Adolescent Substance Abuse Articles
Cannabis use may lead to psychotic illness
By Staff Writer
More than 16 million Americans use cannabis on a regular basis. However, many of these individuals may be more likely to develop a psychotic illness based on a recent meta-analysis of previously published studies on the relationship between substance use and psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia.
To further explore this link, Australian researchers analyzed 83 studies which included data on cannabis users, nonusers and the onset of psychosis.
Past mental health research has shown a link between substance use and the diagnosis of a psychotic disorder. The researchers feel that a possible reason for this may be disruption to brain development caused by drugs such as cannabis.
Based on the meta-analysis, it was found that individuals who used cannabis developed psychosis about 2.7 years earlier than those who did not use it. In addition, those who abused any type of substance developed psychosis about two years younger.
Based on these findings, the researchers believe that individuals who reduce their cannabis intake or seek substance abuse help might be able to delay certain cases of psychosis. They added that this further emphasizes the need for a public health warning about the potential link between cannabis use and psychotic illness.
