Millions of people struggle with depression every day. Many of these people try to “self-medicate” with illicit substances for their depression. This is especially true with the use of cannabis. Unfortunately, this often only leads to co-occurring depression and cannabis addiction. This can create a vicious cycle of using cannabis to treat depression and becoming depressed when using cannabis. The good news is that there are many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help one recover from depression and cannabis addiction.
Better Understanding Cannabis
Cannabis is one of the most popular illicit substances being used today. This is especially true in the U.S., where many states have made cannabis legal for recreational use. Many people also think that cannabis is not dangerous. This is simply untrue.
Cannabis can have many negative physical, mental, and emotional effects. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Cannabis can cause altered time perception and impaired thinking, memory, and body movement. It can also make people feel more irritable or restless… These effects are more common when a person takes a large amount, the cannabis product is strong (has a high level of THC), or the person has little experience with using cannabis.” Excessive cannabis use can also lead to cannabis addiction.
Better Understanding Cannabis Addiction
According to the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology, “In the US, cannabis use increased from 4% to 9.5% between 2001 and 2002 and 2012–2013 and the prevalence of Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) increased from 1.5% to 2.9% in the same time. Despite these increases in cannabis use and CUD, attitudes towards cannabis use have softened: adult and adolescent perceptions of cannabis use risk have decreased since 200. These shifting attitudes have intergenerational consequences as offspring of parents who are early-onset cannabis users and who meet criteria for CUD are more likely to become early-onset cannabis users themselves.” Cannabis addiction also affects the family.
It is important to understand that, like any other type of addiction, cannabis addiction is a “family disease.” This means that cannabis addiction affects more than just the individual who is struggling. It can be like a tornado that affects everyone and everything in its path. This is especially true with people who struggle with depression and cannabis addiction.
Better Understanding Cannabis Addiction and Depression
Many people struggle with depression, and it is important to understand that depression is much more than just “being sad.” So, what exactly is depression? According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), “Depression (also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is different. It can cause severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. It is an illness that can affect anyone – regardless of age, race, income, culture, or education.”
Depression is also very common among those who struggle with cannabis addiction. According to the peer-reviewed journal, Frontiers in Psychiatry, “The evidence from longitudinal studies suggest that there is a bidirectional relationship between cannabis use and depression, such that cannabis use increases the risk for depression and vice-versa. This risk is possibly higher in heavy users having initiated their consumption in early adolescence.” There are also specific signs and symptoms that can help one determine if one is struggling with depression and cannabis addiction.
The Signs and Symptoms of Cannabis Addiction and Depression
The signs and symptoms of depression and cannabis addiction are varied. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Excessive appetite
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Feeling anxious, nervous, or overly “stressed out”
- Not being able to stop once starting to use cannabis
- Experiencing trouble at work or school
- Having trouble with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
- Experiencing physical ailments such as headaches and body aches
- Having feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness
- Causing harm to oneself or others
- Having suicidal ideations
As one can see, these signs and symptoms are significant and can even be deadly. This is why reaching out for professional help as soon as possible is critical.
How to Best Treat Cannabis Addiction and Depression
There are many effective treatments for depression and cannabis addiction. Often, a recovery plan begins with a foundation of evidence-based psychotherapy.
Once that foundation is in place, many people add other modalities. These modalities may include experiential therapies like art therapy and holistic healing methods like yoga. Many people also choose to join 12-Step recovery.
Long-Term Success With Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” That is why all of our treatment plans are individualized and comprehensive, with a focus on the future.
Depression and cannabis addiction do not mean the end. Recovery is a new beginning. It’s time to get well. We can help.
Many people who struggle with depression attempt to “self-medicate” with cannabis. Many people are unaware of the extreme negative effects of this vicious cycle, including how it can lead to cannabis addiction. The good news is that many effective means, methods, and modalities can help one recover from co-occurring cannabis addiction and depression. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about the dangers of depression and addiction, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
