpersonal or social problems caused, tolerance as evidenced by a need for large amounts to attain desired effect and major reduced impact with continued use of similar amounts and withdrawal upon failure to take cannabis (American Psychiatric Association 2022). Sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder also presents with similar signs and symptoms as an individual tends to take them in large quantities or over an extended period than intended, there is an unsuccessful or persistent desire to control or cut back on its use, strong craving for the drug, as well as tolerance and withdrawal symptoms similar to cannabis use (Simon & Bobrin, 2023).

Both cannabis use disorder and sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder can lead to psychological dependence where substance cravings are common and the individual experiences hardship in controlling their use regardless of the negative effects caused (Harvard Health Publishing, 2022). Both disorders could result in tolerance development, resulting in increased dosage to attain the desired impact. Also, for both disorders, an instant cessation could lead to withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, and irritability (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).

A comprehensive assessment of substance use history, psychiatric evaluation, physical examination, and functional assessment could help lead to correct diagnosis. For instance, to detect cannabis use, 11-nor-9-carboxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THCCOOH) is commonly found in urine, where the THCCOOH test remains positive for several weeks even after last use (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). On the other hand, toxicological screening like bodily fluid, urinary, or serum testing can offer a definitive diagnosis for sedative or anxiolytic toxicity in the event that a history of use is unavailable (Simon & Bobrin, 2023). Also, for individuals using cannabis, physical signs like dry mouth, red eyes, and increased appetite could be detected, whereas a reduction in most autonomic nervous system functioning, like slower pulse and postural hypotension, could be detected among individuals using sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5 (Vol. 5, No. 5). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.

Harvard Health Publishing. (2022). Sedative, Hypnotic or Anxiolytic Drug Use Disorder. Harvard Medical School. https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/sedative-hypnotic-or-anxiolytic-drug-use-disorder-a-to-z

Simon, C.G. & Bobrin, B.D. (2023). Anxiolytics and Sedative-Hypnotics Toxicity. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562309/

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Compare and contrast sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder from cannabis use disorder (without the aid of a drug screen).

Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic Use Disorder and Cannabis Use Disorder

For this discussion, you will need to emphasize how comprehensive assessment could help us arrive at the correct diagnosis and what the signs and symptoms of each are.