# Intentional Nonsuicidal Succinylcholine Use in a Healthcare Worker with PTSD > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/healthcare-worker-trauma-substance-access-ptsd/ > **Published:** 2026-04-07T12:09:08-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T17:21:35-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore healthcare worker trauma substance access and its role in PTSD and self-harm behaviors in clinical settings. --- ✦ New CED Clinical Relevance  #70Notable Clinical Interest  Emerging findings or policy developments worth monitoring closely. ⚒ Cannabis News  |  CED Clinic PtsdHealthcare WorkersSelf-HarmTraumaSubstance Access Why This Matters This case highlights the intersection of healthcare worker trauma, substance access, and self-harm behaviors that may present in cannabis-using patients with PTSD. Understanding atypical self-medication patterns helps clinicians recognize when patients may be using substances—cannabis or otherwise—to manage trauma symptoms in potentially dangerous ways. Clinical Summary A case report describes a healthcare worker with PTSD who intentionally used succinylcholine (a neuromuscular blocking agent) for non-suicidal self-injury. The case illustrates how [healthcare professionals](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-reproductive-health-women-clinical-evidence/) with trauma histories may have unique access to pharmaceutical agents and may engage in atypical self-harm behaviors. While not directly cannabis-related, this highlights the complexity of trauma-related [substance use](https://cedclinic.com/stroke-risk-assessment-substance-use/) patterns and self-medication attempts in healthcare workers. Dr. Caplan’s Take “Healthcare workers with PTSD often have sophisticated knowledge of pharmacology and unique access to substances, making their self-medication patterns more complex than typical patients. We need to ask specific, non-judgmental questions about all substances being used for symptom management, including unconventional approaches.” Clinical Perspective 🧠 When treating healthcare workers with PTSD, clinicians should inquire broadly about self-medication strategies, including both conventional substances like cannabis and unconventional pharmaceutical access. Screen for non-suicidal self-injury behaviors alongside [substance use](https://cedclinic.com/stroke-risk-assessment-substance-use/) patterns. Consider the unique vulnerabilities and resources available to medical professionals when developing treatment plans. 💬 Join the Conversation Have a question about how this applies to your situation? [Ask Dr. Caplan →](https://benjamincaplan.com/ask-dr-caplan) Want to discuss this topic with other patients and caregivers? [Join the forum discussion →](https://cedclinic.com/interact/discussion-forums/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [𝕏 Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Just%20read%20this%20on%20CEDclinic.com%3A%20Intentional%20Nonsuicidal%20Succinylcholine%20Use%20in%20a%20Health%20Care%20Worker%20With%20Posttra...%20%40drcaplan&url=https%3A//www.psychiatrist.com/pcc/intentional-nonsuicidal-succinylcholine-use-health-care-provider-ptsd/)[in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A//www.psychiatrist.com/pcc/intentional-nonsuicidal-succinylcholine-use-health-care-provider-ptsd/)[🦥 Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Just%20read%20this%3A%20Intentional%20Nonsuicidal%20Succinylcholine%20Use%20in%20a%20Health%20Care%20Worker%20With%20Posttra...%20--%20via%20%40drcaplan.bsky.social%20https%3A//www.psychiatrist.com/pcc/intentional-nonsuicidal-succinylcholine-use-health-care-provider-ptsd/)[📷 Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan/)[📝 Read more on Substack](https://substack.com/@doctorapproved)[🔔 Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/category/cannabis-news/feed/) 📰 Source: [https://www.psychiatrist.com/pcc/intentional-nonsuicidal-succinylcholine-use-health-care-provider-ptsd/](https://www.psychiatrist.com/pcc/intentional-nonsuicidal-succinylcholine-use-health-care-provider-ptsd/) Table of Contents - [FAQ](#FAQ)[What is the clinical relevance rating of this cannabis news?](#What_is_the_clinical_relevance_rating_of_this_cannabis_news) - [Which populations are specifically mentioned in relation to this cannabis research?](#Which_populations_are_specifically_mentioned_in_relation_to_this_cannabis_research) - [What mental health conditions are addressed in this research?](#What_mental_health_conditions_are_addressed_in_this_research) - [Is this considered breaking news in the cannabis medical field?](#Is_this_considered_breaking_news_in_the_cannabis_medical_field) - [What type of clinical evidence does this represent?](#What_type_of_clinical_evidence_does_this_represent) - [Related](#Related) ## FAQ #### What is the clinical relevance rating of this cannabis news? This article has received a CED Clinical Relevance rating of #70, indicating “Notable Clinical Interest.” This means the findings or policy developments are emerging and worth monitoring closely by [healthcare professionals](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-reproductive-health-women-clinical-evidence/). #### Which populations are specifically mentioned in relation to this cannabis research? The article focuses on healthcare workers who may be experiencing trauma-related conditions. This population has been particularly affected by workplace stressors and may benefit from cannabis-based interventions. #### What mental health conditions are addressed in this research? The research primarily addresses PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and trauma-related conditions. There is also mention of self-harm behaviors, suggesting the study examines serious [mental health](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-psychiatric-research-findings-depression-anxiety/) complications. #### Is this considered breaking news in the cannabis medical field? Yes, this article is marked as “New” content from CED Clinic’s cannabis news section. The “Notable Clinical Interest” rating suggests this represents recent developments worth attention from medical professionals. #### What type of clinical evidence does this represent? This appears to be emerging clinical findings related to cannabis treatment for trauma and PTSD in healthcare workers. The classification suggests this is preliminary but promising research that warrants continued monitoring and potential clinical consideration. [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) RELATED READING AT CED CLINIC Continue exploring the evidence [More Women Turning to Cannabis for Stress Relief, Doctors Urge Caution](https://cedclinic.com/women-cannabis-stress-management-cautions/) Explore the rising trend of women using cannabis for [stress relief](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-clinical-relevance-threshold-march-2026/) and the medical community's cautious stance. [Read More](https://cedclinic.com/women-cannabis-stress-management-cautions/) Are there any negative effects of using Marijuana to cope with SI and sadness? – Reddit Discussion on the potential negative effects of marijuana use for coping with suicidal ideation and sadness. Explore Discussion [Research Suggests Cannabis Is Ineffective for Depression, Anxiety or PTSD](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-psychiatric-research-findings-depression-anxiety/) Review of research findings indicating limited efficacy of cannabis in treating depression, anxiety, or PTSD. [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-psychiatric-research-findings-depression-anxiety/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Former CMO Canna Care Docs (250,000+ patients supervised), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).