Social anxiety disorder causes people to feel fearful and anxious in social situations due to concerns about being judged or judged, often leading to avoidance of these events altogether. If you have social anxiety disorder and are considering marijuana as a treatment option, you may be wondering if it can help.
Some research supports the use of cannabis or “weed” to alleviate social anxiety symptoms, but not all research findings are positive. Additionally, long-term studies on the safety and efficacy of this drug are lacking. Here’s what you need to know about using marijuana for social anxiety disorder, including the potential risks.
The most important things to know about marijuana use and social anxiety disorder
Social anxiety is highly associated with problematic cannabis use. Additionally, marijuana is addictive and can have short- and long-term negative side effects.
Social anxiety and marijuana use
Almost 30% of adults with cannabis addiction also have social anxiety disorder. This suggests a strong association between experiencing anxiety in social situations and marijuana use.
People with social anxiety disorder commonly use marijuana for two reasons: coping and/or avoidance. They may use the drug as a way to reduce the anxiety they feel or as a reason to avoid situations where using cannabis is not allowed.
Does marijuana help with social anxiety?
To answer this question, we need to focus on two marijuana cannabinoids: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the psychoactive substance found in marijuana and is responsible for the marijuana “high.” Although CBD is not psychoactive, it can affect the body through the endocannabinoid system.
Research shows that CBD seems to reduce anxiety, but when it comes to THC, the dosage of this cannabinoid is important. Specifically, lower doses of THC may reduce anxiety, while higher doses appear to worsen anxiety.
A 2021 review looked specifically at the effects of THC and CBD on social anxiety. He noted that some showed positive effects, while others did not. Therefore, it was concluded that there is not enough evidence to support the use of marijuana for the management of social anxiety.
The National Center for Social Anxiety also says that even though the THC and CBD found in marijuana may help reduce anxiety in the short term, marijuana use may be more harmful for long-term anxiety relief. I’m warning you. This indicates that marijuana use is a way to escape, fight, or suppress anxiety. It won’t help you learn how to get over it.
Does eating cannabis make you more social?
An older study found that after smoking marijuana cigarettes, people spent more time interacting with others each day on average than people who smoked a placebo. However, this study included only 12 subjects, and the results varied between groups of individuals. Therefore, it is unclear whether the findings can be applied on a larger scale.
Risks of marijuana use for social anxiety
Choosing to use marijuana to alleviate symptoms of social anxiety disorder comes with some risks.
questionable use
Social anxiety disorder is the anxiety disorder most frequently associated with problematic cannabis use, affecting more than twice as many people as people with other anxiety disorders. Problematic use means that marijuana use causes some problems in your daily life.
addiction and dependence
Marijuana can be addictive, and may be even more addictive for people with social anxiety disorder. In fact, research shows that people who experience social anxiety are seven times more likely to meet criteria for cannabis use disorder.
A person addicted to marijuana may develop an addiction to this drug and use more and more marijuana to get the “high” feeling. They may also be at increased risk of developing cognitive problems related to attention, memory, and learning.
negative side effects
People who use marijuana may experience side effects. The most common side effects of marijuana use are dizziness and sedation, which occur in more than 1 in 10 users. Other common effects include dry mouth and psychological effects.
Frequent and long-term use of marijuana can have long-term effects. Regular, long-term use of this drug has been associated with mood disorders, worsening of psychotic disorders in some people, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and other health conditions.
Teens who use marijuana are at risk for the drug’s negative effects on brain development. This can lead to impairments in thinking, memory, and learning processes.
Alternative treatment options for social anxiety disorder
There are many alternatives to treating social anxiety that have been proven to be safe and effective, and without the risks associated with marijuana use. The two preferred treatments for this disorder are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches people how to change destructive thought patterns, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs.
There are also strategies you can implement on your own. Meditation and mindfulness are two of his methods for calming the mind and reducing anxiety. You can also combine these practices by participating in mindfulness meditation.
summary
The use of marijuana for social anxiety disorder is still in its infancy, and further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness and safety of this drug for this use. Your health care provider can help you find treatment options that have been proven over time to effectively manage social anxiety, including therapy and medication.