Marijuana Abuse

Marijuana abuse is widespread in the United States. Marijuana is the nations most commonly used illicit drug. More than 94 million Americans (40 percent) age 12 and older have tried marijuana at least once according to the National Survey on Drug use and Health (NSDUH).

The use of this drug is growing rapidly among inner city populations. Marijuana is a green or gray mixture of dried, shredded flowers and leaves of the hemp plant known as Cannabis Sativa. There are over 200 slang terms for Marijuana including "Pot", "Herb", "Grass", "Mary Jane", "Gangster", and "Chronic". It is usually smoked as a cigarette (called a joint), in a pipe or water pipe known as a "Bong". In recent years, it has appeared in what in known as a "Blunt". Blunts are cigars that have been emptied of tobacco and filled with Marijuana. Some users mix Marijuana into foods or use it to brew tea. The major active chemical in marijuana is Delta-9 (THC) tentrahydrocannabinol, which causes the mind-altering effects of Marijuana intoxication. Between 1980 and 1997, the amount of THC in Marijuana has risen dramatically. When someone smokes Marijuana, THC rapidly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream, which carries the chemical to the organs throughout the body including the brain. The THC connects to specific sites called Cannabinoid receptors on nerve cells and thereby influences the activity of those cells. Many Cannabinoid receptors are found in parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thought, concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordinate movement.

Effects of Marijuana on Heart rate and Blood Pressure

Recent studies suggest that smoking Marijuana and shooting up cocaine has the potential to cause severe increases in heart rate and blood pressure. In one study, experienced marijuana and cocaine users were given marijuana alone, cocaine alone, and then a combination of both. Each drug alone produced cardiovascular effects; when they were combined the effects were greater and lasted longer. The heart rates of the subjects in the study increased 29 beats per minute with marijuana alone and 32 beats per minute with cocaine alone. When the drugs were given together, the heart rate increased by 49 beats per minute, and the increased rate persisted for a longer time. The drugs were given with the subjects sitting quietly. In normal circumstances, an individual may smoke marijuana and or inject cocaine then do something physically stressful that may significantly increase risks of overload on the cardiovascular system.

Effects on Pregnancy

Marijuana abuse can affect a mother's health during pregnancy, a time when she should be taking particular care of herself. Marijuana 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.

Addictive Potential

Marijuana Abuse often causes compulsive, often uncontrollable drug craving, seeking and use, even in the face of negative health and social consequences. More than 120,000 people a year seek treatment for their marijuana abuse addiction. In addition, animal studies indicate that marijuana causes physical dependence and some people report experiencing withdrawal symptoms from the drug.

Marijuana can be a difficult drug to stop using. Many abusers feel that Marijuana is really not a dangerous or addictive drug. Many marijuana users do not realize that the THC and other chemicals found in marijuana can be very damaging to their lungs. The amount of tar inhaled by marijuana smokers and the level of carbon monoxide absorbed are three to five times greater than among tobacco users. This may be due to the fact that Marijuana users inhale more deeply and hold the pot smoke for much longer than tobacco users.

Adverse Reactions to Marijuana

A common negative reaction to smoking Marijuana is the "acute panic anxiety reaction". People describe this reaction as an extreme fear of losing control, which causes panic. These symptoms usually disappear a few hours after using the Marijuana.

Treatment Options for Marijuana abuse/dependence

If you or someone you know has been struggling to stop using Marijuana but just cannot get through it then maybe its time to seek professional help. Surrendering sometimes is easier then continuing on in a losing battle! Marijuana abuse is more addictive than people generally believe. If you are interested in seeking help, please contact one of our highly trained counselors for a private, confidential consultation. We can direct you to the help that you require in a kind and caring manner. Addiction is no laughing matter. Usually things will get worse before they get better. Stalling or putting off making that call is only postponing the inevitable. Sooner or later you will have to address the abuse situation you are facing. Call us at The One and Only Genesis House Inc. We are a leader in addiction treatment and have helped thousands of people recover from the devastating consequences of their addictions. Call 1-800-737-0933 or 561-439-4070 for immediate help and answers. More information is available on our web site http://www.genesishouse.net or please feel free to email us at info@genesishouse.net