Long-Term Effects of Cannabis-Induced Psychosis: What to Expect

October 10, 2024 NYI Blogger No Comment 1 Views

Did you know that nearly 3% of cannabis users may experience psychosis? It is a frightening statistic, and one that my colleagues and I have studied extensively. The link between cannabis and psychosis is complex, and while the immediate effects of cannabis are fairly clear, the long-term effects of cannabis-induced psychosis continue to be a major worry for patients, families and professionals. As mental health and substance use experts, we want to clarify these possible lasting effects. I will discuss potential results, recovery methods and management options for this difficult issue.

Psychosis caused by cannabis involves psychotic events resulting directly from cannabis use. These episodes often include hallucinations, delusions, confused thought and a strong feeling of unreality. While some people see these symptoms disappear quickly after they stop using cannabis, others may deal with ongoing or returning problems.

To understand the possible long-term effects of cannabis-induced psychosis, several things must be carefully assessed. These include a person’s vulnerabilities, how often and how much cannabis they use and if they have any other mental health issues. It is important to understand that results can greatly differ among individuals.

Before going further, it is important to explain what I mean by psychosis caused by cannabis. I am referring to a serious break from reality that goes far beyond the usual anxiety or paranoia linked to marijuana use. This appears as:

Hallucinations: Sensory experiences without real external stimuli.
Delusions: Firmly holding false beliefs, even when shown clear evidence to the contrary.
Disorganized Thinking: Finding it hard to keep a clear thought process and express ideas clearly.
Impaired Insight: Not knowing that these experiences are unusual or connected to substance use.

It is important to tell apart cannabis-induced psychosis from other psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia. In psychosis caused by cannabis, symptoms are directly related to cannabis use and usually lessen when use stops. Still, the situation can be more complicated, especially for those predisposed to psychosis.

The Role of THC in Cannabis-Induced Psychosis

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis and is key in causing psychosis. THC affects the brain’s endocannabinoid system, which disrupts neurotransmitter activity and could start psychotic symptoms in those who are vulnerable. Today’s cannabis varieties are stronger, with high levels of THC, which raises the chance of negative effects, including psychosis. Synthetic cannabinoids have similar dangers.

I have observed that people who use highly concentrated cannabis products like dabs or edibles often have more severe and longer lasting psychotic episodes than those who smoke traditional cannabis. This shows how important it is to understand how strong cannabis is and the risks linked to high THC levels.

Understanding the Long-Term Effects of Cannabis-Induced Psychosis

The long-term effects of cannabis-induced psychosis can show up differently, affecting brain function, mental health and overall life quality. While not everyone who has psychosis caused by cannabis will have lasting problems, and many fully recover with the right help and treatment, some may keep facing major difficulties.

Cognitive Impairment as a Long-Term Effect

A major possible long-term effect is cognitive impairment, which includes:

Attention and Concentration: Reduced ability to stay focused on tasks or maintain attention.
Memory: Trouble remembering facts, both short term and long term.
Executive Function: Problems with planning, problem solving and making decisions.
Processing Speed: Slower speed in processing information.

These cognitive problems can upset daily life, affecting school performance, job productivity and social interactions. How long cognitive impairment lasts and how severe it is can differ; some have slight, short term effects, while others face more constant issues.

In my work, I have seen people struggle to get back to their previous school or work level after having psychosis from cannabis. They often need extra help to deal with cognitive problems and reach their aims. Cognitive remediation can be very useful.

Increased Risk of Chronic Psychotic Disorders

A worrisome long-term result is the higher chance of getting a chronic psychotic disorder such as schizophrenia. While cannabis use does not directly cause schizophrenia, it can start it or make it come on faster in people already at risk.

Studies suggest that people with a genetic tendency to psychosis are more likely to get schizophrenia if they use cannabis, especially when they are teenagers or young adults since their brains are still growing. In these situations, cannabis use can be a trigger, pushing someone vulnerable toward a chronic psychotic disorder.

