Research shows that nearly 1 in 5 Americans use cannabis, and about 30% of those individuals meet the criteria for cannabis use disorder. Long-term or frequent cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of psychosis. In this article, we'll explore the risk factors you and your loved ones need to know.
Can Cannabis Cause Psychosis?
Research shows a link between cannabis and psychosis, however, it's unclear if cannabis directly causes psychotic symptoms.
Instead, it's more likely that some people have a genetic predisposition to psychosis, which may be triggered or magnified by substance use. Specific genes, including those related to dopamine regulation, may interact with cannabis to increase one's risk of experiencing psychosis.
The brain does not fully develop until around age 25. Therefore, teenagers and young adults may face a greater risk of cannabis-related complications. Regular cannabis use, for instance, may result in an earlier onset of psychosis.
Finally, cannabis with high levels of THC may induce psychotic symptoms when consumed in high quantities or in more potent forms. While most symptoms wear off once the initial high reduces, psychosis can be a long-term problem. This is known as cannabis-induced psychosis.
What Is Cannabis-Induced Psychosis?
Early warning signs, including disorganized thinking and paranoia, may suggest someone is developing psychosis. Cannabis-use psychosis is a substance-induced psychosis that can occur after using cannabis.
Common cannabis-use psychotic symptoms include:
hearing voices or seeing things that are not there
experiencing excessively paranoid thought
displaying disorganized speech
experiencing severe anxiety or irritability
These episodes tend to be brief, and they are generally not life-threatening. However, they can be highly distressing. In serious cases, people may pose a risk to themselves or others (i.e. significant self-harm or suicidal behavior). Paranoia can lead people to violence, impulsivity, or other destructive acts.
Psychotic symptoms due to cannabis exposure or cannabis intoxication may also trigger a vulnerability to a long-term psychotic disorder. This is why marijuana use among young people can be so dangerous- a developing brain may be more sensitive to psychotic-like experiences even with basic medicinal and recreational use.
Is Self-Medicinal Cannabis Use Safe?
Many people use cannabis to manage various mental health symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, or depression. Cannabis may also alleviate symptoms of chronic pain or other physical health conditions. That said, just like an illicit drug, alcohol, or other legal medication, it's important to be aware of potential drawbacks.
Cannabis consumption, however, is riskier under the following conditions:
using substances with a higher cannabis potency
using during adolescence or very young adulthood
using if you have a family history of psychotic disorders or mood disorders, including schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
using during pregnancy or while breastfeeding
having a history of substance abuse or addiction
How Are Psychotic Disorders Treated?
Psychotic disorders are complex and often require multifaceted treatment. The main goals of psychotic treatment are to manage or eliminate symptoms, strengthen overall functioning, and mitigate the risk of future relapses. Here are some common treatment strategies:
Antipsychotic medications: Medication helps reduce the positive symptoms (hallucinations or delusions) associated with psychosis. Each medication has its own side effects, and it's important to be aware of these potential risks.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy: CBT may be helpful for transient psychotic symptoms and other psychiatric symptoms. CBT evaluates the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and it can help people integrate healthier coping skills into their daily lives. CBT may be used as a standalone treatment modality. However, therapists also use it with other modalities, including DBT, psychodynamic therapy, and more.
Case management: Case management may help collaborate care, accruing local community resources, and ensuring that individuals have adequate healthcare and housing in place.
Lifestyle changes: People with psychotic disorders need to effectively manage stress and avoid triggers, including alcohol or drugs, that can worsen psychotic symptoms. It's also important to eat a well-rounded diet, exercise regularly, and adhere to a good sleep schedule. Relapse prevention is an important part of treating psychotic illnesses.
Supporting Your Mental Health Recovery With Resurface Group
At Resurface Group, we offer a holistic mental health treatment approach to all of our clients. We understand the mind-body connection, and we treat mental illness and other psychotic disorders through an integrative framework that includes community support, professional mental health resources, and healthy lifestyle changes.
We embrace a non-pathological approach toward healing. Regardless of what's happening in your life, we are here to support you and your loved ones.
Learn more about our unique programs, including Resurface Connect, our remote IOP program for residents throughout California. We're pleased to be in-network with most major health insurance companies. Contact us today to get in touch with one of our treatment representatives.
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