PTSD

PTSD is a condition that can make daily life difficult. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs notes that nearly 2 out of 10 PTSD sufferers use marijuana. But is marijuana safe for PTSD patients? Many people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) usually consider cannabis to reduce symptoms such as paranoia and severe anxiety.

What is PTSD?

PTSD is characterized by symptoms that may develop shortly after a traumatic event or can emerge months or even years later. The disorder can significantly impact a person’s daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.

Symptoms of PTSD

The symptoms of PTSD are generally grouped into four categories:

1. Re-experiencing: Individuals may relive the traumatic event through intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares. These distressing thoughts can cause significant emotional and physical reactions.
2. Avoidance: Many people with PTSD try to avoid reminders of the trauma. This can include steering clear of certain places, people, or activities that trigger memories of the event. They may also avoid talking about what happened.
3. Negative Changes in Mood and Cognition: PTSD can lead to feelings of hopelessness, persistent negative emotions, and difficulties in relationships. People might struggle with memory problems, especially surrounding the traumatic event, as well as experiencing intense guilt or shame.
4. Hyperarousal Symptoms: Those with PTSD may be easily startled, feel tense or “on edge,” have difficulty sleeping, or experience angry outbursts. This state of heightened arousal can make it challenging to relax or concentrate.

Causes of PTSD

While everyone’s experiences are unique, several factors can increase the likelihood of developing PTSD, including:

• Direct exposure to trauma: Being directly involved in or witnessing a traumatic event.
• Duration and severity of trauma: Prolonged exposure to traumatic situations or severe trauma may increase risk.
• Previous trauma: Individuals who have experienced earlier traumatic events may be more susceptible.
• Lack of support: A limited support system after a trauma can hinder recovery.
• Pre-existing mental health conditions: Individuals with a history of anxiety or depression may be at higher risk.

Treatment Options

Fortunately, PTSD is treatable. Various effective therapies and treatment options are available:

1. Psychotherapy: Also known as talk therapy, approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and exposure therapy can be beneficial in processing trauma and reducing symptoms.
2. Medication: Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications may help alleviate symptoms of PTSD. Consult with a healthcare provider to find suitable options.
3. Support Groups: Connecting with others who have experienced similar traumas can provide validation and support. Many find healing in shared experiences.
4. Self-Care Strategies: Incorporating self-care techniques, like mindfulness, yoga, exercise, and maintaining a healthy routine, can improve overall well-being.

Medical cannabis is a qualifying condition for PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) in many US states. There’s also growing research into the effectiveness of cannabis on PTSD sufferers.

The research into cannabis for PTSD is still in its early stages. Many PTSD sufferers acknowledge that cannabis helps to relieve some symptoms such as anxiety and sleep disturbances. Since cannabis interacts with body receptors that regulate memory, recent research studies focus on how medical cannabis could help the brain “overwrite” traumatic memories.

How cannabis works on PTSD

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) controls several bodily functions such as sleep, pain, and appetite. The human body generates its cannabinoids, which regulate and activate different body functions.

Endocannabinoids result from the human body and transmitters to cannabinoid receptors. Since the ECS plays regulates both stress response and memory building — two major factors in PTSD — this is sufficient proof that marijuana could help people with the condition. Additionally, researchers have discovered that the nonfunctioning of the endocannabinoid system after a stress-inducing event may be due to patients developing anxiety disorders and PTSD.

Consuming cannabis can boost the functioning of the ECS. Marijuana can also effectively help users get a good night’s sleep, which is useful for PTSD patients.

What Causes PTSD?

PTSD can be triggered by various types of trauma, including but not limited to:

• Combat Exposure: Many veterans experience PTSD due to the intense stress of warfare and combat experiences.
• Sexual Assault: Survivors of sexual violence often develop PTSD as they process the trauma associated with the assault.
• Accidents: Serious accidents, such as car crashes or industrial incidents, can lead to PTSD.
• Natural Disasters: Events like earthquakes, floods, or hurricanes can leave survivors with lasting psychological scars.
• Childhood Abuse: Experiencing abuse or neglect during childhood can significantly increase the risk of developing PTSD later in life.

Symptoms of PTSD

The symptoms of PTSD can be categorized into four main groups:

1. Intrusive Memories: This may include flashbacks, nightmares, or distressing thoughts about the traumatic event that feel overwhelming or uncontrollable.
2. Avoidance: Individuals may avoid reminders of the trauma, which can include people, places, or situations that bring back memories of the event. They may also try to avoid talking about what happened.
3. Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: This can manifest as negative thoughts about oneself or others, feelings of hopelessness, emotional numbness, or difficulty experiencing positive emotions.
4. Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions: Symptoms in this group may include being easily startled, feeling tense or “on edge,” having difficulty sleeping, or experiencing angry outbursts.

