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Help with Marijuana Abuse

Marijuana is the most widely abused illicit drug in the nation and one of the most popular recreational drugs, third only to alcohol and tobacco. With around 25 million past year marijuana users in the U.S. alone, abuse of the drug has truly reached epic proportions. Part of the rise in use in recent years has been propelled by popular culture and the attempt by certain groups to legalize use of the drug, claiming that it is medicinal, harmless and should be able to be used freely. Unfortunately, this has not only caused a surge in new users but has also brought about the false belief that the drug is not addictive and that there are no consequences as a result of its use. This could not be farther from the truth however, and many chronic marijuana users find themselves extremely dependent and addicted to the drug. In fact, today's marijuana is almost 10 times as potent as it was even a decade ago, further increasing the chances of dependence and addiction. Many thousands of individuals find themselves in the grips of marijuana dependence and addiction and soon need help to kick their habit.

THC is the main chemical component in marijuana that causes users to experience a "high". when using Marijuana is typically smoked, at which point the THC enters the bloodstream through the lungs and then moves into the areas of the brain heaving to do with coordination, thought, memory, concentration, sensory and time perception, and pleasure. The high produced by marijuana is so pleasurable, that users will want to feel this way again. And when the high wears off, especially for chronic users, there is normally a crash where the user will feel the opposite effects of the drug and even mild to moderate depression and anxiety. Most will simply use marijuana again to relieve these symptoms and effects. Similar to any other drug of abuse, this is the cycle of marijuana abuse and dependence.

Marijuana users and those who seek to legitimize its use deny any ill effects and promote that its use could not possibly result in addiction. However, years of scientific research have proven otherwise and many marijuana users find themselves experiencing many unwanted side effects and symptoms, some of which may be permanent because of the profound changes in the brain which occur as a result of its use. Studies actually indicate that chronic marijuana users may even be at risk of developing serious personality disturbances such as schizophrenia and other mental health issues. Aside from the known psychological side effects, studies also suggest that individuals who use marijuana chronically may have fertility complications, and women who use the drug may have give birth to babies with developmental and behavioral problems.

The same individuals who wish to deem marijuana harmless and legitimize its use also deny that marijuana is a gateway drug. However, statistics prove otherwise and while some marijuana users consider use of the drug harmless and not an indication that they are predisposed to abusing other addictive drugs, marijuana users are actually eight times more likely to have used cocaine, 15 times more likely to have used heroin, and five times more likely to need treatment for substance abuse. So it is not as harmless as common propaganda has made it out to be.

Marijuana abuse and addiction is a serious problem, not one to be underestimated or underrated. Marijuana users who need help can find the most effective help at an inpatient or residential drug rehab program, where they can get through detox and withdrawal followed by a stringent treatment curriculum to address underlying addiction issues. This will help ensure they don't relapse back into use and can successfully abstain from the drug permanently. While in drug rehab, marijuana dependence and addiction is treated like any other drug of abuse. Professional treatment counselors use every tool at their disposal that they would traditionally use for any other type of addiction whether it is to heroin, prescription drugs or seemingly innocent but very addictive drugs such as marijuana; they are not fooled by the hype.

While in treatment at a drug rehab for marijuana dependence and addiction, individuals will be able to discover and resolve the reason they came to use the drug in the first place and how it led to abuse and addiction. Many of these reasons are more psychological and social, not physical. Once these issues are resolved the individual who have a much better chance of remaining off of the drug for good. Contact a professional drug treatment counselor today and discover which drug treatment options are available to help with marijuana abuse.

Facts

  • Many of the individuals that have used Xanax for medicinal purposes or recreational purposes (non-medically) have described feeling a sense of confusion and memory loss, and a "floating" or disconnected feeling after taking the drug.
  • Opiates affect the limbic system, which controls emotions which can produce feelings of pleasure, relaxation, and contentment.
  • Rates of Opana abuse and addiction are among the highest involving prescription opiates, and drug overdose rates that have been linked directly to Opana have increased dramatically over the past three years.
  • Research indicates that individuals who enter drug rehab under legal pressure have similar outcomes as those who enter treatment voluntarily.