Medical Marijuana For Anxiety
The National Alliance of Mental Illness reported that "over 40 million adults in the U.S. (19.1%) have an anxiety disorder." Even though each individual will experience some form of anxiety at some point in their life, those with an anxiety disorder may experience symptoms that will impact their quality of life on a frequent basis. If your treatments and medications to relieve your anxious feelings are no longer working, Cross Valley Health & Medicine may be able to issue you a medical marijuana card by either Dr. Paul Saladino or Christian Plaza, FNP. Based out of Newburgh NY, both practitioners can see you either in-person or virtually through telemedicine. Medical marijuana might be an alternative treatment method for you to explore. *
Translate
What is Anxiety?
Medline Plus defines anxiety as "a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness. It might cause you to sweat, feel restless and tense, and have a rapid heartbeat. It can be a normal reaction to stress." Since anxiety is an emotional response, it is typically brought on by feelings of tension and fear. Anxiety may promote physical changes like headaches, dizziness, or changes in blood pressure. Those who constantly experience feelings of anxiousness may be diagnosed with a certain type of anxiety disorder.
What are Examples of Anxiety Disorders?
The United States Department of Health & Human Services categorizes anxiety into five disorders:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder, GAD, is an anxiety disorder characterized by chronic anxiety, exaggerated worry and tension, even when there is little or nothing to provoke it. - Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, OCD, is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Repetitive behaviors such as hand washing, counting, checking, or cleaning are often performed with the hope of preventing obsessive thoughts or making them go away. Performing these so-called "rituals," however, provides only temporary relief, and not performing them markedly increases anxiety. - Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms that may include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress. - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened. Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include violent personal assaults, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents, or military combat. - Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder)
Social Phobia, or Social Anxiety Disorder, is an anxiety disorder characterized by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations. Social phobia can be limited to only one type of situation - such as a fear of speaking in formal or informal situations, or eating or drinking in front of others - or, in its most severe form, may be so broad that a person experiences symptoms almost anytime they are around other people."
How can Medical Marijuana Help my Anxiety?
WebMD explained that "the marijuana plant contains more than 100 different chemicals called cannabinoids. Each one has a different effect on the body. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the main chemicals used in medicine. THC also produces the same "high" people feel when they smoke marijuana or eat foods containing it." Medical marijuana comes in many different forms such as dried leaves, edibles, oils, sprays, and creams.
There is growing evidence that the use of medical marijuana can help treat the symptoms brought on by having an anxiety disorder. Medical marijuana has the potential to make individuals feel more relaxed, increase appetite or even increase their overall mood. Currently, there are no federally-backed studies that prove the use of medical marijuana products can fully cure anxiety.
How you use medical marijuana may be different than your friend who also uses medical marijuana products. Start by taking a low dosage, then slowly increase your intake while carefully noting how you feel after each use.
Who is Cross Valley Health & Medicine?
Cross Valley Health & Medicine is a primary care practice located in Newburgh NY, allowing for both virtual and in-person appointments. The practice has two medical providers on staff, Doctor Paul Saladino who is dual board-certified in Addiction Medicine and Internal Medicine and Christian Plaza, who is a family nurse practitioner. Both practitioners are eager to see new patients for the following programs: Substance Abuse Treatment, Behavioral Health Management, HIV/AIDS Care Management, Primary Care, Medical Marijuana Certifications, Medication-Assisted Treatment, STD/STI Care Management, and Weight Loss Management. If you are interested in becoming a patient of Cross Valley, please click here to access our online paperwork portal. Visit us online at www.crossvalleyhealth.com or give our office a call at 845-561-7075.
*Any information listed on this page is provided for medical educational purposes only, and shall not be taken as medical advice provided by Cross Valley Health & Medicine. Any medications listed on this page are also provided for medical educational purposes only, and the use of any of these mentioned medications should stem from consulting with your provider.