Posted by Willow on April 27, 2003, at 11:37:25
In reply to Ace and Tepiaca, posted by Caleb462 on April 25, 2003, at 2:13:32
> Ace,
> It can cause paranoia, yes. Paranoia does not = psychosis. Nor does depression and apathy = psychosis. Many drugs, both licit and illicit, can cause problems for people - particularly the illicit ones. Marijuana, however, is relatively tame in comparison to most recreational drugs. It is definitely a safer drug than alcohol. I'm not saying it is without risks, but I think a 17 year old has the capacity to make his own decisions about this subject. He may or may not regret these decisions in the future, and that is what life is all about.
Over the years this topic has come up numerous times on the board. The argument that it is safer than alcohol as a "recreational" drug is almost always pointed out. This is in my opinion like arguing which is a better pet, a cat or a dog.I've gone to my psychologist's complaining of symptoms, which I refer to as my psychotic episodes. He has stated that they are technically mixed episodes of severe anxiety and depression. We've come to the agreement that I will refer to them as my psycotic espisodes; though, technically speaking they are not. For myself, I have explained that they seem very similiar to my father's "psychotic" episodes that he has had as a result of his illness, schizophrenia.
I've always been aware of his heightened anxiety during these "breaks" but not really knowing how crappy it feels. I can't imagine anything worse than my severe and prolonged anxiety attacks which make me paranoid of the strangest things, but then I'm sure my father would say the same for his illness.
He claims his schizophrenia was brought on by bad drugs, which many people from his age with the illness claim. The bad drug which he refers to is "pot." And he was an adult when the illness surfaced, in his mid 30's.
My point is that no matter your age having concerned social supports is never bad. Pot or booze, either one can cause damage. (For those on this board advocating the use of either, I would argue that they may be prime examples of reasons against.) Paranoia versus psychosis, hangover versus apathy? If I had to choose, I would prefer a life with healthy social relationships which I'm able to function at a level that supports my own self worth, doesn't demean it.
Weeping Willow
poster:Willow
thread:222111
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030423/msgs/222719.html