The Marijuana Addiction Gateway Drug

Is the most commonly abused illegal mind-altering substance. Also named as cannabis, weed or dagga, marijuana is a dry and shredded mix of leaves and stems from the hemp plant ‘cannabis sativa.’ Marijuana is smoked through a rolled cigarette (known as a ‘joint’) or a ‘bong’ (pipe) and has a pungent, sweet-sour and easily identifiable smell.

The behavioral signs of Marijuana Addiction & abuse:

• Impaired coordination
• Confusion and distorted perceptions
• Difficulty thinking
• Difficulty problem solving
• Memory and learning problems
• Giggling or laughing uncontrollably
• Paranoia

Other signs synonymous with marijuana addiction include:

• Bloodshot eyes
• Mucus filled cough
• Hunger/binge eating (this is referred to as the munchies)
• Dry mouth
• Fear and paranoia
• Slow reaction time

Link >> Using Cannabis an overview from one of South Africa’s top Psychiatrists<<

The effects of Marijuana Addiction

The abuse of marijuana can lead to learning, memory and social behavior problems. The users addiction interferes with family relationships, school works and other activities. Marijuana has been proven to have an adverse impact on memory, thus learning becomes a difficult task for the user. Essentially, a person who smoked marijuana everyday is functioning at a severely reduced intellectual level.

Due to the fact that marijuana comes from a plant, many consider it to be harmless – a natural herb. However, long term use of the substance can lead to typical addiction, leaving the user unable to function without the drug. When a person smokes marijuana THC quickly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream. This is what carries the chemical to the brain. THC affects certain parts of the brain known as cannabinoid receptors. This produces cellular reactions, ultimately leading to a high.

Acute Effects:

Euphoria; relaxation; slowed reaction time; distorted sensory perception; impaired balance and coordination; increased heart rate and appetite; impaired learning, memory; anxiety; panic attacks; psychosis

Health Risks:

Cough; frequent respiratory infections; possible mental health decline; addiction

The psychological impact of long term marijuana abuse has been known to lead to psychosis, sometimes irreversible. It is imperative we educate ourselves on the severity of the drug.

For more information on dealing with Marijuana Addiction and getting yourself into recovery and help to start a new life, call Houghton House now:

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