I’m the first person to admit I should start seeing a therapist, and don’t worry I have an appointment lined up. I’ve also taken enough psychology courses to realize some of my coping mechanisms are unhealthy.

Coping mechanisms refers to how an individual responds to a crisis or distressing situation. For example, some people make jokes in serious situations, some run from their problems, some use alcohol or drugs, some get aggressive and lash out, the list goes on. Personally, I either run away from my problems and shut myself in my room or I self-medicate.

Don’t Mind My Vices

It isn’t easy admitting my bad habits to the world, but I self-medicate by smoking marijuana when I feel anxious, Juuling, shopping, and comfort-eating. For those who don’t know, a Juul is an e-cigarette device that allows you to smoke a nicotine vapor.

Self-Medicating With The Juul, Don’t Do This

I’ve already addressed comfort-eating in a previous post, so I won’t embarrass myself by talking more about that. However, I will be discussing using marijuana and nicotine to self-medicate. Unhealthy habits and substances may be okay in moderation for anybody but how am I supposed to know when I’ve gone too far?

First, let me admit I am pro the legalization of recreational and medical marijuana, so I may be biased in that regard. Personally, I don’t see the harm in responsibly using weed to unwind with friends after work; what concerns me, is being unable to cope with anxiety without weed. This post also isn’t intended to extensively discuss the benefits of medical marijuana. However, I will be discussing the effects of marijuana use on anxiety.

Why I Self-Medicate

I indulge in any of these forms of self-medication when I’m feeling anxious and overwhelmed. Shopping and comfort eating distract me from the anxious thoughts while locking myself in my room keeps my problems out of sight out of mind. Personally, smoking weed and Juuling help me feel more relaxed and like my problems aren’t as bad as they seemed before.

On a Healthier Note, I Also Like To Workout At Planet Fitness To Cope With Anxiety, I’d Highly Recommend The Black Card Membership

That isn’t to say anybody reading this should start using an e-cig, they’re not good for you and I’m not encouraging anybody to pick up this habit, however, I have to admit my own vices. These are also social activities for me, that then helps my anxiety by getting me out of my own head and talking with others. Ultimately, they alter my perception; I perceive my stress and anxiety to be more manageable and less detrimental, it also helps me be more mindful of the current moment and not so anxious about the future.

Is My Brain Okay?

Both nicotine and marijuana have been found to alter your brain chemistry. Weed alters your brain chemistry by introducing THC into your bloodstream carried to the brain; “after consuming marijuana, many people experience a pleasant euphoria and sense of relaxation. Other common effects, which may vary dramatically among different people, include heightened sensory perception, laughter, altered perception of time, and increased appetite” (drugabuse.gov).

Anxiety.org further states, “one feature of the high association with cannabis use is a state of increased relaxation, happiness, and detachment from reality. One of the most commonly cited reasons people give for using cannabis is increased relaxation and the ability to cope with negative emotions while under its influence.”

Nicotine also is absorbed into the blood where adrenaline is released and travels to the brain; adrenaline “stimulates the central nervous system and increases blood pressure, breathing, and heart rate. It also increases dopamine, which reinforces rewarding behaviors” (drugabuse.org).

It makes sense why I use marijuana and nicotine to self-medicate, the way these substances impact the brain alleviate the negative symptoms of my anxiety and depression. However, chronic use can actually increase the symptoms of these mental illnesses. You may have heard of CBD as a treatment for anxiety, which I think of as marijuana’s more widely accepted sister.

Is CBD Worth a Shot Instead?

Harvard Health’s Blog defines CBD: “CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is the second most prevalent of the active ingredients of cannabis (marijuana). While CBD is a component of marijuana (one of hundreds), by itself it does not cause a “high.”

Basically, there are not a sufficient amount of human studies to confidently recommend CBD as a general treatment for anxiety. However, it’s more readily available than marijuana and there have been a few studies confirming CBD as a treatment for epilepsy, anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain, just not enough to be statistically significant.

CBD Oil

That being said, it’s always recommended to talk to your doctor before trying anything to treat a mental illness. “Without sufficient high-quality evidence in human studies we can’t pinpoint effective doses, and because CBD is currently is mostly available as an unregulated supplement, it’s difficult to know exactly what you are getting. If you decide to try CBD, talk with your doctor — if for no other reason than to make sure it won’t affect other medications you are taking” (Harvard Health Blog).

Does Weed Help With Anxiety?

The short answer to that question is, weed may temporarily help with anxiety but it ultimately makes things worse.

Dr. Carol Lee wrote an article for anxiety.org explaining this concept:

“Small sample sizes and significant limitations in the research make it difficult to conclusively state the benefits of cannabis use in treating anxiety. Although, cannabis temporarily decreases anxiety, it may also maintain or exacerbate symptoms in the long run; perhaps creating a way to avoid experiencing the anxiety fully. The result? Individuals may not learn that they can cope with and manage their anxiety without cannabis.”

Taking A Bath Is A Great Alternative to Self-Medicating

Dr. Lee mentions one of my primary concerns, being unable to cope with anxiety without my habits of self-medication, or cannabis and nicotine. From the research I did for this post, I think I’d benefit from consulting a doctor and therapist about my habits.

All of this being said and as far as I’ve noticed, my self-medicating hasn’t caused any real negative effects on my daily life, yet. But I would like to get ahead of these habits and learn some healthier coping mechanisms before they do impact my well-being.

When is self-medicating okay? Basically, it isn’t recommended, go to therapy and see a doctor instead.