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InMyMind

Ok, so I used to smoke about a year ago for like 6 months... maybe on average a couple of times a week, sometimes more, sometimes less.
I never really worried about my health the whole time, I just had fun... it stayed like that for a while.

So then last May I was alone, smoked (not alot - how much I would usually have) and had a typically really bad anxiety attack. I thought my arteries were turning purple, my heart was racing and I thought I was going to have a heart attack. Not a fun night.

Havent done it since... and soon after, I got withdrawal symptoms... I started getting anxiety and paranoia afterwards and worried more.

I basically am over being afraid of a heart attack thing (after I stopped, for a few months I would get anxiety at times about it)
Now when I get it, I just ignore it because I know its nothing

I want to start smoking again, but now I come across schizophrenia and getting it from weed, and im worried I may be more vulnarable... no clue why.

I also have no way of checking family history, seeing as I was adopted at birth.

Can someone let me know how much of the Shizo thing is true, and should I really worry.

I'd really appreciate this, thanks.

 

teufelfisch

You can't "get" schizophrenia from smoking weed. However, if you are pre-disposed to the disease and younger than about 20, drug use can trigger it.

I have a feeling you will get a more in-depth reply shortly from someone more knowledgeable than myself.

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InMyMind

Well is there any way of knowing whether or not I may have it, for it to be triggered?

And if I have smoked marijuana anyway, is it too late regardless?

teufelfisch

Well, there is some debate as to whether drug use actually triggers schizophrenia or whether schizophrenics are pre-disposed to marijuana use as a way to self-regulate their symptoms.

I think that if you had a psychotic episode you would know it.

Have you ever heard voices, experienced some form of delusion, or experienced any other symptoms that make you think you have schizophrenia?

Buzzby

I doubt that you really got withdrawal symptoms if you only smoked a couple of times a week. My guess is that it was just more anxiety, something towards which you seem to be inclined.


There seems to be some kind of genetic marker but they're not certain. I don't think your problem is schizophrenia. It's anxiety.


The research, such as it is, was based on results from male, very heavy smokers who started young. You don't qualify.

I do question whether it's a good idea for someone as anxiety-prone as yourself to use marijuana. In people with that orientation, marijuana tends to make things worse. Marijuana isn't a good thing for everyone.

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teufelfisch

If you freak out every time you smoke in a particular environment, and generally have a bad time, perhaps you shouldn't smoke in that environment.

However, I believe that most people can find an environment where they can smoke and have a good time. For me, that is usually alone, though others can have a fun time being high in social environments.

Since you panic nearly every time you smoke, try a dramatic change of environment. Smoke a very small amount alone in the woods, for example, and see if you experience panic.

However, I think you should sort out this schizophrenia stuff before you smoke again, regardless of quantity or locale.

Mamabudz

I think we need to look at what you are asking here ...and more importantly what you are saying in your message --

You were smoking an unknown amount about every other day, recreationally, for 6 months, until a few months ago.

Was this "typical" as in "usual for you" or the "typical type that 'everyone" describes"?

You had a pretty serious scare -- and came face to face with your own moprtality for possibly the first time in your life. That can trigger anxiety and paranoia and general worry.

Yes, that heart attack feeling was the feeling of being "too high" and it is a very scarey one (heart racing)

Could be that "brush with mortality" experience?

Actually most folks don't know much of their families mental health history as these things aren't discussed. A better description of "psychotic" behaviour would be "highly agitated and easily responsive to stimuli".

Buzzby gave you the most up to the minute response on the most recent Schizophrenia/Marijuana connection reports.

The best advice I give you is to smoke with friends -- set and setting is important. Apparently this response occurred when you were alone, and possibly you have a tendency towards introspection that might cause a recurrence of the anxiety you don't wish to re-visit.

On the other hand, this introspection has high lighted some personal issues that apparently require some personal work, and perha[ps you have received a valuable insight into your internal emotional workings and can unblock an issue that is keeping you from reaching your greatest level of success in your life time?

Perhaps it is worth your while to contact a person who can counsel you on this issue as it presents itself?

Just a suggestion... have a cookie

Mama Budz

InMyMind

Nah, the typical anxiety symptoms people get sometimes while having anxiety on weed; ie: racing heart, **** like that.

Im not quite getting that, lol


The thing is, im absolutely fine now...I jus want to go back to marijuana, and besides that one night, for 6 months I was fine when I was smoking too. I never got an anxiety attack until that one... I stopped, but I think for the most part i'll be fine, im always a little more cautious though now..

I really do appreciate all the info and opinions though, thanks alot guys..
Hopefully i'll start tokin up soon, and then come on here and let ya'll know im fine
LOL

InMyMind

BTW, I never really get anxiety during everyday life or anything, the only time I get anxiety or nervous is when I read about something or whatever that could affect me (ex; the schizophrenia)
Besides the time when im reading about that stuff, im almost never agitated, or paranoid, or anything like that.

Dont know if that means anything, im just saying

oneluv4boognish

I'll say from personal experience he's right...if you did have a psychotic episode you'd know it...unless you were still having it in which case you'd be too delusional to be posting about it here. I'm bipolar...if i saw a shrink right now they'd say i was "schizo affective". I know i get it from my mom...who is bipolar schizophrenic. I personally use marijuana as a way to self-medicate and maintain more sanity. Stress and anxiety for me induce episodes...not all are psychotic though. But if you were having one you'd surely know it...atleast i think you would.

I think you just got scared. You got too high and had a bad experience. If you're not normally anxious then it's not an anxiety disorder. People with that are always anxious...and for some of em the weed exascerbates the symptoms that come along with anxiety disorder. Sounds to me like whatever bad experience you had totally scared you ****less and that's why reading stuff freaks you out and makes you feel anxious. You can feel anxious without having a disorder. Try smoking with a good friend in a relaxed environment...and don't smoke a lot. Smoke just enough to get a buzz on...not to get high as a damn kite. See how you do...and then you'll know. But i'm sorry i think you're sane...well not sorry about that...just don't think you need to see a shrink cause you had a bad high.