# Urinary Retention Following Methamphetamine and Cannabis Abuse in a 33-Year-Old Male

## TL;DR

A 33-year-old man developed urinary retention and delirium after using methamphetamine and cannabis, highlighting the impact of drug abuse on bladder function.

## Contribution

This case highlights the under-recognized link between concurrent methamphetamine and cannabis abuse and acute urinary retention.

## Key findings

- The patient presented with acute urinary retention and delirium following substance use.
- No prior psychiatric history was present, suggesting a direct effect of the substances.
- The case underscores the need for clinicians to consider drug abuse in patients with urinary symptoms.

## Abstract

Urinary retention is described as an inability to voluntarily empty the bladder, with potential etiologies including mechanical obstruction and neurologic dysfunction. Abused substances like methamphetamine and cannabis can induce this dysfunction. We report a case about a patient with no prior psychiatric history with concomitant methamphetamine and cannabis use, presenting with an acute delirious state and urinary retention. Due to the multifactorial nature and acuity of a patient's presentation, clinicians should be aware of the potential for substance abuse to impact bladder function and consider this in patients who present with urinary symptoms, including urinary retention.