Sausalito, CA – Alta Mira, a premier, local rehab, recently published an article disclosing the connection on cannabis-induced mood disorders. Their program is robust with evidence-based treatments and holistic components targeting substance use disorder recovery.
“In recent years, cannabis has emerged as a prominent topic of debate, particularly as a growing number of states have legalized its use for recreational purposes. While cannabis is recognized for its potential medical benefits, there is evidence suggesting a connection between chronic cannabis use and the onset of mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder.
“Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the relationship between cannabis use, the development of cannabis use disorder, and the sequential occurrence of depression. Although the findings are somewhat mixed, a pronounced body of evidence indicates that prolonged cannabis use may be associated with the development or exacerbation of pre-existing mood disorders. This showcases the importance of further research to clarify these associations and guide clinical interventions,” the article states.
Mood disorders disrupt the regulatory systems that handle stress and life events. One common mood disorder is major depressive disorder(MDD). MDD is characterized by prolonged periods of intense low mood lasting for weeks. Loss of interest in activities, sleep pattern differences, and changes in eating habits are all common with MDD. Chronic cannabis use has been associated with the worsening of existing depression.
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by significant variations in mood, ranging from elevated states of mania to periods of deep depression. A study collected data for 20 years and investigated the correlation between cannabis use and the rate of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. The study found that 47% of participants who used cannabis developed bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, with most cases emerging within 3 or more years of cannabis use. The significant prevalence of cannabis-induced mood disorders highlights the need for careful consideration of the long-term mental health impacts of cannabis use.
“Although cannabis use has become more widely accepted due to its legalization, it leads to significant problems in an individual’s life when it transitions into CUD. Cannabis use disorder occurs when cannabis consumption becomes disruptive and prioritized over essential aspects of life, such as work and relationships. Individuals with CUD experience intense cravings for cannabis, which dominate their thoughts and fuel compulsive use. Over time, these patterns result in financial difficulties and strained or lost relationships, leaving the individual in a state of disarray.
When cannabis use begins during adolescence, it disrupts normal brain development. Marijuana affects areas of the brain responsible for memory, cognition, and learning. During the teenage years, the brain is still forming critical connections between these regions, which are essential for healthy cognitive function. Cannabis interferes with these developmental processes, both in the short term and long term, potentially leading to permanent brain damage and impaired functioning,” the article continues.
Determining the cause of a cannabis-induced mood disorder involves extensive patient history. Psychopathological assessment, The Scale to Assess Unawareness of Mental Disorders (SUMD), unawareness of symptoms, misattribution of symptoms, and Psychiatric Research Interview for Substance and Mental Disorders (PRISM) and be used to determine if cannabis use caused the mood disorder or if the person already had one and it was made worse by cannabis use.
Alta Mira focuses on quality care in a safe and structured environment. Their holistic approaches focus on nutrition, sleep, and activity levels while their evidence-based practices focus on motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychological evaluations. They offer private rooms where clients can bring their pets during the recovery process.
To learn more about Alta Mira, call 866-922-1350 or visit their website.
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For more information about Alta Mira Recovery Programs, contact the company here:
Alta Mira Recovery Programs
Kacy DeSilva
866-922-1350
kdesilva@galenmentalhealth.com
125 Bulkley Ave Sausalito, CA 94965
