• We’re focusing here on cannabis because research has found that cannabis is a risk factor for developing psychosis, particularly if it is used frequently and/or is high potency.
• This is particularly likely to be the case for people who have a family history of psychosis of other forms of mental ill-health.
• If you’re already experiencing at-risk mental states for psychosis, this makes it even more important to stop using cannabis.
• Other substances may also increase the risk of developing psychosis, but less research has been done to test this.
• If you decide that you might be ready to give up cannabis (or other substances), then you can get specialist support from Turning Point (18+) or Cranstoun (up to 25 years).

Substance misuse and psychosis risk

There is a clear link between substance misuse and psychosis onset. It is crucial for your wellbeing that you stay away from psychotropic substances, such cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, amphetamines, magic mushrooms and LSD.

Not everyone that uses drugs will develop psychosis, but people that have an ARMS at are higher risk of doing so.

Turning Point have put together this session to tell people more about cannabis and how to stay safe when using it: Find Out More: Cannabis – Overview | Rise 360 (articulate.com)

If you decide that you might be ready to give up cannabis, the charities Turning Point and Cranstoun have created some resources to support you in this process, which your keyworker can provide. You might like to go through these with your keyworker, or read them on your own and then discuss them with your key worker.

Resources

Resources and organisations about cannabis and other substances that you might find useful:

• 18 and over: Turning Point provides support for substance use across Oxfordshire for people aged 18 years and over. They have a range of resources on different substances that you might find useful. You can also refer yourself or be referred by us for more active support from them.
• Under 18s: Support for substance use in those under 18 is provided by Cranstoun. They have resources on staying safe around drugs, as well as workbooks on cannabis and alcohol. You can also take an alcohol and/or drugs audit to get a sense of how risky your use is.
• Resources from The Mix
• Talk to Frank for information about a range of substances.