Marijuana is a substance that carries the risk of addiction and dependence. Though many people use it, marijuana and mental health disorders can occur, primarily if they use the drug to hide or treat their underlying condition. If you are facing these complications, now is the time to get help. Mental health treatment allows you to truly treat what’s occurring, giving you the ability to live a life that doesn’t rely on access to substances. Bayview Recovery can help to make that possible. To learn more about our services, please contact us today at 855.478.3650.
How Marijuana and Mental Health Relate
Marijuana, or cannabis, can affect a person’s mental health. When someone uses it, the drug can alter their perception of how they feel, what they are doing, and what they are thinking. In other words, it may help you to feel calm and relaxed, which may feel good, especially if you want to stop thinking about stress. However, the psychoactive component in marijuana, called THC, can also create difficulties for those battling a mental health disorder.
In some situations, there is a risk for complications, such as:
- Some people use marijuana as a way to cope with depression or anxiety. The problem is, these drugs do not work for an extended period, which means you’re still depressed and may be at higher risk of suicide.
- Some people who use marijuana are at risk for developing psychosis, an altered state of emotional wellbeing. This condition is dangerous and can lead to erratic behavior.
- There is also a link between extensive use of marijuana and the development of schizophrenia. However, some experts suggest the drug may help to bring out a condition that was already present.
- Cannabis use may help you forget about past trauma or pain for a short time. However, without treatment, these conditions can worsen over time, creating an increased risk for complications.
- Marijuana can heighten the symptoms of anxiety in some people. It can make anxiety that’s untreated difficult to manage.
If you’re suffering from a mental health condition, it’s nearly always better to seek treatment rather than turning to substances.
The Development of Co-Occurring Disorders
It is also essential to know that some people can develop addiction and dependence on this drug. While it may be less known and talked about than other drugs, it is not uncommon for a person to find themselves struggling with controlling how much of the substance they are using. When a person has an addiction and has an underlying mental health disorder, they have a co-occurring disorder. It requires very specialized care and treatment for both conditions simultaneously, as treating one without the other puts a person at a higher risk for relapse.
Make the Decision to Get Help at Bayview Recovery
Are you unsure if you have a mental health disorder or if marijuana addiction is occurring? That’s not uncommon. If you find yourself seeking out this drug to take the edge off or to help you cope with stress, trauma, or anxiety, then it is time to seek out professional help and treatment.
At Bayview Recovery, we offer support programs that can change the course of your future. You don’t have to rely on marijuana to help you get through the day. It doesn’t have to be the tool you use to manage your mental health disorder symptoms. Let us help with programs such as:
- Men’s only treatment programs
- Women’s only treatment programs
- Partial hospitalization program
- Medication-assisted treatment program
- Intensive outpatient treatment program
- Outpatient treatment program
You’re facing challenges right now with marijuana and mental health, but it doesn’t have to remain that way. You can get help to find yourself in a better place both mentally and physically. Our team at Bayview Recovery can provide you with the treatment options you need to thrive again. Reach out to us now online or call 855.478.3650 to set up a time to speak to our team.
