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Marijuana abuse and Marijuana
addiction
Marijuana is more common than that of any other illicit drug in America, and is the drug-of-choice for most first time drug users. We recognize the need for access to a fully comprehensive Marijuana Abuse Treatment facility. We now know that long-term Marijuana abuse can in fact lead to Marijuana addiction for some people. Long term or compulsive Marijuana abuse leads to cravings and withdrawal symptoms which make it very difficult to stop using the drug. People with a Marijuana addiction, that are trying to quit, report irritability, sleeplessness, and anxiety. They also display increased aggression on psychological tests, peaking approximately one week after the last use of the drug. Marijuana abuse and Marijuana addiction results in the user indulging themselves in the drug even when it is interfering with family, work or school, recreational activities. |
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 The
Effects of Marijuana on the user depend
on the THC it contains. The amount of THC present in Marijuana has
increased since the 1970's and has stayed about the same since the
mid 1980's. Marijuana originally averaged about 3 percent THC, while
modern cultivation techniques have increased that figure by more than
8 times.Hashish (the sticky resin from the female plant flowers) can contain more than 28 percent THC and Hash oil (a tar-like liquid distilled from hashish or Marijuana) can average 43 percent or more. THC is the chemical present in Marijuana that makes you feel 'high'. Certain parts of the plant contain higher levels of THC. The flowers or buds have more THC than the stems or leaves. When Marijuana is smoked, THC goes quickly into the blood stream, through the lungs and into the brain, where it begins to affect how you feel. This can happen within a few minutes and can last up to five hours. THC is absorbed more slowly into the bloodstream when Marijuana is eaten, as it has to pass through the stomach and intestine taking up to one hour before any 'high' is experienced. When eaten, the effects can last up to 12 hours. THC is absorbed quickly into body fat and is then released very slowly back into the blood stream. This process can take up to one month, even for a single dose of THC to fully leave the body.  Short-term
effects of Marijuana Abuse:• Sleepiness • Difficulty keeping track of time, impaired or reduced short-term memory • Reduced ability to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination • Increased heart rate and potential cardiac dangers for those with pre-existing heart disease • Bloodshot eyes, dry mouth, cough and sore throat • Decreased social inhibitions, paranoia, and hallucinations • Impaired or reduced comprehension and ability to learn • Altered motivation and cognition, making the acquisition of new information difficult • Paranoia and psychological dependence • Impaired judgment and problem solving • Difficulty forming concepts • Difficulty speaking, listening effectively, thinking, and retaining knowledge • Intense anxiety or panic attacks Long-term effects of Marijuana Abuse and Marijuana Addiction: • Increased risk of cancer • Decreases in testosterone levels and lower sperm counts in men • Increased testosterone levels in women and increased risk of infertility • Diminished or extinguished sexual pleasure Effects on Men Marijuana abuse and Marijuana addiction affects the parts of the brain that control sex and growth hormones. In males, Marijuana abuse and Marijuana addiction can decrease testosterone levels. Occasional cases of enlarged breasts in male Marijuana abusers users are triggered by the chemical impact on the hormone system. Regular Marijuana abuse or Marijuana addiction can also lead to a decrease in sperm count, as well as increases in abnormal and immature sperm. Marijuana abuse and Marijuana addiction is a contributing factor in the rising problem of infertility in males. Young males should know the effects and potential effects of Marijuana use on sex drive and the growing process before they decide to smoke Marijuana Effects on Women Marijuana abuse and Marijuana addiction affects the female in the part of the brain that controls the hormones which determine the sequence in the menstrual cycle. It's been said that females who smoked or used Marijuana on a regular basis had irregular menstrual cycles, the female hormones were depressed, and the testosterone level was raised. Even though this effect may be reversible, it may take several months of no Marijuana use before the menstrual cycles become normal again. Mothers who smoke Marijuana on a regular basis have been reported to have babies with a weak central nervous system. These babies show abnormal reactions to light and sound, exhibit tremors and startles, and have the high-pitched cry associated with drug withdrawal. Occurring at five times the rate of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Fetal Marijuana Syndrome is a growing concern of many doctors. Furthermore, doctors worry that children born to "pot-head" mothers will have learning disabilities, attention deficits and hormonal irregularities as they develop, even if there are no apparent signs of damage at birth. Pregnant or nursing mothers who smoke Marijuana should talk to their doctors immediately. Effects on pregnant women The abuse of any drug can affect a mother's health during pregnancy, a time when she should take special care of herself. Drug abuse may interfere with proper nutrition and rest, which can affect good functioning of the immune system. Some studies have found that babies born to mothers who used Marijuana during pregnancy were smaller than those born to mothers who did not use the drug. In general, smaller babies are more likely to develop health problems. A nursing mother who uses Marijuana passes some of the THC to the baby in her breast milk. Research indicates that the use of Marijuana by a mother during the first month of breast-feeding can impair the infant's motor development (control of muscle movement). Research also shows more anger and more regressive behavior (thumb sucking, temper tantrums) in toddlers whose parents use Marijuana than among the toddlers of non-using parents. Effects on the brain Researchers have found that THC changes the way in which sensory information gets into and is acted on by the hippocampus. This is a component of the brain's limbic system that is crucial for learning, memory, and the integration of sensory experiences with emotions and motivations. Investigations have shown that neurons in the information processing system of the hippocampus and the activity of the nerve fibers are suppressed by THC. In addition, researchers have discovered that learned behaviors, which depend on the hippocampus, also deteriorate. Recent research findings also indicate that long-term Marijuana abuse and Marijuana addiction produces changes in the brain similar to those seen after long-term use of other major illicit drugs. Effects on the lungs Marijuana abuse and Marijuana addiction may cause many of the same respiratory problems that tobacco smoking does. Smokers cough and phlegm, symptoms of chronic bronchitis, and more frequent chest colds are common among Marijuana abusers. Continuing to smoke Marijuana can lead to abnormal functioning of lung tissue injured or destroyed by Marijuana smoke. Regardless of the THC content, the amount of tar inhaled and the level of carbon monoxide absorbed by Marijuana abuse and Marijuana addiction are three to five times greater than among tobacco smokers. This may be due to the Marijuana users inhaling more deeply and holding the smoke in the lungs. Effects on the cardiovascular system Marijuana abuse and Marijuana addiction
causes a lack of motivation in most users. Signs and symptoms of
this include… not caring about what happens in their lives,
lacking the desire to work regularly, sleepiness fatigue, lack of
concern about how they look, and a desire and attitude to simply
kick back and blow another reefer. We
Help You Find Your Way! Call 877-456-3313 Now!
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