Is There Treatment for Cannabis-Induced Psychosis?
Cannabis Induced Psychosis (CIP) is a condition that can occur in some individuals who use marijuana. While it is relatively rare, it is important to recognize the potential risks associated with marijuana use. As the legalization and potency of marijuana increase, the number of people experiencing cannabis induced psychosis or related negative health issues may also rise. In this article, we will explore what cannabis induced psychosis is, its symptoms, causes, and available cannabis induced psychosis treatment options.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a cannabis-related health crisis, do not hesitate to contact your doctor or emergency medical services.
What is Cannabis Induced Psychosis?
Psychosis is a set of symptoms that often accompany serious mental illnesses. While various psychoactive substances can trigger psychosis, including cannabis, it is more commonly associated with substances like cannabis, psilocybin mushrooms, LSD, and others. Cannabis induced psychosis is a form of substance induced disorder that leads to mental health issues caused by marijuana use.
The symptoms of cannabis induced psychosis are characterized by a break from reality. Three common symptoms of psychosis include:
- Disassociation: A sense or perception of being disconnected from the world around them, feeling as if they are not in their body or that the things around them are not real.
- Hallucinations: Auditory or visual sensations experienced by a person that are not real. In some cases, other senses such as touch and smell can also be affected.
- Delusions: False beliefs that can be proven to be false, such as feeling immortal or thinking that everyone is out to get you.
Cannabis induced psychosis, sometimes referred to as marijuana psychosis, involves a break from reality, with symptoms that first appear during or shortly after marijuana use.
Understanding Cannabis Induced Psychosis Symptoms
While marijuana is often touted as medicinal, it can actually worsen the symptoms of existing mental health conditions. Individuals battling anxiety disorders or certain types of depression may experience more intense symptoms due to the psychoactive properties of weed.
In addition to delusions, hallucinations, and disassociation, there are other indicators that a person might be experiencing cannabis induced psychosis. These symptoms may include:
- Confused thoughts, making it difficult to concentrate or think clearly
- Disorganized speech that comes out garbled, jumps around to different topics, and is difficult for others to make sense of
- Behavioral changes that cause a person to behave, react, or express emotion in ways that appear inappropriate given the circumstances
- Lack of an appropriate emotional response, as well as being unemotional or unresponsive
- Feelings of grandiosity or paranoia
- Withdrawal from family, friends, work, or school
- Rapid mood swings, from depressed or anxious to angry or agitated
Risk Factors for Cannabis Induced Psychosis
Several risk factors can make a person more susceptible to developing cannabis induced psychosis. These factors include:
- Age: Research suggests that marijuana use at a young age can increase the chances of cannabis induced psychosis and other mental health issues later in life. This is especially true for teenagers, as their brains are still developing.
- Genetics: People with a genetic family history of mental illness or substance use disorders may be at a greater risk of developing mental health issues related to using marijuana.
- THC Potency: THC, the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, plays a significant role in the development of cannabis induced psychosis. Strains of marijuana with a high percentage of THC may be more likely to induce psychotic symptoms.
- Frequency and Duration of Use: Regular and long-term marijuana use can increase the likelihood of experiencing signs and symptoms of cannabis induced psychosis.
It is important to note that even though cannabis use is common, individuals who fall into one or more of these risk-factor categories may be more susceptible to developing cannabis induced psychosis.
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Duration of Cannabis Psychosis Recovery
The duration of cannabis induced psychosis recovery can vary from person to person. In most cases, the symptoms tend to subside shortly after the drug has worked its way out of the body or when a person stops using marijuana. However, the duration of psychosis can range from minutes to years, depending on the severity of the condition.
For individuals who experience cannabis induced psychosis, it is crucial to seek medical attention and stop all marijuana use. Stopping cannabis use may not be easy for those who are dependent or addicted to the drug. In such cases, substance addiction treatment may be necessary to address underlying problems that contribute to addictive marijuana use and cause psychotic symptoms.
Treatment of Cannabis Induced Psychosis
The treatment of cannabis induced psychosis typically involves a multi-faceted approach. The primary goal is to stop all marijuana use and address underlying mental health issues. Here are some key aspects of cannabis induced psychosis treatment:
1. Medical Detoxification: In severe cases of cannabis induced psychosis, where a person may present a danger to themselves or others, immediate medical attention is needed. Detoxification may or may not be required, depending on the individual's circumstances.
2. Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Individuals who experience cannabis induced psychosis often have underlying mental health conditions. Dual diagnosis treatment, which addresses both substance use disorders and mental health issues, can be the most effective approach for recovery.
3. Behavioral Therapies: Individual therapy, group therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help individuals develop coping mechanisms, manage symptoms, and address the underlying causes of cannabis induced psychosis.
4. Medications: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms and address co-occurring mental health conditions. These medications are typically prescribed and monitored by a qualified healthcare professional.
5. Holistic Therapies: Holistic therapies such as art therapy, mindfulness and meditation, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and massage therapy can complement traditional treatment approaches and promote overall well-being.
It is important to remember that treatment for cannabis induced psychosis should be tailored to the individual's specific needs and may require ongoing support and care.
Conclusion
Cannabis induced psychosis is a relatively rare condition that can occur in some individuals who use marijuana. While the majority of cannabis induced psychosis cases are acute and temporary, it is essential to understand the potential risks associated with marijuana use, especially for individuals who have underlying mental health conditions or who are at a higher risk due to genetic factors or early marijuana use.
If you or someone you know is experiencing cannabis induced psychosis, it is crucial to seek medical attention and stop all marijuana use. Cannabis induced psychosis treatment options, such as detoxification, dual diagnosis treatment, behavioral therapies, and holistic approaches, can help individuals manage symptoms, address underlying issues, and work towards recovery.
Remember, each individual's cannabis psychosis recovery is unique, and it is important to consult with healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for cannabis induced psychosis. With the right support and treatment, individuals can find relief from symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
Sources
Help Guide- Dual Diagnosis: Substance Abuse and Mental Health
American Addiction Centers- Dual Diagnosis Rehab Treatment Centers Near Me
Red Oak Recovery- What is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
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