What is Dab Abuse and How it Impacts Mental Health

The world of cannabis has changed a lot in the last decade. What used to be a simple rolled joint or a mild edible has transformed into highly concentrated forms like “dabs,” “wax,” or “shatter.” While many people see it as a stronger or faster way to get high, few truly understand what dabbing does to the brain or how it can quietly take a toll on mental health over time.

In recent years, Gen Z and young adults have shown growing curiosity towards dabbing, often seeing it as a cleaner or more modern way to use cannabis. Social media trends and peer culture sometimes make it seem cool, unbothered by the risk involved. Many users report stronger anxiety, panic attacks, and a lack of motivation over time.

Let’s look at what dab abuse really means, why it’s becoming more common, and how it can affect not only the body but also a person’s emotions, memory, and overall psychological well-being.

Understanding Dabbing: More Than Just a Stronger Hit

“Dabbing” refers to inhaling vaporised cannabis concentrates that contain extremely high levels of THC – the psychoactive compound that causes the “high.” These concentrates, often called wax, shatter, budder, or oil, can contain anywhere from 60% to 90% THC, compared to the 10–20% typically found in traditional marijuana.

People use a “dab rig” or vaporiser to heat a small amount of the concentrate, which is then inhaled. Because of its strength, a single dab can deliver an intense rush within seconds.

For occasional or first-time users, the effects can feel overwhelming and can be felt through rapid heartbeat, dizziness, paranoia, or a sense of losing control. For regular users, tolerance builds quickly, leading them to use more and more to chase the same high.

That’s where “dab abuse” begins, when occasional use turns into dependence, and the body and mind start craving that powerful escape.

Why Dab Abuse Happens

There are a few reasons why people turn to dabs in the first place.

Stronger effects- Some users switch from regular marijuana to dabs because they feel the usual forms aren’t “strong enough” anymore.
Curiosity or peer influence- Social media and online content often glamorise dabbing, especially among teens and young adults.
Stress and emotional escape- People struggling with anxiety, trauma, or depression might use dabs to feel numb or relaxed at least for a while.
Ease of access- Concentrates are easier to hide, use discreetly, and can be consumed quickly, making them appealing to younger users.

The problem is that the body adapts fast. What starts as an experiment can quickly turn into dependency. When someone tries to cut down, they may experience intense cravings, mood swings, irritability, or even physical discomfort.

How Dab Abuse Affects the Brain and Body

Because dabs are so concentrated, the impact on the brain is much stronger and long lasting than traditional marijuana.

Overstimulation of the brain’s reward system: Excessive THC dosages produce a strong “high” by flooding the brain with dopamine. Similar to the people in Udta Punjab who became caught in a loop of chasing the next high while everything else gradually lost meaning, the brain eventually comes to rely on the drug to feel pleasure, making routine activities seem boring or pointless.
Cognitive impairment: High THC levels can interfere with memory, attention, and learning. Young users with brains still developing are especially at risk for long-term effects on motivation and focus.
Increased anxiety and paranoia: Instead of relaxing users, high-potency THC can sometimes backfire, triggering panic attacks or feelings of being watched or unsafe.
Sleep disturbances: Dabbing can disrupt natural sleep cycles, leading to insomnia or restless sleep when not using.
Physical effects: Rapid heart rate, dizziness, nausea, and lung irritation are common, especially for those who use unregulated or homemade concentrates that may contain harmful chemicals.

The Mental Health Connection

The mental health risks of dab abuse go beyond temporary highs and lows. Consistent exposure to high doses of THC can destabilise emotional balance and even contribute to serious mental health conditions.

Depression: Regular users often experience emotional “flatness” when not high. Over time, their brain produces less dopamine naturally, making it harder to feel motivated or happy.
Anxiety and panic disorders: The intensity of the high can trigger paranoia or fear, especially in people predisposed to anxiety.
Psychosis and hallucinations: High THC use has been linked to psychotic symptoms such as delusions or hallucinations, particularly in those with a family history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Addiction and withdrawal: While some argue cannabis isn’t addictive, the truth is that concentrates can lead to dependence. Withdrawal symptoms may include irritability, insomnia, appetite loss, and vivid dreams.
Impact on young users: Teens and young adults are more vulnerable because their brains are still developing. Early, heavy dab use has been connected to memory problems, poor academic performance, and higher risks of mental illness later in life.

Spotting the Early Signs

It’s not always easy to tell when casual use becomes problematic. Some signs of dab abuse include:

Needing more to feel the same effect
Using daily or multiple times a day
Feeling anxious, moody, or restless when not using
Withdrawing from friends or losing interest in hobbies
Struggling to focus, sleep, or manage emotions without it

If someone’s mood or functioning changes noticeably, it’s worth asking gently whether their use has increased or if they’re using stronger products like dabs.

Treatment and Support Options

The good news is that recovery from dab abuse is absolutely possible, but it often requires more than just stopping cold turkey. Because of the strength of concentrates, the body and brain may take time to adjust to normal dopamine levels again.

Treatment often includes:

Therapy: Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or motivational interviewing can help people understand triggers, manage cravings, and rebuild healthier coping habits.
Support groups: Programs like SMART Recovery or local support circles for cannabis dependence can reduce isolation and provide accountability.
Lifestyle adjustments: Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, mindfulness, and good sleep hygiene all help restore the brain’s natural rhythm.
Medical guidance: In some cases, working with a psychiatrist or addiction specialist can help manage withdrawal or co-existing mental health issues safely.

Recovery isn’t just about quitting; it’s about regaining clarity, purpose, and a sense of emotional stability that dab abuse may have dulled.

Conclusion

Dabbing may appear to be a passing trend within cannabis culture, but its potent nature makes it significantly more powerful and potentially harmful than many realise. While the high from dabs may offer an immediate sense of relief or euphoria, its long-term effects can seriously undermine mental health, focus, and motivation.

Whether you’re a user, a friend, or a concerned family member, it’s essential to understand the impact of dab use and to approach the situation with care and empathy. Open conversations, professional guidance, and time are key components of the healing process. Recovery is absolutely possible, and it’s important to remember that life without the haze can be healthier and more fulfilling.

For those seeking personalised support, the Psychowellness Center, located in Dwarka Sector-17 and Janakpuri, New Delhi (011-47039812 / 7827208707), provides expert psychological care. Their dedicated team among the best psychologists near me utilises evidence-based therapies to guide individuals through their recovery, fostering emotional well-being, confidence, and a stronger sense of self-respect.

Contribution: Dr. R.K. Suri, Clinical Psychologist, and Ms. Arushi Srivastava, Counselling Psychologist

References

Volkow, N. D., Han, B., Compton, W. M., & McCance-Katz, E. F. (2019). Self-reported medical and nonmedical cannabis use among pregnant women in the United States. JAMA, 322(2), 167–169. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2019.7982

Meier, M. H. (2017). Associations between cannabis use and physical and mental health: A longitudinal study. Psychological Medicine, 47(2), 231–243. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291716000562

Stogner, J. M., & Miller, B. L. (2015). The dabbing dilemma: A call for research on butane hash oil and other cannabis concentrates. Substance Abuse, 36(4), 393–395. https://doi.org/10.1080/08897077.2015.1071724

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