Marijuana Addiction treatment Pune
Why is it important to know about cannabis induced psychosis?
Cannabis, also known as "Weed", "Marijuana", is the most commonly used illicit substance in the world. Recent trends have shown an alarming rise in the its use esp. among young population. With the sharp rise in its consumption, there has been serious emerging evidence for cannabis-related mental conditions.
Amongst many other psychiatric problems, there is a strong evidence for a correlation between cannabis use cannabis-induced psychosis (CIP). In the amidst of increasing push toward cannabis legalization in some countries, knowledge about cannabis-induced psychosis (CIP) is all the more crucial.
What is Cannabis-Induced Psychosis?
Cannabis induced Psychosis is a set of symptoms essentially triggered by the use of cannabis. The common intoxicating effects of Cannabis include a feeling of relaxation; over talkativeness; loss of inhibition; distorted perception of space and time; and reduced/improved ability to focus and remember. Other effects may include paranoia, confusion and increased anxiety. Most of these effects are short-term; some can be long-term.
In most cases, the symptoms resolve on stoppage of drug use. But for a subgroup of cannabis users, this reputation departs from reality. These people are vulnerable to a mental health condition known as cannabis-induced psychosis, which can cause a frightening break or disconnection with reality.
What are the symptoms of Marijuana psychosis or cannabis induced psychosis?
While it can be difficult to differentiate Cannabis Psychosis from other psychoses, it holds some distinguishing characteristics, which may help in its diagnosis.
They are characterised by a loss of touch with reality and include:
Delusions A delusion is a false belief that a person has in spite of evidence to the contrary. For example, a person who is delusional may believe that his neighbours have plotted conspiracy against him when in reality it is not true.
Hallucinations It is hearing of sounds, voices, and seeing images, experiencing other sensations that are not real. The person experiencing the hallucinations believes they are real. Outwardly, the person is seen as making gestures, muttering when alone.
Depersonalization/Dissociation It is a feeling of being detached from the reality. A person may feel unattached from his or her own body, or may feel as if objects and people around them are not real.
Disorganized thoughts In psychosis the thought process is very disorganised and chaotic. Other people may find it very difficult to understand what someone is saying. The speech can also be very incomprehensible and irrelevant.
Most cases of psychosis related to cannabis are acute and temporary. The symptom resolve on stoppage of drug use, but in some it can progress into a chronic psychotic conditions like schizophrenia.
How cannabis may cause the psychosis?
Cannabis contains a chemical known as tetrahydrocannabiol (THC). It travels through the bloodstream to the brain, disrupting its usual functioning and causing certain intoxicating effects. THC is the psychoactive chemical component responsible for the cause of Cannabis Induced Psychosis.
THC interferes with the brain's ability to distinguish between stimuli that are important, and those that aren't, according to the study.
Causes and Risk Factors Cannabis use problem
Genetics, family history of substance abuse, history of mental illness in family are some of the important risk factors for the development of cannabis induced psychosis. Mental illness is known to be an important risk factor for psychosis due to cannabis use. Someone who has an existing mental illness, especially of psychotic nature, is more likely to develop psychosis after using marijuana or weed. People who experience cannabis induced psychosis actually are more likely to have co occurring psychiatric disorder like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder with psychotic features.
Other than psychosis, there is greater risk of having depression or an anxiety disorder. Many a times, one may use these substances as a means to self medicate or cope with their stresses.
Treatment of Cannabis-Induced Psychosis
Fortunately for most of people suffering cannabis induced psychosis, recovery is possible with timely psychiatric treatment. For immediate treatment, the person needs to stop using the drug completely. A period of detoxification is required, which can be best done under supervision or in hospital. In mild cases, treatment on out patient (OPD) basis can be done.
A thorough evaluation of mental status is needed, which must only be done by a qualified psychiatrist. In some use of medications can also help, as well as counselling therapies.
Is Cannabis Induced Psychosis Affecting Your Family?
Get Help Today
For the Treatment of Cannabis Psychosis or Marijuana use problem in Pune City Contact us now.
In some, smoking weed may trigger a set of psychotic symptoms characterised by paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations. In recent times there has been a sharp increase in the cases of cannabis induced psychosis which is a serious condition and need to be treated. Most of the cannabis induced psychosis cases are acute and temporary, but some can also worsen and develop into a chronic psychotic conditions like schizophrenia. A timely help to reduce cannabis use and treatment of psychotic symptoms can cure the psychosis and prevent its recurrence.
Dr. Pankaj Borade (M.D.Psychiatry) is a psychiatrist in Pune. He is a consultant at Mind Matters clinic and Ruby Hall Clinic Hospital in Pune City.