Depersonalization and Anxiety: The Marijuana Connection

Depersonalization, along with anxiety, is often the result of marijuana use, due to the physical and emotional reactions this substance elicits in many individuals. There is a specific approach to combat these reactions and restore both mind and body to a true sense of well being.

Many are now experiencing a disturbing reaction to marijuana, which never occurred in the past. Intense feeling of anxiety replace the initial subdued reaction normally expected.

Many have experienced the following intrusive symptoms after smoking marijuana:

– Increase in fearful thoughts
– Racing heart
– Hyperventilation
– Shaking hands
– Sweating
– Racing Thoughts
– Nervousness, shakiness, and weakness
– Inability to concentrate
– Irritability
– Hunger and/or nausea
– Tingling or numbness in the lips or tongue

The reason for these reactions, although a riddle to many, is the closely related correlation between marijuana use and a low blood sugar reaction. The more one smokes the steeper the crash and the greater intensity of these symptoms. If one is aware of this reaction and compensates by countering the low blood sugar symptoms, the episode is quickly ended and life returns to normal. If, on the other hand, the individual believes they have injured or damaged themselves, fearful worry takes over and eventually could lead to a fatigued mind and feelings of depersonalization.

Depersonalization is a mind tired from the constant habit of fearful worry. It is fueled by one’s anxiety over the way they are feeling and the cycle of worry continues until interrupted by understanding and effective behavior modification. In other words, one must learn to view this from the proper perspective and immediately interrupt the cycle of fearful worry. By doing so, the exhausted mind rapidly refreshes and life returns to normal.

The solution may sound simple but for many the habit of fearful worry may become firmly entrenched and will require more practice for them to believe this is (a) only the result of prolonged worry and (b) simple to rectify when applying the correct method.

Many are convinced they have sustained damage from the substance and wrongly believe they must require medication to combat their perceived condition. This is a misconception since medication will only exacerbation a condition, prevalent in those who are already highly reactive to outside stimuli. They will, as studies have proved, experience the adverse reactions rather than the benefits of most anti-anxiety/anti-depressants on the market today.

The Solution

The solution to this problem is fairly clear for those who experienced this reaction. The first and foremost recommendation is avoidance of this substance as some are more susceptible to these reactions. If one is reactive to stimuli such as caffeine, nicotine, prescription medications, temperature/climate change, or sugar, it is suggested that they would be reactive to marijuana or other substances in this category.

If they have already experienced this reaction, the initial solution would be to treat this reaction as one would treat an episode of low blood sugar.

Low Blood Sugar Remedies

– Immediately drink 1/2 Cup of Orange Juice or 1/3 Cup of Grape Juice
or
– Tablespoon of honey or 1/2 cup of regular soda

Wait 10 minutes and follow with a protein snack such as:

– Cheese (on crackers or whole grain bread)
– Milk
– Nuts, Nut Butter
– Egg
– Poultry, Fish or Meat or Dairy (if tolerated) snack

The protein will maintain solid and balanced blood sugar levels for a longer period of time after the initial sweet snack restored blood sugar levels.

The anxiety and feelings of confusion will abate quite rapidly as one resumes their normal routine.

Long Term Solution

Those who were unaware of this protocol may be plagued with extended feelings of anxiety and depersonalization. This is not difficult to overcome. Once understanding and behavioral modification of the habit of fearful worry is initiated, the mind quickly refreshes, clarity is restored and life returns to normal.

For further information on this topic:

Contact: Dr. R.E. Freedman
info@depersonalizationtreatmentcenter.com
Office Phone: 215-635-4700
Office Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (EST)

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