Marijuana, commonly referred to as “pot” or “weed,” is rapidly gaining more mainstream acceptance in American society. This acceptance is due in large part to its legalization across the country. There is a legitimate debate to be had on the merits and drawbacks of marijuana use. Whether you consider marijuana to be a harmful drug or a helpful plant, many people have severe issues with it.
Despite the hopes placed on the healing power of marijuana, one issue commonly accompanying marijuana use is anxiety. Baltimore Detox Center’s drug rehab program can help you or a loved one end marijuana use and possibly decrease feelings of anxiety.
A Possible Link Between Marijuana and Anxiety
Like any other substance or behavioral addiction, marijuana and the preoccupation with obtaining it can induce anxiety in some people. With the steady uptick of anxiety, the medical community and concerned people ask the same question: Exactly how are marijuana and anxiety linked? There is a debate on whether marijuana side effects result from individual psychology or a specific chemical interaction is taking place. It is less likely a definitive cause will be found, and more likely it’s a combination of factors, which depends on circumstances.
Some believe marijuana is a potential “cure” for anxiety, while others think marijuana worsens anxious feelings. It is hard to come to a definitive consensus on it because the answer is complicated. Marijuana has shown promise in areas such as short-term anxiety relief and pain management for some people. At the same time, it is demonstrated to cause short-term anxiety, panic, and paranoia in other people.
Some of the adverse side effects reported with marijuana use include:
- Increased appetite leading to unhealthy weight gain
- Decreased motivation
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations and psychosis
- Headaches
- Stomachaches
- Breathing problems
When someone uses marijuana, they are more likely to feel these adverse effects if they’re mentally unstable or in a stressful environment. It is hard to ignore the high probability that a person who turns to a substance does so because of a pre-existing issue they are attempting to solve on their own.
It’s difficult to say whether marijuana helps anxiety or causes it because there are many points to consider. The bottom line to remember is that marijuana is a psychoactive substance that influences perceptions, mood, and reaction times. Regardless of its impact, marijuana use shouldn’t be taken lightly.
There is a growing body of research showing that marijuana can have negative life impacts associated with long-term use. What this means is that while marijuana might be relaxing in the short term, chronic use can cause symptoms of anxiety or can make existing anxiety worse. It is also believed that marijuana causes other long-term brain complications, such as cognition issues and memory loss.
How Marijuana Is Involved in Co-occurring Disorders
Marijuana is considered a means of treatment by people who are attempting to self-medicate. Like any “chicken or the egg” debate, it can be hard to pinpoint the exact link between marijuana and mental health issues. Still, there is a definite correlation observed between marijuana misuse and mental health issues. Anxiety, depression, and even schizophrenia are often present alongside marijuana use without any perceivable benefit to the client’s condition from the drug’s usage. In cases of a suspected addiction to marijuana, it is safe to assume that this drug is taken off the table for proposed therapeutic use. It is often the case that the co-occurring disorders most commonly seen with problematic marijuana use are alleviated when an individual completes an addiction treatment.
Overcome Marijuana Use and Anxiety at Baltimore Detox Center
Baltimore Detox Center is prepared to help all clients with any dependence issues they may be struggling with. Our outstanding staff can treat marijuana and anxiety brought on by its use. Please don’t hesitate to call [Direct] today to discuss an addiction treatment plan that will work for you or someone you care about.
