Feeling Good: Answers about cannabis and mental health

Can people smoke cannabis and not have any problems? Some people experience unpleasant effects when they use cannabis such as anxiety and panic. Others may experience hallucinations (seeing, hearing and feeling things that are not really there). Many of these unpleasant effects disappear after the cannabis wears off, but they can be very frightening and in some people they keep on happening. One in ten people who ever use cannabis will have problems with it and may become addicted to it. Young people who are daily, or near daily, cannabis users are more likely to experience problems such as psychotic symptoms and depression. The earlier in life and more frequently you use cannabis, the more likely you are to continue using and develop problems. Some people who use cannabis regularly become addicted to the drug. Should you smoke cannabis if you've been told you have a psychosis? People who have a mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar are more likely to experience the negative psychological effects of cannabis and should try to avoid using it. Many people who use cannabis also use other drugs at the same time, including alcohol. This makes it much more likely for them to experience another psychosis. Studies have found that people with severe mental illness tend to relapse and have to go back into hospital more often if they use cannabis, especially in large amounts. If a person has psychosis, cannabis can make some of their symptoms worse. Can cannabis make you mad or paranoid? Research is increasingly pointing in a direction that cannabis can be a key to unlocking the door to psychosis in some people. Certain people are more at risk of this than others. If anyone in your family has a psychosis, cannabis use might trigger an episode. The problem is that you may not be aware that you are at risk. One in seven people who use cannabis experience psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. They are also probably at greatest risk of developing a psychosis and should be encouraged to cease use. If a person has ever had a psychotic episode or if they have a family history of mental illness, then they should avoid using cannabis. It might trigger problems. The concurrent presentation of mental illness and the misuse of drug substances is often described as a dual diagnosis. A person experiencing both as problems can be assessed, reviewed and treated at the Bowral Community Health Centre by both the mental health service and the drug health service. A visiting psychiatric registrar works collaboratively with both services to ensure optimal treatment for the patient. There are many ways that you can get help. You could start off by talking to trusted friends or relatives or by seeing a general practitioner. The doctor can give you more information, treat you, or refer you on to another professional.