During and after trauma, the body works to protect itself from any further damages. Originally, the stress response (fight or flight response) develops to assist people making fast decisions during life-threatening situations. In most cases, people bounce back from their fight or flight response and proceed with their daily activities without any problems. However, some individuals develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that might continue for months or even years after the triggering event.

Who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder? 

Statistics from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America shows that PTSD has affected over eight million Americans. Even though PTSD can affect all people, it mostly affects women. National Center for PTSD reports that around 10% of women develop the condition at some point in their life. Even though 60% of men experience trauma at certain points in their life, only 4% develop the PTSD condition.

Some factors that facilitate the development of PTSD include a family history of anxiety or depression. Some individuals experience more trauma or stress during their life than others might. The way your brain regulates some chemicals or your natural temperament can influence your chances of developing PTSD.

The traumatic events you experience in your life can also heighten your risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder. Traumas, including witnessing combat, experiencing abuse in childhood and being a sexual assault victim or any other form of violence can trigger PTSD.

Understanding the Symptoms

After experiencing a traumatic or life-altering event, your body can have lingering memories, difficulty sleeping or even functioning normal throughout your day to day life. One may also experience major changes in their emotion and perception of the world.

Typically, for people who suffer from various PTSD-like symptoms over the course of several months are at risk of developing PTSD. Psychotherapy and medications have become available to help aid PTSD patients suffering from emotional instability. Due to the possibility of substance abuse, medical marijuana has become a much safer alternative to prescription medications in helping deal with serious side effects.

Medical marijuana for PTSD

Research shows positive results of medical marijuana use for both depression and anxiety. Some people with PTSD feel significant lessening of the symptoms. However, the medication doctors prescribe for PTSD treatment has shown opposing effects. A quick example: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors increase depression and anxiety symptoms.

After activation, cannabinoid receptors work to impair or suppress the memory and work to minimize the anxiety. In other words, the receptors exist to help the patients forget the scary and bad things in their life.

Controlling the after effects of PTSD 

Medical marijuana can also serve to minimize nightmares which are a frequent symptom for those suffering from PTSD. PTSD can trigger intense stress which keeps a person in a constant state of awareness and tension. Always being in a constant state of tensions can make it very difficult to sleep.

By reducing REM sleep, the stage vivid dreams occur, medical cannabis relieves any recurring nightmares that can be associated with PTSD.