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In reply to the discussion: Marijuana Can Be Harmful To Your Health [View all]Mossfern
(3,233 posts)My husband self medicated with cannabis and alcohol for most of the 50 years I've been with him. Life was a roller coaster. The first time he stopped using cannabis he had a psychotic bi-polar break. The manic episode was truly frightening. I wasn't permitted to use the phone because the FBI was listening in and were coming to our home to rip the walls down. He barked at people passing by our property to "get out of his yard" and spent extravagantly on various things. He was aggressive and hostile.
He was put on meds and he mellowed out somewhat, and then he took himself off his meds because he claimed that he was "better" and started vaping and drinking again.
Recently he had to come off all substances because he needed mitral valve surgery. He detoxed in the hospital. After a few months, he entered a profound depression that brought him to the ER because he told me and our PC physician that he was suicidal. We found a psychiatrist who has prescribed Wellbutrin and Abilfy. He became a person I never met - it's taking time to adjust to this new person.
As of two days ago he took himself off of Abilfy (that prevents Manic episodes).
So....... bottom line: Yes the pot and booze did help him with his issues - for HIM. The psych meds made him a reasonable sane person who can relate to everyone, not just himself. If only there were fewer side effects.