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Cannabis, ice, LSD affect mental health: Psychiatrist

02 Sep 2021

  • Psychiatrist warns of increased drug use
  • Heroin use on the decline 
BY Dinitha Rathnayake  The use of heroin, cannabis, crystal methamphetamine (ice) and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) has affected the mental health of users of these drugs, according to Consultant Psychiatrist at the Teaching Hospital, Karapitiya, Dr. Rumi Ruben. Speaking to The Morning, he said that previously, most such drug users were addicted to heroin, but that alternative drug use has led to the decrease of heroin consumption as of late.  “Since cannabis, ice and LSD use has increased in Sri Lanka, heroin use has decreased.”  According to Dr. Ruben, the use of some of these drugs can cause severe mental health disorders including psychosis, abnormal thinking and perceptions, with symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations.  Furthermore, as explained by Dr. Ruben, other possible symptoms of psychotic illnesses when using these drugs include disorganised or incoherent speech, confused thinking, strange, possibly dangerous behaviour, slow or unusual movements, the loss of interest in personal hygiene, the loss of interest in activities, problems at school or work and with relationships, cold, detached manners with the inability to express emotion, mood swings or other mood-related symptoms, such as depression or mania.  “You can identify these drug users and evaluate them by observing them if they are going through a similar situation. If one cannot identify the use of such drugs through this method, they have to undergo a urine test in order to obtain more details on drug usage,” Dr. Ruben added.  He also said that a considerable percentage of females are addicted to drugs at the moment.  “Most of them get addicted due to their relationships with boyfriends or in relation to social activities with fellow female drug addicts.”  Most of these disorders can be prevented if the addicts are in a position to give up drug use, and in this regard, family members could be involved in a conversation to help them with their situation, he explained.


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