A few years ago when I was heavily into weed I had a really bad experience, hearing voices, thought someone was after me etc. I haven’t touch any bongs since then but since starting Uni this year, my friends smoke a bit when we go out and I have had a few puffs. I am worried starting it again and having a breakdown. Is this likely to happen?
You are right to be concerned, I am glad you are paying attention to your wellbeing and realise you need to be aware of this issue.
Over the last decade there has been a transformation in views from one that saw cannabis as a relatively benign and naturally occurring plant, to understanding its very real and substantial risks and links to mental illness. This has coincided with a change in the nature of the production of the plant through the use of hydroponics and related methods, resulting in extremely strong forms of the drug being available.
Cannabis is a psychoactive substance, which means its key element THC travels in the bloodstream to the brain. Its use can result in a drug induced psychosis, where the user loses contact with reality and experiences disturbing hallucinations, delusions, memory loss and confusion. Such symptoms usually appear quickly and last a relatively short time (a few days), until the effects of the cannabis completely wear off.
However if someone has a predisposition to a psychotic illness such as schizophrenia, use of drugs such as cannabis may trigger what can become a lifelong, disabling condition. There is increasing evidence that regular cannabis use precedes and causes higher rates of chronic psychotic illness.
In addition, for those who already have a psychotic illness, cannabis use generally makes symptoms worse and lowers the chances of recovery from a major episode. People with a psychotic illness who use cannabis experience more delusions, hallucinations and other symptoms. They have a higher rate of hospitalisation, and treatment is generally less effective.
Given what you describe of your experience, I would strongly urge you to minimise use of this drug. It may be that if you use it you will experience an episode of drug induced psychosis. Or it may go further and trigger an ongoing psychotic illness. The risk seems too high to mess around with.
If you are having trouble avoiding use, or want more detailed advice, there are services and information available:
Just Ask Us is a 24/7 online network with information, tools and advice specifically for University students with drug, alcohol, health and wellbeing issues.
Counselling Online provides free 24 hour web based treatment, information and support on all drug related matters.
Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre in Fitzroy provides a wide range of specialist treatment and support services to people affected by alcohol and drug use.