Let me repeat that most people who have psychosis caused by cannabis will not get schizophrenia, but the risk is higher, especially for those with a family history of psychosis.

Mood Disorders and Cannabis-Induced Psychosis

Psychosis from cannabis can also raise the chance of getting mood disorders, including depression and anxiety. The psychotic experience can be very traumatic, and the time after can be hard, leading to feelings of sadness, hopelessness and anxiety.

Feeling alone and being stigmatized can worsen mood symptoms. It is important to address both the psychotic symptoms and any mood disorders that occur together for full recovery and well being.

I have worked with people who constantly feel anxious and fear recurrence after a psychotic event, which greatly affects their daily lives. Therapy and support groups can successfully address these anxieties and are very helpful for recovery.

Substance Use Problems

Another possible long-term effect is a higher chance of having substance use disorders. Some people may turn to other substances such as alcohol or illegal drugs to deal with the ongoing effects of psychosis or to treat underlying mood disorders themselves.

Continuing cannabis use after having psychosis is especially concerning since it can raise the risk of relapse and make recovery longer. It is important to address any substance use problems and help people stop using cannabis and other substances.

I often see people try to lessen the distress caused by the initial psychosis by using more substances, which creates a harmful cycle that needs professional help to stop.

Social and Occupational Challenges

The long-term effects of cannabis-induced psychosis can also hurt social and job functioning. Cognitive impairment, mood disorders and substance use problems can all affect a person’s ability to keep relationships, do well in school or at work and take part in social activities.

People may have problems with communication, social skills and controlling emotions, which causes them to feel alone and strain relationships. They may also struggle to get and keep a job because of cognitive problems or mental health symptoms.

It is vital to give full support to restore social and job functioning. This includes job training, social skills training and support groups.

Recovery and Management Strategies

Despite the possibly major lasting effects, recovery from psychosis caused by cannabis is possible. Many people who have it continue to live fulfilling and productive lives. Early action, the right treatment and ongoing support are important.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Acting quickly greatly improves results. The sooner someone gets treatment for psychosis caused by cannabis, the better their chance of recovery. Early actions may include:

Assessment and Diagnosis: A full assessment by a mental health expert to find the cause of the psychosis and rule out other conditions.
Treatment for Immediate Symptoms: Medicines such as antipsychotics to control immediate psychotic symptoms.
Psychoeducation: Giving the person and their family full information about psychosis caused by cannabis, what causes it and how to treat it.
Family Support: Involving family members in the treatment and giving them support and education.

I have seen how positively early action affects recovery. People who get treatment quickly and fully are more likely to fully recover and avoid long-term problems.

Treatment Options for Cannabis-Induced Psychosis

Different treatment methods can successfully manage psychosis caused by cannabis and help recovery. These may include:

Medication: Antipsychotic medicines can reduce psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.
Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people spot and change negative thought patterns and actions that make their symptoms worse.
Substance Use Treatment: If substance use problems exist, specialized substance use treatment is important. This includes individual counseling, group therapy and medicine assisted treatment.
Rehabilitation Services: Rehabilitation services include job training and social skills training. These can help people restore their social and job functioning.

The specific treatment plan depends on the person’s individual needs and situation. Working together, including psychiatrists, therapists and other health professionals, often gives the best results.

Abstinence: A Cornerstone of Recovery

Stopping cannabis use is very important for recovery. Continuing cannabis use can make psychotic symptoms last longer, raise the risk of relapse and lessen how well treatment works.

Stopping cannabis use can be hard for some who may have withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability and insomnia. Support and encouragement from family, friends and health professionals can help a lot during this time.

I usually advise people to go to support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous or Marijuana Anonymous, which offer a place to connect with others who have had similar experiences and get ongoing support.

