cannabis and past trauma

For all of us, trauma is an unfortunate reality. It is an essential component of the human experience. It's comparable to death, taxes, and reckless driving on the road. We simply have to deal with it on a daily basis. The good news is that we don't have to deal with it on our own.

Cannabis has demonstrated to be a useful tool in the healing process for those who have endured trauma, in addition to friends, family, therapy, and more. When taken appropriately, it can provide people a sense of comfort and relaxation that helps them process and get over unpleasant memories.

However, a recent study in Science Direct linked regular cannabis usage to traumatic experiences from childhood and throughout one's life. Before drawing any conclusions, it's crucial to examine this information critically and consider all the available evidence. To fully comprehend the possible implications of this discovery, more research is required.

In order to determine whether there is any validity to this study or whether research experts were merely using "amazing math" to support their argument, the goal of today's essay is to evaluate its claims. Additionally, how can one tell one person's "lifetime trauma" from another's? Is there a minimum amount of trauma that must be experienced in order to qualify, or is it something else?

You ought to have a general understanding by the end of this article, that much is certain.

First – let’s take a look at the study!

In order to keep things on the “up and up”, I’m going to copy the Abstract of the Study here. I’ll also link it to the source if you’d like to explore it further. After that, I’ll write a short “in simple terms” description beneath it.

Abstract

Higher rate of substance use, including cannabis, has been reported in individuals with a history of childhood trauma, but less is known about the association between cannabis use with lifetime history of trauma and chronic stress, and potential gender differences in this association. This study systematically examined this association in a cross-sectional study of 841 individuals recruited between 2007 and 2012 from the community in New Haven, Connecticut. The Cumulative Adversity Index (CAI) was used to measure cumulative lifetime major life events, life trauma, and recent life events and chronic stress. Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) was used to measure childhood trauma. Current and regular use of drugs were assessed using self-report questionnaires and objectively verified with urine drug testing. Higher rates of childhood trauma as well as lifetime trauma, and major life events were found in cannabis users, compared to non-users. The association between cannabis use with childhood trauma (total CTQ scores) was significant after controlling for age, gender, ethnicity and regular use of alcohol or cocaine. In logistic regression analysis, cannabis use had a significant positive association with major life events and lifetime trauma, but not with chronic stress, controlling for confounding factors including age, gender, ethnicity, and regular use of alcohol and cocaine. When analyzed separately, only in women the association between cannabis use and childhood trauma was significant. These associations point to further assessment of the impact of these gender differences on neurobiology of stress and cannabis misuse risk.
SOURCE: Science Direct

The SIMPLE version:

A study was conducted to examine the connection between cannabis usage and trauma, including both early and lifelong trauma. According to the study, cannabis users experience more trauma than non-users do, including trauma from childhood and significant life events. The study also discovered that women, but not males, had a strong link between cannabis usage and early trauma. These results imply that there might be disparities between the ways that trauma and cannabis use affect men and women, and that this merits additional research.

While I'd love to delve into the research methodology, the exact trauma they were discussing, and how different socioeconomic backgrounds varied in the way trauma was interpreted...

However, as the only publicly available document is an Abstract, we would have to make a guess.

But more significantly, let's gain a greater understanding of trauma.

What is Trauma anyhow?

One of the things in life that no one needs to be taught but everyone intuitively understands is trauma.

Trauma is a typical occurrence in life that can have long-lasting impacts on a person's mental and emotional health. Numerous events, including physical or emotional abuse, natural disasters, automobile accidents, and combat, might lead to it. Regardless of its origin, trauma can have a profound effect on a person's life and induce a variety of symptoms, such as anxiety, sadness, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Not to mention that it may have a long-term impact on a person's mental and emotional well-being, making it challenging to move on and lead a regular life. Trauma can cause feelings of fear and anxiety, which makes it difficult for the victim to feel comfortable among other people and trust them. Trauma can occasionally even result in addiction as a person tries to cope with the anguish and anxiety brought on by the experience. I believe this is the argument that the study mentioned above is making for marijuana.

For people who have gone through trauma, there is hope. People can overcome the effects of trauma and lead healthy, productive lives with the aid of a number of efficient therapies, such as therapy and medicine. Therapy can assist patients in processing their traumatic events and in developing coping mechanisms to deal with the feelings of anxiety and despair. In some circumstances, a doctor may also recommend medication to help manage symptoms and add more assistance.

It's crucial to keep in mind that every person's experience with trauma is different and that there isn't a single best technique to recover. While some people might discover that treatment is the best course of action, others could discover that medicine works better. The secret is to figure out what suits each person best and to remain dedicated to the healing process.

Why cannabis is an awesome ally for dealing with Trauma

Trauma is a demanding experience to manage and can have long-term impacts on one's mental and emotional health. Although managing and overcoming it can be difficult, recovery is attainable with the correct help and resources. Cannabis has been one of these tools that has gained favor recently.

The following are some advantages of cannabis for overcoming personal trauma:

Cannabis has been demonstrated to have a soothing impact on the brain, assisting in the reduction of anxiety and stress levels. For those who are recovering from trauma, this can be especially beneficial because it can ease symptoms like panic attacks, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts.
Enhances relaxation and sleep quality: Many trauma survivors experience sleep problems, however cannabis has also shown to enhance sleep quality, assisting people in getting the rest they need to recover. Cannabis can also promote relaxation, which is a beneficial strategy to treat the physical side effects of trauma.
Cannabis has demonstrated to support mood regulation and enhance emotional wellbeing. Trauma can interfere with the regulation of emotions. People who are struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders linked to trauma may find this to be of particular use.
Cannabis has shown to promote attention and focus, assisting users in staying in the present and avoiding dwelling on upsetting memories.
Reduces physical pain: Trauma can cause physical pain, but cannabis has been proved to be a useful painkiller that can help people feel better and speed up recovery.

Cannabis has proven to be a useful tool for many people in managing trauma and fostering recovery, though it's important to note that not all people react to marijuana in the same way. Cannabis has the potential to be a formidable ally in the fight against personal trauma, whether it's by treating physical pain, lowering anxiety and tension, promoting rest and emotional control, or all three.

Bottom Line:

Although it is a constitutionally protected fundamental right, the pursuit of happiness can feel unreachable for many people who are traumatized. While traditional trauma treatments like therapy and medication can be helpful for some people, for others they only offer transient respite. Cannabis can help in the situation. Cannabis can be a potent aid for those wanting to deal with the long-term impacts of trauma when used in conjunction with therapy.

Anxiety, sadness, and sleeplessness symptoms have been demonstrated to be lessened by cannabis' relaxing effects on the body and mind. Individuals may find it simpler to participate in treatment and work through their traumatic experiences as a result. Cannabis can also lessen the intensity of flashbacks and nightmares, enabling people to confront their trauma in a more secure and controlled setting.

It's crucial to remember that cannabis shouldn't be used as the only therapy for trauma. It must be used with therapy and under the supervision of a qualified healthcare expert. In order to guarantee the purity and strength of their medicine, people should find a safe and responsible supplier of cannabis, like a dispensary.

In conclusion, cannabis can be a potent aid for those dealing with trauma when used in conjunction with treatment. It offers a way to lessen symptoms while establishing a secure and controlled setting for confronting traumatic events. Keep in mind that you are responsible for your own health and wellness, thus it is up to you to choose the course of treatment that is best for you.