Depression Forum - Does marijuana increase depression ?

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Q: Does marijuana increase depression ?

asked by: DoctorQuestion on January 23rd, 2008

I've been smoking marijuana ever since I was twelve. When I turned 16, I was smoking it every day. On average, I smoke a couple grams a day now, and I'm 18. I started using cocaine just recently because I've been very stressed out. Cocaine makes me extremely paranoid. Marijuana never has. I always hear of people becoming paranoid when using pot, but not once has that ever happened to me. It also makes me very delusional and I've had auditory halucinations. Marijuana's just made me depressed.

Why does cocaine make me psychotic and not marijuana?

Replies(1)

Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD

replied on January 30th, 2008

Depression Answer A3565

Cocaine is a psycho-stimulant drug and can cause hallucinations. Marijuana is suppressive drug and can cause depression. In addition to marijuana use, the depression you are experiencing can be caused by a primary mental disorder. To investigate the depression, you'll have to stop the drugs and ask for medical help from a mental health professional.

Dependency on drugs can develop into long term addiction, which is more difficult to recover from the long you're addicted. You might also want to look into a drug rehabilitation center or a 12-step recovery program; the experts there can help you break the cycle of dependency.

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