Marijuana Addiction Symptoms and Signs

Perhaps no drug has invited as much heated debate and ferocious argument as marijuana. Marijuana has been a source of fierce pro and against positions mainly because it is considered by many to be the least harmful of drugs; and whether or not marijuana addiction is an actual threat is debated as often.

Effects of marijuana: Marijuana is harmful because it is a drug like any other, even if it is the least harmful. More importantly, it is considered a “gateway drug”, in that this is the stepping stone to higher drugs. The cream of marijuana addicts are the youth, in the 18-25 age group.

Short term effects of marijuana: The most important short-term effect of marijuana is that it produces a feeling of well-being in the one who has used it. It is because of this reason that one of its legal uses is as a pain-alleviating drug in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

But being a mind-altering drug, it also produces the effect of temporary distortion of perception, or what addicts term the “buzz”. It acts on the central nervous system in the same way as all other drugs by plugging on some receptors. By doing this, it prepares the mind for the admission of more powerful drugs.

Long term effect: Long term effects of marijuana primarily concern the mind. It makes dependency easy and inevitable. Long Marijuana addicts have a major problem in the use of the drug, because they soon try to use the drug as a cover for their weaknesses and fallacies. Marijuana has a tendency to find easy target in those with escapist behavior.

Marijuana also has another important effect: it speeds heartbeat, which in some cases can be as much as twice the normal rate. Marijuana addicts are susceptible to memory deterioration over time. They are also prone to losing interest in all matters other than the drug, family and social contacts.

Users of marijuana have reported a slowing down of motor responses at the workplace, which means it places workers, whether they do physical or cerebral work, at considerably greater risk. While obviously slowing down productivity, this can translate to being a cause of deaths in the workplace. Marijuana addicts also experience major and sudden changes in weight and appetite.

Withdrawal symptoms: These usually include loss of appetite, headache, depression, a craving for the drug again, irritability, anger and restlessness. Although these are far fewer and less intense than those of other drugs, marijuana withdrawal symptoms are significant in themselves.

Marijuana treatment: Ironically, marijuana’s not being a conventional, “hard” drug makes its treatment difficult. This is because it is difficult to define the exact line of treatment the patient requires. A marijuana treatment center needs to impart individualized assessment and care. In many cases, the marijuana addict is left to give up on his or her own. Just like how strong determination can sometimes help a person overcome drinking or smoking, at times, marijuana addiction can be kicked too, in the same way. Learn more about the symptoms of marijuana addiction here.

In some cases, intervention from marijuana addiction treatment programs is needed. In such cases, the therapist in marijuana rehab centers needs to decide whether inpatient or outpatient care is needed. In many cases, supportive care can go a long way in helping a patient get to the right track. Since most marijuana addicts are those without an independent bent of mind, just avoiding the company of other addicts can be a deterrent.

Likewise, marijuana rehabs advice that spirituality can have a soothing effect on the marijuana addict. Other ways of dealing with it can include pursuit of meaningful and purposeful hobbies, listening to music and being in the company of loved ones.

The Signs, Symptoms and Side Effects of Marijuana Drug Addictions

Marijuana is the flower, leaves, bud and branches of the hemp plant. Marijuana is the most used drug in the USA besides alcohol and cigarettes. It can be smoke or eaten for its narcotic side effects. Though you can smoke to get the high, eating it takes longer to feel the effected. When smoked this drug stays in the lungs for a few seconds and can last in your urine for up to 5-10 days. It can take between four to six weeks to leave your body. Smoking weed, which is another name for this drug, can cause numerous side effects.

It can cause:

Sleepiness

Hangover

Drowsiness

Slowed reaction

Short term memory

Increased heart rate

Increased blood pressure

Bronchitis

Chronic coughing

Increased risk of bronchitis and emphysema

Change in appetite

Diarrhea

Nausea

Sweating

Decreased body temperature

Depressed immune system

Dry mouth and throat

Lack of energy

Irritated eyes and soar throat

Hallucinations

Chemicals from the marijuana are stored in the blood stream and brain. The withdrawal effects from this drug are tremors, weight loss, nausea, sweating, hot flashes, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. chemicals which are transformed into 2,000 other chemicals when smoked. A person that is a heavy user, it can take up to three months for the drug to leave the body.

The potency of marijuana has increased by 275% over the last decade. It can range in colors of grey, green, brown, red and pale yellow. If marijuana has no seeds in it, it is more potent. Five joints have the cancer-causing capacity as 112 cigarettes. Because this drug affects the lungs, anyone who smokes it has a higher chance of developing lung cancer. It can also lower the testosterone in men.

Many think that this drug is not as harmful as other drugs, but this drug is dangerous to the body just like any other form of drugs. It can weaken your immune system and prevent it from fighting off colds, flu and other viruses. In women, the drug can interfere with ovulation, menstrual cycle, fertility and DNA. In male, it can cause impotence, swollen breasts that may come with pain, discharge and fluids. Despite the harsh side effects marijuana is legal is some states and prescribe to patients with certain medical conditions.

If you or someone you know, has an addiction. Please seek help life can get greater.

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Lorna Darden