Mental Health Affairs

As marijuana legalization gains momentum across various states and countries,
the impact of substance abuse treatment is undeniable. Gone are the days when
the use of cannabis was hidden in the shadows, cloaked in stigma and secrecy.
Today, as a licensed clinical social worker specializing in mental health and
substance abuse, I have witnessed a transformative shift in the discourse
around marijuana use among my clients.

Breaking Down Barriers: Transparency as a Game-Changer

Case Study: Sabrina’s Story

Take, for example, Sabrina, a 35-year-old mother of two who experienced chronic pain. Before legalization, she was secretive about her marijuana use. Once it was legalized, she openly discussed it, allowing a more holistic view of her healthcare needs.

One of the most significant shifts is the level of openness that accompanies
the legalization of marijuana. Historically, discussions around substance use
have been fraught with judgment, mistrust, and shame. However, legalization has
it allows for a more honest and transparent conversation.

As individuals become more willing to disclose their use of marijuana, clinicians like me are
provided with a fuller picture of the substance use patterns affecting our
clients. A study published in the Journal of Drug Issues found that.
legalization led to increased disclosure of marijuana use to healthcare
providers by 34%.

A More Accurate Diagnosis

The transparency of legalization allows for a more precise diagnosis and
treatment plan. Understanding a client’s use of marijuana can differentiate.
between mental health symptoms and those caused by substance use or withdrawal.
The nuances are critical: Are we dealing with a mood disorder, or is the
symptomatology more closely related to substance use? Legalization has cleared
the path for open conversations that help make these distinctions. According to
the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, around 9.2
million U.S. adults experienced mental illness and a substance use disorder in
2018.

Treating Co-occurring Disorders

A significant percentage of those with substance abuse issues also deal with
co-occurring mental health disorders, often termed “dual diagnosis.”
A transparent dialogue about marijuana use allows clinicians to holistically.
address both sets of symptoms. Whether marijuana contributes to a client’s
mental health symptoms or serves as a form of self-medication, the newfound
openness gives us crucial data points for effective treatment.

Risks and Challenges

Despite the advantages, it’s essential to recognize that marijuana
legalization has challenges. There is an increased risk of abuse and
dependency, particularly among young adults. And while marijuana may be legal
in some jurisdictions, it’s not without risks or side effects. Therefore,
treatment should consider the full scope of a client’s substance use, including
potential harm-reduction strategies for marijuana.

Youth at Risk

The increased risk of abuse and dependency, especially among young adults, is a pressing concern. Implementing educational programs in schools and communities could serve as preventive measures.

Counterarguments: A Double-Edged Sword

Some may argue that legalization will increase substance abuse rates and
make it difficult for clinicians to argue for abstinence. However, the openness
prompted by legalization allows for more nuanced discussions about harm
reduction and appropriate use, creating a more complex but beneficial landscape
for treatment.

APA’s Take

The American Psychological Association states that early marijuana use can lead to adverse cognitive effects, especially in adolescents. It also highlights that marijuana can act as a catalyst for those predisposed to mental health disorders.

The Future of Treatment in the Age of Legalization

As practitioners, we must adapt to the changing social and legal landscapes.
to provide the most effective treatments for our clients. Legalization has
broadened the parameters of the conversation but has also mandated a nuanced
understanding and approach to the complexities of substance abuse and mental
health.

Our mission remains the same in this new era: offering empathetic,evidence-based treatment that acknowledges human behavior and mental health complexities. But the road there is different, paved with the realities of
a society was rethinking its relationship with substances like marijuana. This new
openness is not just a by-product of legal change; it’s an opportunity for more
effective, personalized, and holistic treatment. And in the ever-evolving mental health and substance abuse field, we can all get behind that progress.