Last Updated:
January 4th, 2024
This blog will unravel the complexities surrounding dual diagnosis, with a specific focus on the relationship between cannabis addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. We will go into the challenges individuals face when grappling with both simultaneously and highlight the role of the right approaches in addressing dual diagnoses.
Defining dual diagnosis
Substance use disorder, often manifested as addiction, encompasses a range of conditions where an individual’s relationship with a substance becomes problematic. This can include substances like alcohol, opioids, and cannabis. The mark of substance use disorder is the inability to control use despite adverse consequences.
On the other side of this lies mental health disorder. This term includes various conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and others. Mental health disorders affect thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, influencing an individual’s overall well-being.
Dual diagnoses emerge when an individual contends with substance use disorder and a mental health disorder at the same time. The relationship between these two conditions is not linear; they interact, influence, and often exacerbate each other.
Dual diagnosis is common. Research indicates a high prevalence of co-occurring mental health disorders among individuals struggling with substance use issues, including cannabis addiction. Understanding the prevalence of dual diagnosis is essential for tailoring effective interventions and providing comprehensive care.
Cannabis addiction
Cannabis use has undergone a grand shift, departing from its status on the fringes of social acceptance. In recent years, changing legality and evolving societal attitudes have pushed cannabis into mainstream conversations, reshaping its image. This shift has given rise to a surge in cannabis usage for recreational and medicinal purposes, consequently contributing to a notable increase in individuals grappling with addiction.
One of the pivotal factors in the changing narrative around cannabis is the legal status in various regions. Many jurisdictions have undergone legislative adjustments, moving towards decriminalisation or outright legalisation of cannabis. This shift has reshaped public perceptions, fostering an environment where cannabis is increasingly viewed through the lens of legality and normalisation.
Along with changes in legality, social attitudes toward cannabis have experienced a notable shift. What was once stigmatised is now viewed with greater curiosity. This cultural shift has diminished the perceived risks associated with cannabis use, influencing a broader part of the population to explore its therapeutic potential.
The double appeal of cannabis for recreational enjoyment as well as medicinal relief has fueled its use. Individuals seek cannabis for various reasons, ranging from relaxation and socialisation to the alleviation of medical symptoms. The availability of diverse cannabis products, including edibles, tinctures, and concentrates, further contributes to the accessibility and attractiveness of cannabis use.
Contributing to the rise in cannabis is the perception of its harmlessness relative to other substances. Many individuals perceive cannabis as a mild substance.
As more individuals engage with cannabis regularly, some find themselves caught in dependence, characterised by a compulsive need for the substance despite negative consequences. This escalation raises critical questions about the implications of widespread cannabis use on public health.
The line between recreational use and addictive patterns is a key part of the rise in cannabis addiction. What begins as occasional use for recreation can sometimes evolve into a more chronic relationship. This transition highlights the importance of understanding cannabis use and the potential for addiction.
Marketing strategies and the commercialisation of cannabis products have changed consumption. As the legality of cannabis has shifted, creating regulated markets, the industry has employed better marketing techniques to normalise the use of cannabis. This has played a key role in shaping social perceptions and influencing individuals toward more frequent engagement with marijuana.
The availability of cannabis has expanded significantly, particularly in regions where legal restrictions have loosened. Dispensaries, both physical and online, offer a wide array of cannabis products, creating an environment where obtaining cannabis is increasingly convenient. This heightened accessibility contributes to the rise in use, potentially leading to challenges of dependence and addiction.
Social dynamics and peer influence play a crucial role in the rise of cannabis use. As cannabis becomes more normalised within social circles, individuals may be more inclined to try it, influenced by the behaviours and attitudes of those around them. The normalisation of cannabis use within social norms can contribute to the perception that regular consumption is acceptable and devoid of significant risks.
Cannabis addiction, characterised by a problematic pattern of use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, involves physical and psychological dependence on the psychoactive components of the plant. The regular use of cannabis can lead to tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and difficulties in controlling or reducing use.
While some individuals use cannabis to cope with underlying mental health issues, prolonged and excessive use can contribute to the development or exacerbation of mental health disorders, creating a cyclical pattern that intensifies the challenges of dual diagnosis.
Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders
Co-occurring mental health disorders often include anxiety and depression. Cannabis use, especially when excessive, has been associated with an increased risk of anxiety and depression. For individuals grappling with these conditions, cannabis use can serve as a form of self-medication, but with detrimental long-term consequences.
