Find support for Cannabis and PTSD
Individually, cannabis addictions and PTSD have undeniable ramifications on an individual’s life. If you frequently use cannabis to relieve PTSD and find yourself reliant on the substance, you must obtain professional treatment.
Understanding that doing so is easier said than done, especially when cannabis and PTSD control your every waking moment, so we have shared a wealth of information below that we hope will help you.
Should you find yourself ready to overcome your cannabis disorder and PTSD, please call us directly on 01908 489 421.
A Brief Introduction Into PTSD
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder as it is otherwise known, arises when an individual experiences or witnesses a traumatic event such as assault, abuse, health problems, war and conflict.
Classed as an anxiety disorder, PTSD can arise weeks, months and even years after a traumatic event and has devastating consequences on an individual’s physical and psychological health.
Self-Medicating With Cannabis
Although professional support and treatment is available for PTSD, the stigmas associated with the mental health disorder see many apprehensive about discussing the trauma that has significantly impaired their life.
Instead, many choose to self-medicate with cannabis, especially as medical cannabis, or CBD as it is otherwise known, has become widely employed in the United States and Canada.
Those that choose to self-medicate with cannabis often do so as the high associated with cannabis temporarily relieves the symptoms that come hand-in-hand with PTSD.
However, when cannabis is used as a form of self-medication, the risk of developing a cannabis addiction and dependency is much greater.
Effects Of Cannabis Use
In the last decade, cannabis use across the world is thought to have risen by 60%. At present, it is estimated that more than 250 million people consume cannabis at some point in their life.
While cannabis users are often unlikely to consider the long-term effects that cannabis use has on their physical and psychological health, understanding the impact of cannabis use is vital.
To help you appreciate the effects of cannabis use, we have outlined the physical and psychological effects of cannabis use below.
Physical Effects Of Cannabis Use
The physical effects of cannabis use are often short-lived and alleviate within 24 hours. Yet, when consumed over a prolonged period, cannabis can increase the risk of long-term health complications.
The health complications often associated with cannabis use include the following.
- A weakened immune system
- Digestive system problems
- Respiratory illnesses
- Organ failure
- Cancer
Psychological Effects Of Cannabis Use
When consumed, THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis, produces an almost instant high and makes users feel good for a short period.
As cannabis relieves the symptoms associated with PTSD, many believe that frequently using cannabis can help them cope with their untreated PTSD. As a result, the long-term psychological effects of cannabis use are overlooked.
For example, frequent cannabis use contributes to intensified physical, psychological and emotional PTSD symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, depression, paranoia, flashbacks and hallucinations. Cannabis use can also impair cognitive function.
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Asana Lodge is a leading UK based expert in Private Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Treatment. Find out how we can help by getting in touch with our friendly team today.
Cannabis Use Among Those With PTSD Continues To Soar
As highlighted above, cannabis use can often result in co-occurring mental health disorders.
Although cannabis use is not known to instigate PTSD, cannabis use among those suffering from PTSD is exceptionally high.
Research conducted by the US Department of Veterans concludes that more than 40,000 veterans who have PTSD have been diagnosed with a cannabis addiction.
Sadly, as the number of people turning to cannabis to self-medicate continues to rise, the demand for dual diagnosis treatment does too.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment For Cannabis and PTSD
Treatment for cannabis is widely available via rehabs such as our own. Yet only one in seven people secure treatment for a cannabis addiction. Likewise, only a small fraction of individuals who have PTSD obtain treatment.
Although cannabis addictions and PTSD can be treated individually, when the conditions coexist, dual diagnosis treatment must be obtained. This is because coexisting addictions and mental health disorders must be treated simultaneously if treatment is to be effective.
At Asana Lodge, we offer dual diagnosis treatment to individuals from all walks of life. Regardless of the traumatic event that has caused you to struggle with PTSD, we have the resources, experience and knowledge required to enable you to regain control of your life and overcome your cannabis addiction.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment At Asana Lodge
At Asana Lodge, we administer dual diagnosis treatment on a residential basis. Combining a variety of treatments, our dual diagnosis treatment is highly effective and has helped many individuals transform their life for the better.
If you struggle with a cannabis addiction and PTSD, you will likely undergo dual diagnosis treatment. Combined, this treatment programme will enable your body and brain to recover from the ramifications of your coexisting disorder.
Although the treatment you receive will be dependent upon the results of a clinical assessment, you will likely undergo cognitive behavioural therapy.
You will also be offered the opportunity to take advantage of our Satori Chair Therapy which is known to be practical in treating coexisting disorders.
Contact Us Today For Cannabis and PTSD Treatment
If you have previously experienced or witnessed a trauma that has caused your life to become crippled by PTSD and have sadly become reliant on cannabis, it is in your best interest to complete a dual diagnosis treatment programme.
We understand that taking the first step in overcoming your coexisting disorder is extremely challenging, yet doing so will enable you to reduce the overall impact that cannabis and PTSD has.
To find out more about our dual diagnosis treatment, why not contact us today? We can inform you of the treatment you may be offered, and we can answer any questions you may have.
Get In Touch
Asana Lodge is a leading UK based expert in Private Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Treatment. Find out how we can help by getting in touch with our friendly team today.
Dr. Olalekan Otulana (Advanced Practitioner) - Clinical Reviewer - Last Reviewed: 10/12/2023 4:00 pm
Dr. Otulana is a highly skilled General Practitioner and Addiction Specialist. He possesses extensive expertise in the field of Substance Misuse Management and boasts a diverse background in evaluating, overseeing (including detox procedures), and overseeing the residential recovery of individuals grappling with various drug and substance addiction issues. His primary goal is to conduct thorough assessments of patients dealing with addiction issues and determine their medical detoxification and psychological treatment requirements. Dr. Otulana is well-versed in caring for patients who need dual drug and alcohol detoxification therapies.
In addition to his medical qualifications, Dr. Otulana is a proficient healthcare professional who holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree from the prestigious Cambridge University Judge Business School.
