Anxiety Disorders and Cannabis

[Spinnaker]

I've been around these boards for 3+ years and thought it was about time to make a post. So... VOILA!

I suffer from general anxiety disorder, some forms of agoraphobia, panic disorder, and as well as on/off depression. I've seen a few posters around here with about the same things as I have, with a lot of questions about using marijuana to help with these issues or day-to-day problems. Myself, I am on steady medications for my anxiety and it takes the G.A.D. away for good unless I stop taking it. I was diagnosed at age 14.

The psychiatrist I go and talk to (always see a psychiatrist when dealing with any prescription drugs or non-prescription drugs, family doctors throw opinion in with mixed facts, and information about such serious topics should ALWAYS come from someone who knows best) says that if he could prescribe marijuana for me as a medication, as a medicinal smoke and toke daily, that I would be off the Paxil.

For me, it works that well. I recommend using a vaporizer if anyone is interested in exploring this further, but that's just my advice and little story right there to share.

Prescription drugs aren't bad, but you must always look on the other side of the spectrum to see if there is something less harmful that could help you.

Cognitive therapy always helps in time of dire need, but if you want to take your life into your OWN hands, learn the skills yourself and make sure that anxiety or depression is not what you are about, but instead make it a small piece of you that you have to deal with on a daily/weekly/monthly basis and eliminate the unknowns in your life. If you want to know something, ask someone.

And as I said before, there's nothing better than to ask a PROFESSIONAL about prescription drugs and anxiety.

So lastly, I smoke about 3 times a week until I get paid next week. I'd like it to be more often, but money bars that idea. Five years of experience in researching drugs and alternatives with my psychiatrist has helped me learn a lot, and I strongly encourage those who feel the need, to go and find someone you trust to talk about these issues.

Way too long for a first post, but I don't care. Those are my experiences and I hope you take them with a grain of salt, because everything affects everyone differently.