The Indispensable Role of Family Support

Family support is vital for people recovering from psychosis caused by cannabis. Family members can give emotional support, encouragement and practical help. They can also help watch symptoms, ensure treatment is followed and speak up for the person’s needs.

Family members must also make their own self care a priority since supporting someone with psychosis can be stressful and hard. They may gain from seeking their own support through individual therapy or support groups.

I often lead family workshops to give families the knowledge and tools they need to effectively support their loved ones. These workshops cover topics such as understanding psychosis, improving communication skills and using stress management methods.

When Cannabis Psychosis Becomes Chronic

Sometimes, psychosis caused by cannabis can turn into a chronic condition where psychotic symptoms keep going even after cannabis use stops. This happens more often in people who are predisposed to psychosis or who have had several psychosis episodes caused by cannabis.

Handling chronic cannabis psychosis can be hard and often needs long term treatment with antipsychotic medicines and ongoing therapy. Rehabilitation services and support groups can also help.

It is important to have realistic expectations about recovery. Some people with chronic cannabis psychosis may fully get rid of their symptoms, while others may continue to have some symptoms such as slight hallucinations or delusions. The main goal of treatment is to successfully manage these symptoms and improve the person’s overall life quality.

Cognitive Remediation: A Promising Treatment

Cognitive remediation is a treatment method made to improve brain functioning in people with psychosis. It involves specific exercises and activities that address specific cognitive problems such as attention, memory and executive function.

Studies show that cognitive remediation can successfully improve brain functioning and overall results in people with chronic cannabis psychosis. This helps them regain their ability to learn, work and take part in social activities.

I often add cognitive remediation into my treatment programs for people with chronic cannabis psychosis and have seen major improvements in their brain functioning and overall life quality.

The Long-Term Outlook

How chronic cannabis psychosis looks long term differs and depends on the individual. Some people can achieve stable symptom control and live fairly normal lives, while others may continue to face major challenges, needing ongoing support and treatment.

Things that can affect the long term outlook include:

How severe the first psychotic episode was.
If any other mental health conditions exist.
How well the person follows treatment.
How much social support is available.

It is important to take a long term view and give continuous support. With the right treatment and support, people with chronic cannabis psychosis can live meaningful and fulfilling lives.

The Impact on Thinking Skills

Brain impairment is a big worry for people who have had psychosis caused by cannabis. The brain effects can affect many parts of daily life, hurting school and job efforts, social interactions and personal well being.

Specific Cognitive Deficits Associated with Cannabis-Induced Psychosis

The specific brain problems that people may have can differ, but some common challenges include:

Attention and Concentration: Finding it hard to stay focused on tasks, keep attention and avoid distractions.
Memory: Problems encoding, storing and getting information, which affects both short term and long term memory.
Executive Function: Problems with planning, problem solving, decision making and showing brain flexibility.
Processing Speed: Slower brain processing, which makes it harder to follow conversations or finish tasks well.
Verbal Fluency: Problems quickly and well coming up with words or ideas.

These brain problems can have a ripple effect, hurting a person’s ability to learn new things, perform well at work or school and keep social relationships.

The Impact on Daily Life

The brain effects of marijuana psychosis can greatly affect daily life. Someone may have trouble remembering appointments, following instructions or finishing tasks at work. They may also struggle in social situations such as following conversations or understanding social cues.

These problems can cause feelings of frustration, anxiety and lowered self esteem, which leads to feeling alone and withdrawing.

I have worked with students who struggled to go back to their studies after psychosis caused by cannabis because of brain impairments. They needed accommodations such as more time on tests and help with note taking to do well in school.

Strategies for Managing Cognitive Impairment

Several strategies can help people manage the brain effects of marijuana psychosis. These include:

Cognitive Remediation: Improving brain functioning by addressing specific brain problems.
Compensatory Strategies: Using external tools to lessen brain problems such as using a planner to remember appointments or a tape recorder to record lectures.
Lifestyle Modifications: Getting regular exercise, eating healthy and getting enough sleep to improve brain functioning.
Medication: Medicines that improve attention and concentration may help in some situations.

