Marijuana: a “Safe Substance”
Amidst the evolving landscape of mental health awareness, the concept of self-medication has emerged as a growing phenomenon, shedding light on the increasing tendency of those of us who are struggling to turn to substances for relief from emotional burdens.
I’ve lived in the Mile-High State for ten years now, and I moved here just shortly after Colorado became the first U.S. state to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in 2012. Because Colorado is home to artists, hippies, and dreamers alike, the green stuff runs freely through the outdoor-loving, free-spirited culture here.
When I was a teenager, riddled with crippling anxiety, undiagnosed C-PTSD, and unresolved grief and trauma, I turned to marijuana to cope with my own hardships and numb myself from the pain of the related thoughts and emotions. And that wasn’t exactly groundbreaking for me to do. After all, I was just starting college, and all my friends were doing it.
I lost my dad to alcoholism when I was only nine years old – he was 44. That experience deeply shaped my relationship towards substance abuse, and there was a time in my childhood when I swore I would never touch a drop of alcohol. At the time, marijuana seemed like a “safe substance” for me to partake in. After all, it’s just a plant. The first time I got high, I felt uplifted, giddy, and creative. Best of all, my anxiety symptoms almost entirely ceased. At first.
Of course, I would come down off the high, and start thinking about it again. It started innocently, just using it when I was out with friends for the weekend. But soon, I got my own stash and began using it every night. Then, I realized my coworkers were smoking at work, so I joined them. Soon, I was high every moment of every day. It was one of the first things I did upon waking up in the morning, and I had trouble falling asleep without it.
The Rising Normalization of Addiction and Self Medication
“It’s Not Addictive”
“It’s not addictive” – all my friends would say, as they lit up for the umpteenth time that day. They could stop any time they wanted to. Or, it can be emotionally addictive, but not physically addictive. News flash: those are both dangerous and real forms of addiction. It’s taboo to say that here in the Mile-High state, as people will assume you’re against marijuana legalization and legal recreational use. I’m not.
Addiction is never a simple switch that’s flipped overnight; it often starts with seemingly harmless behavior that gradually takes hold and tightens its grip.
The notion that marijuana is not physically addictive might be a common belief, but science tells us otherwise. The active compound in marijuana, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), interacts with the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine and creating a sense of pleasure and relaxation. Over time, the brain becomes accustomed to this flood of dopamine, leading to a need for higher doses to achieve the same effects. This process, known as tolerance, can lay the groundwork for addiction.
Emotional addiction is just as insidious. Using any substance, including marijuana, as a crutch to manage emotions can escalate into dependency, making it harder to face life’s challenges without the substance’s artificial comfort. Withdrawal symptoms from marijuana can include irritability, sleep disturbances, intense cravings, and changes in appetite.
Colorado, the Mile-High state, has been at the forefront of marijuana legalization. While this has brought about various economic and social changes, it’s important to have open conversations about the potential downsides too. By acknowledging the risks, the intent is not to undermine the importance of personal choice and the positive aspects that some individuals may experience with responsible use. Instead, we must empower people to make informed decisions that consider their mental and physical well-being.
Recognizing the signs of marijuana addiction can be tricky. It might start with increased tolerance, the need to use more frequently to achieve the same effects. Then, as the habit deepens, individuals might find themselves prioritizing marijuana over other activities or responsibilities. This shift in focus can lead to strained relationships, diminished performance at work or school, and a general loss of interest in life outside of marijuana use.
“It’s Not As Bad As Alcohol”
Since both substances are now legal in many states, advocates for marijuana legalization tout that it is much safer than alcohol, and so we shouldn’t worry about using it in excess.
The ongoing debate surrounding the relative safety of marijuana compared to alcohol has sparked intense discussions, with proponents of each substance presenting their arguments. While it’s important to acknowledge that both marijuana and alcohol have potential risks, some advocates argue that marijuana may carry fewer immediate dangers than alcohol. However, it’s crucial to examine these claims critically and consider the consequences of misusing either substance.
The Argument for Marijuana’s Relative Safety:
Supporters of marijuana often highlight its potential benefits over alcohol in terms of physical harm and immediate effects. Some key points in this argument include:
- Overdose Risk: Unlike alcohol, there has been no documented case of a fatal overdose solely attributed to marijuana consumption. This point is often used to underscore the potential for greater safety with marijuana.
- Physical Effects: Alcohol is known to have a range of detrimental physical effects, including liver damage, impaired motor skills, and increased risk of accidents. Marijuana is often perceived as having milder physical impacts on the body, with no direct link to organ damage.
- Violence and Aggression: Alcohol has been associated with increased aggression and violent behavior. Some advocates suggest that marijuana use is less likely to lead to aggressive tendencies.
the truthful Risks of Both Substances:
However, it’s important to approach this argument with a nuanced perspective and acknowledge the risks associated with both marijuana and alcohol:
- Psychological Impact: Marijuana can have significant psychological effects, particularly on individuals prone to anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis. Long-term use, especially during adolescence, has been linked to an increased risk of mental health disorders.
