Any advice

[MrsMapdog]

Ocd and depression runs in my family. I have 2 family members that I'm concerned about. One drinks and smokes marijuana and the other just drinks.

What does anyone know about the affects of alcohol and marijuana on the brain with these conditions in their family genes? Especially because both struggle with some mild form of ocd.

I'm just worried that they will do more harm to themselves.

Please whether through expierence or any knowledge from a medical stand point would be appreciated.

[Sallyskins]

Alcohol is a depressant and to be avoided by those prone to depression. Getting drunk won't make them feel better - in fact, they're more likely to feel worse, particularly the following morning!

Cannabis should be avoided by those prone to mental health problems as well - it can cause psychosis. Many people have managed to use it without harm, but it has caused lifelong harm in others.

Alcoholism runs in my family, and I decided to give it up completely when I was aged nineteen. I don't regret it for a moment. Cannabis I've avoided using as a drug, though it has other uses. I have a nice knitted jersey made out of cannabis fibre!

[MrsMapdog in reply to Sallyskins]

Thank you so much for responding. So far you are the only that has. I'm afraid people may not want to open up about this subject for concern of judgment. I'm not here to judge anyone!One therapist told me alcohol can cause depression. Which has me concerned cause this male family member who drinks told me last year that he became depressed one night. So much so that he asked his fiance for a hug and felt so sad. He hasn't expierenced that emotion since but, I wonder if depression was rearing its ugly head out giving him a warning. I struggle with depression too so I quit drinking awhile ago.

Marijuana is being so accepted now that so many are turning to it for medical purposes and recreation without knowledge of potential risks. I wish our country (USA) would push for more study on it.

People with mental illnesses need to be informed before using it. Many turn to it as a way of coping with their illness. I understand that but I just want people to know the risks before using.

I personally don't use cannabis but I'm concerned for my loved ones that use it with mental illness running in our genes. I will keep in mind of what you said about it causing psychosis if it shows up in his life.

Thank you again!

[avoidingthebadthings in reply to MrsMapdog]

These family members are lucky to have you in their lives. It is very scary to watch loved ones do things that you know are not good for them. I'm sorry you are in that situation. Make sure you continue to take care of yourself and don't get lost in trying to fix each of them. It can really do a number on you, if your role is that of the caretaker.

I've worked a lot to get a handle on my depression, OCD, and anxiety, but other members of my family will have nothing to do with therapy or medication. It's very frustrating to watch them suffer, and it's also sometimes very harmful to me to be around them when they are under the influence.

I've realized I simply have to remove myself from the situation when I start to feel any responsibility for their actions. It's too stressful to worry about them, as they will never change, or won't change because of something I say or do. I've made it clear that if they want help, they can always ask me to help them find it, but I can't spend any more years hoping for change.

Again, they are so lucky to be in proximity to you. Make sure you take lots of time for yourself, and don't let their destructive behaviors take over your life. It can happen so easily, as there is so much guilt and shame involved.

[MrsMapdog in reply to avoidingthebadthings]

Thank you for responding. I can only hope and pray that God will open their eyes to the risks they are taking. (The one doesn't know I am aware of his marijuana use. )