Drugs And Trauma

[linasmom]

Hi Lisa,

I respect your argument. In your first statement, however, you didn't use the word "fully" to modify "understand". Call me anal but that changes your first statement dramatically.

I think time does play a very big role in understanding how drugs interact with a person biologically. The fact that there are hundreds of years of recorded cannabis usage speaks volumes compared to the decade or so of research done of certain prescription medications. That was my point, in case I didn't word my opinion accurately.

I certainly wasn't questioning your knowledge of research or understanding of the drug, I simply didn't agree with your original statement.

Best,
Rachel

 

[Lisa]

Sorry, I just assumed people would know that I not 'knowing' what drugs do to the mind meant understanding what drugs do, and that understanding is something that means full understanding, not in parts... can see the misunderstanding though through my lack of clarity...

I'll be clearer in future as I am picky over my words, just let it slip this time I guess.

I understand, and agree with, your viewpoint in terms of knowledge around cannabis over years, compared to the little time that there has been to gain knowledge into prescription drugs. And of course, something can be said in that 100's of years use of cannabis has not led to people being mutated or anything drastically as obvious as such, whereas we can clearly see side effects that are negative in prescription drugs to the extent that the side-effects with some of these drugs are actually 'main' effects...and some of these side effects (ie. MOA's) can be eventually lethal when mixed with certain ingredients in foods!

I guess my point was more that, simply,everything is not understood in terms of what cannabis does to the brain chemically, neurologically, mentally, psychologically, etc. etc. - evolutionarily even. Same as prescription drugs. All drugs are drugs to me... only difference is some are chemically engineered, some are direct from plants, and the governments of each country/state decide what is to be 'prescribed' (and can get it both right and wrong!) - but all are toxins that change the brain chemistry and thus mind-altering, and all these things will need to be understood fully before anything can be claimed about them being 'safe'... though this is somewhat perhaps an impossible task, as science doesn't even understand every aspect of the brain yet. So I guess I was just generally pointing that out as my feeling was that during trauma, mind altering drugs would NOT prevent PTSD, as there is already evidence that it does not - though it may change the dominant symptoms/issues in PTSD (such as memory problems/flashbacks/recovering new memories, higher levels of dissociation etc.).

Interesting thread. I like a thread with a bit of challenge and discussion... makes me develop my own opinions more intricately, or change them entirely even...

 

[linasmom]

Hey Lisa! Thanks for clarifying. I'm hesitating on replying because I don't want to hijack this thread but just a few thoughts from me:

If understanding something means to fully understand, how many things does science understand? Mathematics? Yes. But what else? I love that science is malleable. It is constantly theorizing and testing, even things that have already been "proven". In my opinion, I think the best we can do is make judgments based on what time and research has shown to date. For something such as cannabis which has been around for so many years with recorded information, I think it's fairly safe to say what cannabis does - the information is there.

As far as drugs preventing PTSD - I don't really know, but I tend to agree with you. This topic makes my mind spin in so many directions, mostly because this is really about what reality, we as individuals, choose to live in. And someone will always come around and say that the one we chose was the wrong one.

Bah! Too much philosophizing. I'm making myself dizzy!

 

[nyc]

Hi Rachel,

In answer to your question, someone i care about smoked a ton of pot DURING the trauma and for years later. I feel that he has so many realities. My perception is that he doesn't know which ones are real, even when he is sober. They seem to be compartmentalized. He's lost his truth.Or maybe he avoids it.

I'm trying to gain an understanding of this. So, I appreciate ALL of the dialog.

 

[upstream]

Never before has it been made so evident how little I now about drugs. Sounds like there's a whole world of illegal experiences out there that I want absolutely nothing to do with.

I respect everyone's decisions and beliefs, but staying sane has been hard enough for me without drugs and binge drinking...

 

[nyc]

I think that people are doing the best that they can do to stay sane. But, good for you to have figured out an alternative.

 

[nic]

About a year after my trauma had "ended," I was in college and my friends and I decided to try 'shrooms. I had done pot quite a bit in high school, and never had any real neg. effects. Anyway, the shrooms were a whole different story.

