Reply #74: Pot is good for that [View All]

[Nikia]

I have anxiety disorders and have had depression in the past. When I started having panic attacks, they tried me on anti depressents but they had bad side effects for me. A close friend offered to smoke pot with me and told me how it has helped his depression and helped him stay away from alcohol which had been ruining his life. I smoked it and was suprised by the pure good feeling it gave me, which was unlike any perscription drug or alcohol for me. I still have panic attacks and sometimes have periods of unhealthy anxiety. If I've had a tough day at work, smoking a little pot helps me unwind when I come home. I have a perscription for Xanax to take if I have a panic attack. I would say that this is similiar to pot, except that it is stronger in that it blocks anxiety in the brain rather than working with your brain to relieve anxiety, and is initially more impairing and more addictive. One time when I had a bad panic attack, I went to the emergency room. The doctor asked if I ever took illegal drugs. When I said that I smoked pot a few times per week but had not for a couple of days, he gave me a lecture. He also ended up giving me a hefty does of Xanax because I was not coming down very quickly. I remembered very little about the rest of the evening. I am greatful that Xanax gives me the assurance of a fairly quick end to a panic attack, which I now have rarely. How is that any better though? My mother-in-law has had a three per day habit for several years.