Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Medical Marijuana For PTSD

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms can last for weeks, months or years. Anxiety and depression can become so crippling that your lifestyle can be directly impacted. If you feel that you are no longer responding to treatment and are looking for alternative treatment methods, Cross Valley Health & Medicine can help. Doctor Paul Saladino and Christian Plaza, FNP can certify you for New York State's Medical Marijuana Program. Based out of Newburgh NY, both practitioners can see you either in-person or virtually through telemedicine. They will be with you through every step of the way.*

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medical marijuana for ptsd

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was defined by the Mayo Clinic to be "a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event - either experiencing it or witnessing it." Symptoms of PTSD may appear either a few days, weeks, months or years after the triggering event. Some of these symptoms include distressing memories, nightmares, or overall emotional distress reacting to something similar to the triggering event. These symptoms can vary in intensity depending on the connection from the trigger to the memories.  

If you are unable to function on a day-to-day basis because of these symptoms being related to a traumatic event, it may be time to consult your pracitioner. 

If you have, or know someone with, suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevent Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or dial 911

What is the typical treatment for PTSD?

Since PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder, medications combined with long-term psychotherapy are the recommended treatment options. 

There are specific medications out there that help reduce the person thinking about the event. These affect neurotransmitters, serotonin or norepinephrine. Some of the medications include Fluoxetine (Prozac), Paroxetine (Paxil),  Sertraline (Zoloft), or Venlafaxine (Effexor). There is no guarantee that these medications will cure you of PTSD, but they have the potential to make the symptoms feel less intense.

Long-term psychotherapy has three main goals as explained by WebMD, 

  • "Improve your symptoms"
  • "Teach you skills to deal with it"
  • "Restore your self-esteem"

This type of therapy is usually referred to as cognitive processing therapy, which can last for three to four months of either one-on-one or group therapy sessions. Stress management tips are also taught during these therapy sessions. 

How can medical marijuana help PTSD?

Medical marijuana takes the marijuana plant's chemicals and then the plant is grown and cultivated specifically to treat a variety of medical conditions. 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 have been small case studies performed by researchers to prove medical marijuana has the potential to be a safe and effective treatment method for those suffering from PTSD. Currently, none of these studies could prove the link exists, but some cases reported successful relief from anxiety and other mental health conditions as a result of having PTSD. If the person becomes unresponsive to traditional treatment methods, medical marijuana could benefit them. 
 

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 a 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.

 
 
Get Your NY Medical Marijuana Card Today >

 

*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.