- Impaired Cognition: Both substances can impair cognitive function and memory. While alcohol’s impact on motor skills and decision-making is well-documented, marijuana can also impair cognitive abilities, affecting attention, concentration, and learning.
- Long-Term Health Risks: Chronic marijuana use has been associated with lung-related issues similar to those seen with tobacco smoking. Additionally, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term consequences of marijuana use on physical health. Health practitioners are learning more every day about Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome: a condition caused by regular, long-term cannabis use which causes intense bouts of vomiting and consequential dehydration and kidney failure. Several deaths and many hospitalizations have been reported from CHS, and I personally have four friends with the increasingly common disorder.
- Addiction and Withdrawal: Contrary to popular belief, marijuana appears to be just as, if not more addictive than alcohol. 9.3% of cannabis users will develop cannabis use disorder, whereas 6.7% of American adults who drink alcohol will develop Alcohol Use Disorder. As with all data, it’s important to acknowledge factors that may influence the study such as sample size, geographic location, and general popularity of these substances.
- Legal and Social Implications: The legal status of marijuana varies widely around the world. Engaging in its use can have legal consequences, affecting employment opportunities and other aspects of life.
Both substances, when used responsibly and in moderation, can be enjoyed with minimal harm to the body. But when we use comparison and supposed benefits to justify regular, or even everyday use of a substance, we need to get serious about the consequences of substance abuse and self-medication.
Self-Medication: Digging a Deeper Hole
In the realm of mental health and neurodivergent communities, a concerning trend has emerged where self-medication is touted as a way to manage symptoms. This practice, while driven by a desire for relief and autonomy, can have far-reaching negative consequences for individuals already grappling with mental health challenges.
Neurodivergent and mentally ill communities often face unique struggles in accessing appropriate healthcare and effective treatments. The lack of comprehensive support systems can lead some individuals to seek solace in self-medication. Whether it’s using substances like marijuana, alcohol, or even microdosing psilocybin, the idea of finding a self-prescribed solution to alleviate symptoms can be alluring.
Trending occurrences: Neurodivergence, Microdosing, and “California Sober”
Neurodivergence: Unsurprisingly, those with ADHD and Autism are more likely to develop substance abuse disorders in an effort to treat their uncomfortable and often debilitating symptoms. The desire to find relief, manage distress, and cope with daily struggles can sometimes lead individuals down a dangerous path of substance abuse. Unfortunately, the most common pharmaceutical drugs for ADHD are stimulants which might not be safe for those prone to substance abuse. Luckily, there are other options which should absolutely be explored for those with neurodivergence.
The Rising Trend of Microdosing: Another emerging and concerning aspect of self-medication is the growing popularity of microdosing hallucinogens such as LSD and psilocybin, a practice that involves taking very small, sub-perceptual doses. Advocates claim that microdosing can improve mood, cognitive function, and creativity. However, the scientific research on its safety, efficacy, and potential risks is still limited. I believe, especially in mental health spaces where people are already struggling with serious conditions, it is absolutely horrific and irresponsible to promote the use of these substances without professional oversight and conclusive research.
“California Sober”: Another dimension of this discussion arises from the narratives of individuals who have battled drug addiction or alcoholism. Some may refer to themselves as being “sober” while still consuming marijuana – sometimes referred to as “California Sober“. This nuanced stance raises questions about how society perceives sobriety and whether substituting one substance for another can lead to genuine healing and recovery.
Famously, Demi Lovato wrote a song and even talked in a documentary about the phenomenon. After her near-lethal overdose in 2018, she has struggled to maintain sobriety and fell victim to this trend in recovery spaces. Luckily, she has since walked back this notion, writing on Instagram that “Sober sober is the only way to be.”
The Deceptive Trap of Self-Medication
While self-medication may provide temporary relief, it often leads to a deeper spiral into mental health challenges. The very substances individuals turn to for help can worsen underlying conditions, leading to a vicious cycle of increased symptoms, tolerance, and dependency.
In particular, the consequences of self-medication within neurodivergent and mentally ill communities are multifaceted and can include new and worsening issues:
- Delayed Proper Treatment: Relying on self-medication may delay individuals from seeking professional help and receiving a proper diagnosis. This delay can prolong suffering and make it harder to manage conditions effectively.
- Masking Underlying Issues: Self-medication can mask underlying issues, preventing individuals from addressing the root causes of their mental health struggles. This can lead to a false sense of improvement while perpetuating the cycle of distress.
- Social Isolation: Relying solely on self-medication can isolate individuals from necessary support networks and resources. It can hinder their ability to build resilience and learn healthy coping mechanisms.
