My lawyer son claims marijuana calms him. But is he an addict?
MY 34-YEAR-old son is an intelligent, hard-working lawyer and a lovely, charming man. But in the past year he’s started smoking a lot of marijuana. He says it’s to relax, but I don’t think he seems like himself. Could he be addicted?
MARIJUANA, or cannabis, is in common use in the UK despite it being an illegal drug. Many people say they use it to help reduce stress and pain as well as for relaxation. But cannabis use is not risk-free. We do know, and I have witnessed as a GP, that cannabis can also make people unwell, paranoid, confused and anxious.
It is an addictive drug if someone is using it regularly, and can lead to withdrawal symptoms when stopped. These include nausea, irritability, insomnia and sweating.
Cannabis is associated with an increased risk of psychosis-like illnesses such as schizophrenia, where people believe things that are not true, or see things that are not there. This is more likely in someone using it for a long time from a young age. It can also have effects on breathing, can worsen asthma and is known to reduce sperm count.
If someone has started using a drug more frequently and undergone mood changes it is natural to assume that the changes are related to the drug use. However, as a doctor I would question why they are starting to use the drugs more often. If someone is self-medicating to relieve pain or stress, it might be these things, rather than the drug, that’s causing mood changes.
As relatives and carers we are in a unique position to ask these questions in a non-judgmental way, and give our loved ones the chance to open up and get the support they need. New drug use, particularly in a young man, can be the sign of background mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Frank is the national service for all drug users and information, and can be contacted 24/7 on 0300 1236600.
I AM a 74-year-old man who exercises for two hours a day, six days a week. My knees and shoulders have started to hurt more recently, and I was wondering if you could advise me on any supplements I should be taking. I already take omega-3 capsules, but I’ve heard turmeric helps this sort of discomfort.
VITAMIN pills are hugely popular, and some people spend a small fortune on them every month. But that doesn’t mean there is scientific evidence to prove they work. It’s for this reason that, generally speaking, doctors don’t recommend them. Joint supplements tend to work in some people and not others and that’s why we no longer prescribe any on the NHS.
If a patient tells me they want to try a supplement, I suggest they take the same brand and same dose for two to three months. If they feel the benefit, then it’s worth continuing.
Studies into omega-3 fish oil supplements suggest they improve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but not particularly osteoarthritis, the most likely cause of knee and shoulder pain in older people.
However, fish oil and omega-3 is a rich source of Vitamin D which we know is important for maintaining healthy joints and bones.
Turmeric is believed by many cultures to have antiinflammatory properties, although again there is very limited scientific evidence to suggest its benefits. It is likely to have minimal side effects, but could increases the effects of blood-thinners. Small trials have shown that turmeric may improve pain and knee function.
If someone wants to try it, I would suggest discussing it with a pharmacist first.
EVERY couple of years, I have my ears vacuumed at the hospital. The last time I went, about a month ago, I was told that it was the final time they’d be offering the treatment. What am I going to do instead?
EAR wax treatments have
changed over the past few years, which has upset many people as ear wax build-up can cause hearing loss, earache and even tinnitus or vertigo.
Some people are more prone than others, and it’s particularly a risk in those who use hearing aids. A few years ago the oldfashioned syringing – a large metal syringe was used to shoot a jet of water into the ear, which dislodged the wax – was stopped. This was due to potential damage to ear drums.
The treatments we safely use now involve either irrigation, which is basically the same as syringing, but uses a machine to project a controlled amount of water into the ear, or vacuum suction, known as microsuction, where it is sucked out.
Many GP practices ceased doing these things over the past
few years as local NHS funding for it was stopped. Around the country this has been a controversial decision. Many patients rely on this treatment, which may seem trivial but really isn’t.
Certain high street shops do offer microsuction safely, at a reasonable price.
Other options to remove wax, which a pharmacist can offer advice on, are to use olive oil or sodium bicarbonate drops that soften or break down the wax to help it pass out naturally.