When they started taking effect, I didn't know where I was, and my brain started to re-live the trauma...but times 20! I tried to jump out the window--NOT b/c I wanted to commit suicide or anything--but I just needed "fresh air" and an escape...and (while on the drugs), I somehow thought this was a good option.

Luckily I had two amazing friends who got me through the night. I remember one friend trying to get me to recall "happy" memories, and this seemed to help. Unfortunately, the next day it was quite obvious that something was "wrong" with me, and many who had witnessed the scene on the dorm floor could figure out that I had been raped at some point in my life. At this time I wasn't ready for anyone to know about my past, not even my closest friends, yet I was pretty much forced to confront the situation.

So, that being said, I haven't done any (illeagal) drugs since, and I HIGHLY warn against them for anyone..esp. someone with PTSD!

nic

 

[lrs]

Illegal drugs, alcohol and PTSD are a recipe for disaster.
I've been there and done that. That little ride was as traumatic as anything else I've encountered.
By the way:
*****************************
6 years sobriety today!!!!!
*****************************

 

[nic]

Congrats, Irs!!!

 

[Roo]

Hi, all...I am a new poster (very new -- today!) and noticed this question from nyc. I went through nearly a decade of regular pot use -- in middle age! I'm 49 now; stopped smoking pot about a month ago. I've found that it's both helped and hindered my well-being. Occasional use, IF in a safe setting and with mindful intention, can soften the mind and relieve the constant tension of racing thoughts...as well as heighten sensation, augment bodily delights (like music, taste, lovemaking, leaps of imagination and faith), and give verdant colour and depth to emotions. On the other hand...too much use, or use for escape, can produce numbness, loss of feeling, paranoia, and a lack of heart (not giving a damn about anyone or anything). Wise use is moderate and safe use. I haven't used -- nor would I -- any other substances; I would never smoke if feeling antsy or unsafe. My primary concern is being/staying sane...and marijuana is the only substance that seems to be safe to use -- that doesn't take over the mind. To use it during an experience of stress or trauma? -- No, I wouldn't. Pot, in my understanding, deepens whatever state of mind you're in when you injest it. As for healing...I have had some astounding revelations (as well as some "junk thoughts" that I chuckle over when I'm back to normal), profound conversations, and experiences of intimacy where my heart just opens right up and I truly feel at peace. Once, while showering with my husband (I was high; he wasn't -- he doesn't toke), we embraced heart-to-heart and I felt *cherished*. It was mind-blowing (in the best way). For now, though, I choose not to smoke 'cause I'm experiencing a recurrance of PTSD symptoms. Peace to you -- Roo.

 

[linasmom]

Finally! Someone with a positive experience regarding pot. I'm glad that pot has assisted in your recovery, Roo. It works for some and not so much for others. I really wish the US would legalize it.

Best,
Rachel

 

[Roo]

Legalization -- yes!

Hi, Rachel...thanks for your kind words. I'm with you on legalization...of pot *only*. I live in Canada, where the laws have been a little looser (although the current government would like to legislate us back to the Dark Age). There's a physician who has a site online that is very informative. His name is Lester Grinspoon; here's a link to his site: http://www.marijuana-uses.com/ ... There seem to be three primary uses of marijuana: 1 -- recreational, 2 -- medicinal, and 3 -- inspirational. "Good" use to me is with a sacred intention -- I lived for two years (post-divorce) alone, and I would put beautiful music on the stereo, sit down with my journal, and write, write, write...sometimes what came out of me seemed to come from the gods...sometimes it was goofy fluff that had me scratching my head and giggling the next morning :rofl:

I got into using far too much, though...and I became even more numb than I usually am. Interestingly, I never experienced flashbacks. If I go back to smoking, I will use only once or twice a week. I'm really concerned that even after 26 years of dealing with PTSD, I still feel so little -- my chronic distance from emotion might be something that is permanent...? I hope not...

Thanks so much for the welcome. -- Roo.