Tag: motivation

ADHD and Cannabis Use Disorder: Key Facts You Shouldn’t Ignore

1. Prevalence and Patterns of Use

People with ADHD have been shown to use cannabis at higher rates than those without ADHD. Studies indicate that adolescents and adults with ADHD are more likely to use cannabis, and they may start using it at a younger age. This may be due to self-medication attempts, as people with ADHD often report using cannabis to help with symptoms like impulsivity, anxiety, and sleep difficulties which seems like a bad idea to me but lets look at the reasons.

2. Cannabis as a Self-Medication Attempt

Some people with ADHD use cannabis in an attempt to self-manage their symptoms. Anecdotally, users report feeling more focused, relaxed, and less anxious, though the scientific evidence on cannabis’s effectiveness for ADHD symptom management is not robust. Studies show that while some ADHD symptoms like restlessness might feel alleviated short-term, long-term outcomes often do not show sustained benefit, and impairment can increase over time.

3. Impact on ADHD Symptoms

Research on cannabis’s effect on ADHD symptoms is mixed:

  • Impulsivity and Attention: Cannabis can impair attention, memory, and executive functioning, which are already areas of struggle for individuals with ADHD. Heavy cannabis use is associated with poorer performance on tasks measuring these cognitive domains.
  • Cognitive Function: Longitudinal studies have shown that chronic cannabis use can worsen cognitive functions over time, especially if use begins in adolescence. These cognitive impacts may compound ADHD-related deficits.
  • Motivation and Goal-Directed Behavior: Cannabis can affect motivation and goal-directed behavior, which can exacerbate some ADHD symptoms, particularly in individuals who already struggle with organization and task completion.

4. ADHD as a Risk Factor for Cannabis Use Disorder

Studies suggest that people with ADHD may be more prone to developing cannabis use disorder (CUD) compared to the general population. Traits like impulsivity and sensation-seeking, common in ADHD, may increase vulnerability to addiction. Additionally, the reinforcing effects of cannabis (e.g., reduction in perceived anxiety) may lead to increased use and dependency in those with ADHD.

5. Genetic and Neurobiological Factors

There is some evidence suggesting that the overlap between cannabis use and ADHD may have a genetic or neurobiological basis:

  • Genetic Overlap: Studies have found that genes linked to ADHD, particularly those affecting dopamine function, are also implicated in substance use disorders, including cannabis use disorder.
  • Endocannabinoid System: ADHD and cannabis use affect dopamine and endocannabinoid systems. Some research posits that dysregulation in these systems might underlie both the propensity for ADHD and substance use, but this remains an area for further research.

6. Cannabis and Medication Interactions

For those with ADHD taking stimulant medications, cannabis use can interfere with treatment. THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, can interact with medications like methylphenidate or amphetamine-based treatments, potentially reducing their effectiveness or exacerbating side effects like anxiety and heart palpitations.

7. Longitudinal and Population Studies

Long-term studies generally show that early and heavy cannabis use is associated with worse outcomes for individuals with ADHD. These include lower academic achievement, increased rates of unemployment, and higher incidences of mental health issues, especially when cannabis use starts in adolescence.

Summary

While some people with ADHD report short-term symptom relief with cannabis, research shows that heavy, frequent use tends to worsen cognitive deficits associated with ADHD over time. Additionally, ADHD may predispose individuals to higher rates of cannabis use and a greater risk of developing cannabis use disorder. While cannabis might seem beneficial for symptom relief in the short term, its long-term use is generally not supported as an effective management strategy for ADHD.

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The Journey to Becoming the Best Version of Yourself

I’ve never shared this story before, but lately, I’ve been reflecting on what it truly means to grow, to fight your inner battles, and become the best version of yourself. From the beginning, I knew that before I could serve others, I had to conquer my own demons — embark on my very own hero’s journey.

For those unfamiliar with the old way of landing a residency before the pandemic, let me tell you—it was intense. As a fourth-year med student, you would travel across the country, conducting interviews in person. The nerves of sitting in a room with a program director, explaining why you were the right fit, were real. But there’s something irreplaceable about sitting face-to-face with someone, feeling their energy, picking up on their vibe. It told you whether or not you could actually work with that person. That is something lost in today’s tele-interviews, and honestly, it’s a lesson that extends beyond medical school—it’s about life and human connection.

I vividly remember interviewing at a program where my final interview was with the director. We sat in silence for a minute as she looked over my CV. She didn’t introduce herself, didn’t ask how I was, just silence. Then, she saw the hobbies section where I had written that I enjoyed self-improvement seminars and books. Her reaction? She immediately began grilling me.

“You like reading self-help books?” she asked, and I could feel the judgment. I told her I prefer to call it ‘education,’ but in her eyes, I had already failed. She looked at me as if someone on a journey to improve themselves didn’t belong there. She ended the interview right then, essentially telling me I wasn’t cut out for her program.

At the time, I was hurt—angry, even. I felt like I had been dismissed for being human, for not being perfect. But that interaction has aged well. Today, I don’t look back with the same anger; instead, I see it as a powerful lesson.

Here’s the thing: the expectation that we should be “perfect” is a lie. We are all works in progress. None of us have it all figured out, despite what social media shows. And that’s okay—it’s something to embrace, not run from.So to anyone out there, especially future psychiatrists, remember this: your own journey matters. The process of growth never ends, and it’s the imperfections that make us human—and that’s where real strength lies.

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What Makes you a Doctor?

I came across a post from a CRNA claiming psychiatrists “aren’t real doctors” because they don’t intubate or run a vent. Apparently, their idea of being a doctor is exclusively working as a critical care physician. Sure, if you have a narrow view of what makes a doctor, maybe you’d agree.

But let’s talk about what psychiatry really entails. Everyone thinks they could handle it—until mom’s hiding a knife under her pillow or someone who’s killed before is sitting across from you, manic and unpredictable. The truth is, most people in med school (or NP school) don’t sign up for that. Managing a vent? Intubating for surgery? Honestly, those sound like a vacation compared to digging deep into the chaos of the human mind.

Practicing psychiatry right is no walk in the park. Sure, you could do it lazily and still get paid, but you’d be hurting patients and leaving messes for those of us who care. We deal with psychotic, dangerous, unpredictable individuals every day. And while it might not be as glamorous as a tube down someone’s throat, we are essential to every medical service. We do the dirty work, behind the scenes, keeping everyone safe.

So next time someone’s in the ED or on the floor going completely bonkers, guess who steps in? The psychiatrist.

And by the way—I still run codes and keep up my ACLS certification. Who knows, I might even toss in a tube if I’m feeling it. 😎 #PsychiatryIsMedicine #MentalHealthMatters #WeDoTheWorkNoOneElseWants

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