Diagnosis of PTSD

For a diagnosis of PTSD, a person must have symptoms lasting more than one month and be significantly impaired in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. A mental health professional typically assesses the symptoms through interviews and questionnaires.

Treatment Options for PTSD

Fortunately, there are effective treatments available for PTSD. Some of the primary options include:

1. Psychotherapy: Often referred to as talk therapy, this is a cornerstone of treatment for PTSD. Types of psychotherapy that have shown effectiveness include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps patients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with their trauma.
• Exposure Therapy: Involves gradual exposure to the trauma-related memories and cues in a safe environment to reduce avoidance behavior.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Combines exposure to trauma memories with guided eye movements to facilitate processing.

1. Medications: Certain medications can help manage PTSD symptoms. Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have been found effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety associated with PTSD.
2. Support Groups: Connecting with others who have experienced similar traumas can provide a sense of community and understanding. Support groups can enhance the healing process through shared experiences.
3. Lifestyle Changes: Incorporating healthy lifestyle choices, such as regular physical activity, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and mindfulness practices, can also support recovery.

Here are some interesting trivia facts about PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder):

1. Prevalence: According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, about 7-8% of the population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. It’s not limited to veterans; anyone can develop PTSD after experiencing trauma.
2. Symptoms Can Vary: Not everyone with PTSD experiences the same symptoms. While many people have intrusive memories and nightmares, others may experience dissociation or physical symptoms like headaches and stomachaches.
3. Delayed Onset: PTSD symptoms can sometimes manifest long after the traumatic event has occurred. This is known as delayed-onset PTSD, which can occur months or even years after the trauma.
4. Not Just for Combat Veterans: While PTSD is commonly associated with military veterans, it can occur in anyone who experiences a traumatic event, including survivors of natural disasters, sexual assault, serious accidents, or child abuse.
5. Resilience Variability: Research suggests that resilience to trauma varies among individuals due to factors such as genetics, personality traits, and previous life experiences. Some people may develop coping mechanisms that help them process trauma without developing PTSD.
6. Co-occurring Disorders: PTSD often co-exists with other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders. This can complicate treatment and recovery.
7. Effective Treatments: Evidence-based treatments for PTSD include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and medication options such as antidepressants. Many people find relief through these therapies.
8. Awareness and Advocacy: PTSD Awareness Month is observed every June in the United States to educate the public about PTSD and encourage individuals affected by it to seek help and support.
9. Veteran Statistics: About 20% of veterans who served in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars are diagnosed with PTSD, highlighting the impact of combat on mental health.
10. Therapeutic Animals: Some individuals with PTSD find comfort and assistance through the use of service animals, particularly dogs, which can provide emotional support and help with grounding techniques during distressing moments.

Medical studies on cannabis and PTSD

Since cannabis is illegal at the federal level, research is prohibited to some extent. However, there is a growing body of work that suggests how medical marijuana is useful for PTSD sufferers.

A 2015 meta-review showed how many military veterans with PTSD use cannabis or derivative products to control PTSD symptoms. Most of the patients who used cannabis for PTSD reported benefits such as reduced anxiety and insomnia and improved coping ability.

According to a 2017 article, the areas of the brain that deal with stress-induced behavioral consequences are regulated by endocannabinoids which makes them potential therapeutic targets for cannabinoid drugs.

According to a 2016 article, “the outcome of the current clinical and preclinical data shows that cannabinoid agents may be therapeutically beneficial for PTSD.”

According to a 2014 study performed in New Mexico, it was discovered that cannabis could reduce PTSD symptoms in some patients. The study found a high reduction in CAPS (Clinician Administered Posttraumatic Scale) symptom scores in patients who used cannabis for treatment.

Another 2014 study found that those using cannabis experienced significant improvements in general symptom severity, sleep quality, rate of nightmares, and PTSD hyperarousal symptoms.

Keep in mind that cannabis may also trigger anxiety and paranoia in some users. However, this can be prevented by reducing the dosage of cannabis or micro-dosing.

If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, it’s essential to seek help. Recognizing the signs and understanding the condition is the first step toward healing. Support from friends, family, and professionals can make a significant difference in recovery.

Bottom line

PTSD is amongst the qualifying condition for medical marijuana in many states. This would significantly reduce the rate of PTSD in many individuals including veterans. If you consider using cannabis for PTSD consult a licensed doctor to get a recommendation.

PTSD is a complex condition that affects thousands of individuals worldwide. With proper understanding and treatment, those living with PTSD can reclaim their lives and find hope in their healing journey. If you or someone you care about is experiencing symptoms, remember that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.