High-THC cannabis strains, known for their psychoactive effects, have been linked to an elevated risk of psychosis and schizophrenia, particularly in individuals with a predisposition to these conditions. Understanding the genetic and environmental factors contributing to these disorders is crucial when considering dual diagnosis.
Cannabis use, particularly in prolonged patterns, can result in cognitive impairment. For individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders, the cognitive effects of cannabis can exacerbate existing challenges, impacting daily functioning.
Dual diagnosis
Individuals struggling with co-occurring mental health disorders are often drawn to cannabis as a means of self-medication. This link between mental health and cannabis use creates a dynamic where the chasing of relief transforms into dependence. Understanding the motivations behind self-medication and the potential consequences is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Individuals facing mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be motivated to self-medicate with cannabis in an attempt to alleviate their symptoms. The perceived calming effects of cannabis, particularly strains with higher levels of cannabidiol (CBD), can provide a temporary respite from the intensity of emotional distress. This self-prescribed relief arises from a desire to manage symptoms independently.
Beyond seeking relief, individuals turn to cannabis as a form of escape – a way to temporarily detach from the stresses associated with their disorders. The altered state of consciousness induced by cannabis can provide a temporary reprieve from intrusive thoughts or persistent anxiety. However, the underlying issues will persist, setting the stage for a complex connection between the desire for relief and the reality of ongoing mental health challenges.
Cannabis, with its psychoactive properties, has the ability to create an illusion of relief. The euphoria induced by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can mask the symptoms of mental health disorders, providing a detachment from reality. This reprieve does not address the root causes of the challenges.
While cannabis may offer temporary solace, the underlying mental health issues persist or worsen over time. The cycle of dependence on both substances – cannabis and the pursuit of relief from mental health symptoms – becomes reinforced. Individuals may find themselves trapped in a loop where the need for relief perpetuates ongoing cannabis use, hindering the pursuit of sustainable, long-term solutions for their mental well-being.
The reliance on cannabis as a self-medication strategy can impact individuals’ engagement with formal mental health treatment. The perception that cannabis provides adequate relief may discourage individuals from seeking professional help, impeding the development of a proper treatment plan.
The link between self-medication with cannabis and co-occurring mental health disorders highlights the challenges of dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis involves addressing both substance use and mental health disorders concurrently, recognising their interconnected nature. Neglecting either aspect of treatment can lead to incomplete interventions and a heightened risk of relapse.
Effective interventions for individuals facing co-occurring mental health disorders and cannabis use require a comprehensive approach. This involves addressing both the symptoms of mental health disorders and the patterns of cannabis use. Simply focusing on one aspect without considering the interconnectedness can undermine the effectiveness of the intervention.
Acknowledging the dynamics of self-medication with cannabis highlights the importance of encouraging people to seek professional mental health support. Cultivating awareness about resources, reducing stigma surrounding mental health treatment, and emphasising the benefits of evidence-based interventions are key.
Promoting mental health care
Mental health care that integrates evidence-based therapies, counselling, and, when necessary, medication management can provide an incremental approach to addressing mental health challenges. By promoting sustainable mental health care, the reliance on self-medication with cannabis may be gradually replaced by more targeted interventions.
The relationship between co-occurring mental health disorders and cannabis use as a form of self-medication illuminates the challenges individuals face in managing their well-being. Understanding the motivations behind self-medication and the cycle of dependence is essential for professionals and support networks. By fostering awareness and promoting good mental health care, individuals can be guided towards more sustainable solutions and a path of lasting recovery.
UKAT
UKAT offers specialised treatment plans for both cannabis dependence and co-occurring mental health disorders, using a dual diagnosis approach to provide integrated care. Our interventions and therapies simultaneously target cannabis addiction and mental health challenges, aiming to disrupt the cycle of mutual reinforcement. Central to our approach is addressing underlying issues contributing to both conditions, including trauma, coping mechanisms, and triggers. Therapy is a key component, with counselling sessions focusing on evidence-based interventions to explore the psychological aspects of addiction and mental health, equipping individuals with coping mechanisms and a deeper understanding of their challenges.
Our commitment to comprehensive care extends beyond initial treatment phases, as we provide aftercare programmes for sustained support in transitioning back into daily life and maintaining sobriety and mental well-being. In addition to clinical interventions, we emphasise education, empowering individuals with knowledge to understand their conditions, manage triggers, and make informed decisions, fostering an active role in their recovery.
Dual diagnosis necessitates specialised interventions, and UKAT delivers carefully tailored rehab programmes, dual diagnosis expertise, therapeutic support, and aftercare to effectively address both substance use and mental health concurrently. Contact us today to find out just how we can help you.