Page 16 - Silver Linings Issue1

Special Report
Marijuana and psychosis:
Evidence points to marijuana triggering lasting psychotic conditions
Growing evidence shows cannabis use, particularly among adolescents and young adults, can trigger permanent psychological disorders, such as schizophrenia. At the same time, marijuana is increasingly being legalized, decriminalized, glorified in pop culture and easier to access.
“It’s heading in a terrible direction,” said Rocco “Rocky” Marotta, MD, PhD, Service Chief for the Adult Transitional Living Program at Silver Hill Hospital. “I see the suffering. I see families suffering. I see these kids’ lives destroyed.
“The hospital, all of us really, have to recognize what’s happening and we have to develop protocols and ways of diagnosing it to see if there are specific treatment modalities that are necessary to help these kids who are different,” Dr. Marotta said. “We have to have some way of saying, in this case, there is a high probability that marijuana is a major contributor and, if so, then how is our intervention different. We have
the expertise and we have to focus on it. This is a hospital that’s famous for dual diagnosis and this is a critical thing.”
Adolescence and pot
Adolescence is a time of tremendous brain growth
and development, matched only by the first three years of life. Many psychiatrists fear that young people are getting the wrong message about cannabis and putting this period of critical growth at risk.
“Adolescents think because adults say it’s legal it must be OK. There is growing evidence showing a correlation between cannabis
use and the onset of psychotic disorders,” Dr. Frank Bartolomeo, Director of Adolescent Services at Silver Hill, said. “They aren’t quite sure what the linkage is, but
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employer and the insurance company to let Jake stay longer. He feels fortunate to have won that battle as he knows it is one many families lose. Thanks to Silver Hill’s supporters, the Hospital does provide financial aid for families in need.
Jake has now been home with his family for almost four years. He is “capable, coherent and cognizant,” Carl says. Jake is not what others would consider “normal” yet, but Carl feels as though he has his son back. Jake is ready to find a part-time job and Carl feels he is ready to drive again.
Carl still brings Jake to Silver Hill once a month from their New Jersey home to see Rocky.
“Each week or month little things happen that show me Jake is coming back,” Carl said. “I made a deal with the Lord and asked Him if I can have my son back so that I can at least have a conversation with him and have him engage and be part of the family, I’d be happy. That’s what I have. In my mind, Rocky Marotta saved his life. I’m grateful.”
So many
questions remain
Carl is frustrated that the path that eventually led to Silver Hill was fraught with so many obstacles. Why did so many doctors give up on Jake? Why
is marijuana becoming legalized and more easily accessible when evidence linking cannabis to permanent psychosis continues to grow?
“I think of how many other kids and families are going through this and not getting help. I suffered through two- and-a-half years of the unknown,” Carl said. “All those doctors who told me to give up... How do we educate them that there is hope? The road I’ve traveled; I don’t want anyone else to
16 travel. If you see signs (of behavior changes), get in your car and get to New Canaan. If it weren’t for Silver Hill, Jake wouldn’t be here. I really believe that.”