- Increased Anxiety and Paranoia: Substance abuse can amplify feelings of anxiety and paranoia, making individuals more prone to panic attacks and persistent worry. What might have initially been an attempt to manage these feelings can actually intensify them.
- Depression Deepening: Self-medication often fails to address the underlying causes of depression. As a result, the sense of hopelessness and sadness can worsen, leading to a more profound and persistent state of depression.
- Cognitive Impairment: Instead of alleviating cognitive difficulties, substance abuse can impair memory, focus, and decision-making even further. This can hinder daily functioning and exacerbate feelings of frustration.
- Social Isolation Intensification: Relying on substances for comfort can lead to withdrawal from social interactions. Over time, this isolation can deepen, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and exacerbating mental health issues.
- Escalating Dependency: The temporary relief offered by substances can lead to physical and psychological dependency. Overcoming this dependency becomes an additional challenge, often leading to a sense of helplessness and loss of control.
- Exacerbated Mood Swings: Self-medication can contribute to more frequent and severe mood swings. Instead of stabilizing emotions, substances can lead to heightened emotional volatility.
- Worsened Impulse Control: Substance abuse can impair impulse control, which might have been a primary concern in conditions like ADHD. This can lead to impulsive behavior that creates further challenges in daily life.
- Compounding Financial and Legal Issues: As substance abuse continues, individuals might face financial strain due to the costs of obtaining substances. Legal consequences can also arise, adding stress to an already challenging situation.
- Strained Relationships: Dependence on substances can lead to strained relationships with family, friends, and coworkers. Isolation and mistrust can become even more pronounced, making it harder to seek support.
- Development of New Health Issues: Substance abuse can lead to physical health problems in addition to mental health challenges. The combination of these issues can lead to a more complex and difficult-to-manage health profile.
In essence, the well-intentioned pursuit of self-medication can, paradoxically, dig individuals into a deeper hole. To break this cycle, a comprehensive approach is crucial:
- Access to Professional Help: Advocating for accessible mental health resources, prescribed medications to manage symptoms, and affordable treatments can help individuals access proper diagnosis and evidence-based interventions.
- Education and Awareness: Increasing awareness about the risks of self-medication and the potential dangers of substituting one substance for another can empower individuals to make informed decisions.
- Community Support: Fostering supportive communities that encourage seeking professional help and promoting holistic well-being can provide individuals with the tools needed to navigate their challenges.
- Lifestyle Changes: Sobriety cannot be maintained in the same environment where addiction thrived. Recovery from substance abuse often means distancing yourself from friends you once used with, practicing wellness and self-care, learning to face emotional turmoil head-on, and developing new hobbies to occupy the time you once used to get high.
The rise of self-medication as a response to managing mental health symptoms within neurodivergent and mentally ill communities is a complex issue. While individuals may turn to these methods with good intentions, it’s essential to recognize the potential pitfalls they might encounter. By prioritizing professional help, destigmatizing mental health discussions, and advocating for comprehensive solutions, we can work towards a healthier approach to addressing mental health challenges without falling into the traps of self-medication.
A Heartfelt Warning
As we walk through a life riddled with mental illness and self-medication, I can’t help but reflect on the personal journey that brought me here. The normalization of substance use and the allure of self-medication resonate deeply, not just as societal trends, but as chapters in my own life story.
The memory of my father, lost to alcoholism when I was just nine, looms large. His battle with addiction shattered our family, leaving behind a lifetime of grief, broken promises, and unanswered questions. It’s from this vantage point that I’ve observed the complex interplay of substances and mental health. My father was a lower working class illegal immigrant, who came to this country for a better life. He did not have the resources, community, or cultural support to seek help in his lifetime, and so he self-medicated his trauma with alcohol.
In my pursuit of relief from anxiety and unresolved trauma, I found myself drawn to self-medication. Just like many who grapple with pain, I yearned for relief that came easily. Yet, I came to realize that this route often leads to a cycle of dependency and deeper struggles.
My experiences underscore the urgent need for a more compassionate approach to mental health. It’s not just about dispelling myths or critiquing self-medication; it’s about fostering a culture of understanding and offering a helping hand to those in need. We must acknowledge the unique and nuanced journey each individual traverses, all while championing evidence-based solutions.
The complexities of this issue remind us that the path to mental well-being is not linear, nor is it meant to be taken alone. My hope is that as a society, we embrace conversations about mental health with empathy and genuine concern. By providing accessible resources, professional guidance, and supportive communities, we can rewrite narratives of pain into stories of resilience and recovery.
As I conclude this journey through words, I’m reminded that every story has the potential to inspire change. Let us remember that beneath the surface of these trends are real lives, real struggles, and real families. By elevating our collective commitment to mental health, we can turn the tide, offering solace, hope, and the promise of a brighter, healthier future.
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