My grandson smokes pot and started for the same reason. Before receiving the proper meds and somewhat after getting them straightened out, he used pot when he felt extremely stressed . At first it was a sleep aid to help with the hyper mania. More recently we found this grew to a fairly big habit. He revealed this to us along with admitting he had realized he had greatly worried us and felt he needed to stop smoking pot-that it was somewhat messing him up. It has been difficult for him to discontinue use completely, but has greatly reduced it. We had noticed he had began slipping mentally-forgetting college assignments even though he took a low load and seeming unmotivated abut life. We were very concerned and actually had started preparing for an intervention. Until recently we would not let him drive any of our cars or use one for a driver's test. Lately he drives only if one of us are in the car. I have done much personal research regarding pot and mood stabilizers. My grandson who is 19 years old takes Abilify, a mood stabilizer regulating the neurotransmitters-keeping his depression and mania in check. Pot does the reverse opening up the gateway that regulates the neurotransmitters. It is true it is very hard to feel effects of pot with Abilify-thus, more is smoked. My grandson, daughter who also has BP and is very stable and husband all live together. What we have done is continually thrown back the issue on him. Saying things like " It is your decision if you are going to get high and not study-in terms of finishing your studies so you can take care of yourself." This has worked better than anything. I vehemently am against the pot use for the reasons I have stated-mainly it can mess up the meds. I also keep a large calendar we all write on abut various things that happen-someone gets a great grade or promotion or is sick or misses school, etc. Along with the other three of us there are notes about some negative things like fight about money between husband and me. My grandson is included on this calender and often makes notes himself. We all can look at each month and see our successes and struggles' Things have gotten so much better with this approach. I refuse to argue and worry while my grandson is out getting high with friends. He must carry this part of the equation. Hopefully this pot issue will began to reside. He told us the other day he wished he could smoke small amounts at home. We patiently all said no. He then told us he feels like he is hiding around even though he does tell us openly about his pot use. We reiterated it disturbs us possibly due to seeing him smoke pot when we believe it is hindering him and works against his meds. He asked us what he should do so he felt alright about this. My daughter answered him "You are in a position that leaves you no choice but to slither around. We know this is a struggle for you that you must solve on your own. We will support emotionally and partially help you financially going to any kind of treatment if this becomes your decision". I want to add because my daughter also has BP I have come to realize with her stability for several years that much good came out of this terrible experience and disease so I do have hope,not only for my grandson, but all of our children with this illness. My daughter now helps hospice and recent amputee patients at our local major hospital. I think she has gone through so much in her life with psychotic-manic behavior, a ten day coma and homelessness that she sees each moment in life as a gift and can share this with the patients. She is able to be in the moment with them when they are terminal and encourage them to experience small joys. Truthfully this is a great gift. I do not know anyone else who can do this. She started doing this on a volunteer basis and now has been written into several case plans- with the hospital attempting to place her in a permanent job. Thus, I do have hopes about BP with the often accompanying brilliance and love from family our children experience. |
