Marijuana Addiction
As the debate rages on about whether marijuana is technically an addictive drug, millions of people around the world continue to use it, and are unable to stop. Marijuana is seen by many as a "harmless drug" but that is simply not the case. While cocaine, heroin, prescription painkillers and other addictive drugs receive most of the headlines, marijuana continues to rob people of all ages of their motivation, relationships, goals and more.
What is marijuana?
A combination of dried leaves, stems and seeds of the Hemp plant, marijuana contains the active ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (or simply, THC). THC release dopamine in the brain, which controls the release of pleasurable feelings.
How is marijuana used?
Individuals use marijuana a variety of ways, most commonly by smoking it through a cigarette (known as a "joint") or through a pipe or bong. Some individuals will also add marijuana to cookies or cake to be eaten. Rolling papers, pipes and bongs are among the paraphernalia used by pot smokers to deliver the marijuana.
What are the street names for marijuana?
Marijuana goes by a number of street names, the most common of which are: weed, joint, Mary Jane, bud, pot, grass, skunk and ganja. Marijuana has an ever-growing number of streets names associated with it. Parents are urged to do their homework and stay current on the terminology used by their children.
How addictive is marijuana?
Marijuana is not a highly psychically addictive drug. There are no heavy physical marijuana withdrawal symptoms to speak of as there might be in drugs such as heroin or cocaine. However, marijuana has proven to be as psychologically addictive as many other illicit substances. The individual who smokes an excessive amount of marijuana begins to feel that they are unable relax without the drug. This causes anxiety and other related withdrawal symptoms when the individual stops using the marijuana.
Symptoms of marijuana addiction or abuse
Excessive marijuana use can lead to a number of negative symptoms, including:
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Fear of dying
- Listlessness or lack of energy
- Short term and long term memory loss
- An inability to concentrate on the task at hand
With all of the symptoms, and in particular the last one, it is easy to see why the heavy marijuana user begins to see their performance at work and at school suffer. Marijuana robs individuals of their motivation and the ability to stay focused and complete projects. Although marijuana abusers are unlikely to overdose from the drug, it can still have a devastating effect on their lives.
At Michael's House, those who are addicted to marijuana are given a chance to start fresh. The expert treatment staff at Michael's House helps educate the individual, working closely with them to teach new behaviors and attitudes to replace the marijuana use. Located in beautiful Palm Springs, California, the residential rehab and treatment programs at Michael's House help people completely defeat the psychological effects of marijuana and a host of other drugs. Contact Michael's House today at for more information.
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