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Cannabis
A Treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder
by Peter Kershaw , contributing writer
Approximately 15 million Americans , or roughly 7 % of the population , currently suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder ( SAD ). SAD is characterized by persistent fear of one or more social or performance situations in which the person is exposed to unfamiliar people or perceived scrutiny by others . SAD is a “ learned fear response ” based upon one or more prior negative experiences of being mocked or verbally abused in a social setting . The individual becomes conditioned to fear they will act in a way or show anxiety symptoms that may be embarrassing and humiliating and be mocked and publicly humiliated again . In some cases , it was a “ loved one ” — a family member who was the first to mock and shame them . Shaming is a power move intended to control others , commonly employed by bullies and control freaks . Once shame takes hold , it can be very challenging to be freed of it .
SAD isn ’ t just about shyness or being introverted . SAD also isn ’ t just merely a fear of something like public speaking ( almost everyone has that fear , including many successful public speakers ). SAD , formerly known as “ social phobia ,” ranges from mild symptoms barely perceptible to others , all the way up to almost total debilitation . SAD prevents its victims from leading normal healthy lives . SAD sufferers often elect to run from their anxieties by avoiding public gatherings . Such a tactic can only prove partially effective since not all settings can always be avoided — for example , having to interact with coworkers and perhaps customers in the workplace .
18 April 2022
Everyone will , from time to time , feel discomfort in certain social settings . However , those who suffer from SAD experience pervasive anxiety in just about any social gathering . The anxiety may not be based upon a rational fear that they are at significant risk of harm or injury , either physically or emotionally . But just try communicating to a SAD victim , “ It ’ s okay , you ’ ll be safe ,” and you ’ re likely to be disbelieved . To them , their fears are justified . Even if you ’ re a trusted close personal friend , trying to talk sense into a SAD sufferer can be very challenging . Their fears may be deeply rooted in trauma , sometimes arising to the level of PTSD . If so , they may require professional care . EMDR therapy , along with mindfulness meditation , has proven beneficial for SAD .
“ Of all the issues medical cannabis patients report they use cannabis for , treating anxiety disorders is second only to pain management . However , it ’ s not known to be a cure . Research backs up that cannabis can prove effective for treating SAD .”
Of all the issues medical cannabis patients report they use cannabis for , treating anxiety disorders is second only to pain management . However , it ’ s not known to be a cure . Research backs up that cannabis can prove effective for treating SAD . However , as is the case with many other cannabis studies , what was used in the study was CBD alone . In this author ’ s view , the combination of CBD and THC in strains high in calming terpenes such as linalool and terpinolene are more effective than CBD alone . ( For additional tips on anxiety disorders in general , see this author ’ s October 2020 article , Anxiety and Cannabis .)
CBD is thought to affect the limbic and paralimbic regions of the brain , those parts that are instrumental in anxiety . The same is likely the case for THC , although more research is in order . Regardless , there is little doubt that cannabis , when consumed in moderation , brings a calming effect to most consumers .
Dosage
More isn ’ t better . When consumed in excess , THC can exacerbate anxiety disorders . Micro-dosing is likely to achieve the best outcomes . Go low and go slow . Consume as needed , i . e ., when one anticipates being in a potentially stressful social setting , then consume only the dose needed to achieve relief . Some experimentation may be necessary , but it ’ s unlikely to take very long to figure that out .
THC can prove remarkably effective in very small doses , i . e ., 1 to 5 mg , as needed . Some patients may require more to achieve the desired effect , but they should increase the dosage slowly over time . Excessive THC dosing runs the risk of exacerbating anxiety , especially for novice cannabis users and those who are particularly sensitive to THC ’ s psychotropic effects . A note of caution should