M1 How to Handle Your Anxiety

Dr. Charles Raison, CNN's mental health expert, explored the two most common questions about dealing with anxiety that we all have asked ourselves before. Can using marijuana or having a drink or two be helpful for people with anxiety? What should they watch out for? Using alcohol or drugs to deal with anxiety may not be the best option. Studies conclude that using such tools can lead to increased risk for a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. CNN states "Increasing data suggests that regular marijuana use in adolescence may also be a risk factor for developing very serious psychotic disorders, especially schizophrenia." Obviously teen drug and alcohol abuse a huge issue among society today. Parents aren't stupid. Teachers aren't oblivious. They know what kids do these days. But that's not the real issue. The problem is that teenagers believe that using such tools will help when they've had a long day at work, or fighting with their boyfriend/girlfriend. Having a bad week is an excuse to get into drugs and alcohol on the weekend. "But as Socrates noted almost 2,000 years ago, alcohol is both a blessing and a curse to mankind. Indeed, now we know that the regular modest use of alcohol actually promotes a number of health factors. Similarly, it is increasingly clear that many of the chemicals within marijuana hold great promise for the treatment of physical pain. The endocannabinoid system in the brain -- which is a primary target for marijuana -- has profound effects on how people think and feel," CNN states. The case isn't the same for everyone, though. People have been having a drink or two in the evening when coming home from work has been around since time immemorial. Experienced psychiatrists are actually recommending small doses of marijuana to depressed patients who haven't been responding to antidepressants. "Answering the question of what people who use these substances should watch out for is easier. They should watch out for the possibility that they become more anxious or depressed after drinking or using marijuana. And they should keep a close eye on their use, especially use of alcohol, which can be highly addictive. Whatever potential benefit alcohol and marijuana may offer is 100% lost once they are abuse," CNN states.