Using a mix of these strategies often proves most effective. It is important to work with a health professional to make a plan that addresses the person’s specific needs and challenges.

Navigating a Path to Healing After Cannabis-Induced Psychosis

Marijuana psychosis recovery is a process that requires patience, perseverance and a full approach. Having psychosis can feel overwhelming and upsetting, but recovery is possible, and many people continue to live fulfilling lives.

A Comprehensive Recovery Strategy

A full strategy for marijuana psychosis recovery addresses the person’s physical, mental and social needs. This may include:

Medical Treatment: Medicine to manage psychotic symptoms and any other mental health conditions that occur together.
Therapy: Individual, group or family therapy to address emotional and mental issues.
Substance Use Treatment: Specialized substance use treatment if substance use problems exist.
Rehabilitation Services: Job training, social skills training and other rehabilitation services to help people restore their social and job functioning.
Lifestyle Modifications: Eating healthy, getting regular exercise and getting enough sleep to improve overall well being.
Social Support: Connecting with family, friends and support groups to give emotional support and encouragement.

I believe a full approach is the best way to help marijuana psychosis recovery. It addresses the underlying issues that add to the psychosis and helps people create a strong base for long term recovery.

Building Inner Strength and Resilience

Building resilience is a key part of marijuana psychosis recovery. Resilience is the ability to recover from challenges and handle stress well. Resilient people are better able to handle the challenges of recovery and keep their progress going.

Several strategies can help people build resilience. These include:

Developing a Strong Social Support Network: Connecting with family, friends and support groups to give emotional support and encouragement.
Practicing Self-Care: Taking part in activities that improve well being such as exercise, relaxation methods and hobbies.
Setting Realistic Goals: Setting goals that can be reached and celebrating successes along the way.
Developing Problem-Solving Skills: Learning to spot and solve problems well.
Maintaining a Positive Attitude: Focusing on the good parts of life and nurturing a sense of hope.

I encourage people in marijuana psychosis recovery to make building their resilience a priority. This enables them to handle the challenges of recovery and reach their goals.

Preventing Relapse After Cannabis-Induced Psychosis

Preventing relapse is an important part of marijuana psychosis recovery. Relapse means psychotic symptoms return after being controlled for some time. It is important to make a plan to prevent relapse and handle it well if it happens.

Relapse prevention strategies include:

Adherence to Treatment: Taking medicine as directed and going to therapy sessions regularly.
Avoiding Triggers: Spotting and avoiding situations, people or places that start psychotic symptoms.
Developing Coping Skills: Learning to handle stress and deal with difficult emotions well.
Monitoring Symptoms: Tracking symptoms and seeking help if they get worse.
Having a Support System: Connecting with family, friends and support groups for ongoing support and encouragement.

I work with people in marijuana psychosis recovery to make a personalized relapse prevention plan. This plan lists the specific steps they will take to prevent relapse and handle it well should it occur.

Seeking Professional Help for Cannabis-Induced Psychosis

If you or someone you know is having psychosis caused by cannabis, seeking professional help is very important. A mental health professional can give an accurate diagnosis, make a good treatment plan and offer continuous support.

Finding the right health professional may take some work. Look for professionals who focus on treating psychosis and substance use disorders. You can ask your primary care doctor for a referral or search online for mental health professionals near you.

Remember, seeking help shows strength, not weakness. It is the first step toward recovery and a better future.

The long-term effects of cannabis-induced psychosis are a major concern, but recovery can be achieved with early action, the right treatment and lasting support. By knowing the possible risks, seeking professional help and following a full treatment plan, people can overcome the challenges of psychosis caused by cannabis and live fulfilling lives. I am dedicated to giving evidence based information and caring support with the goal of helping people and families handle this difficult condition and achieve lasting recovery.