Marijuana Addiction: Understanding Its Scary Side Effects
Historical records about marijuana indicate that the plant was already being used for medicinal purposes as far back as the 15th century B.C. For example, it was used to treat pain in the ear and cases of constipation. More recently, its medical use include relieving muscle spasms associated with multiple sclerosis, lowering pressure in the eye brought about by glaucoma, and relieving vomiting and nausea associated with chemotherapy.
However, marijuana is viewed more as an illegal substance with a great many side effects that can be associated with its regular use or abuse.
It has been found that illicit use of marijuana, as in smoking its dried leaves, produces a feeling of mild euphoria (high). Marijuana was found to contain certain substances that adversely affect the user's memory. The same substances are also said to distort the user's sense of time, which seem to pass more slowly.
Marijuana is now often sold in a more concentrated form, such as cannabis resin. And the drug actually has more adverse effects than those mentioned here so far:
* Cognitive impairment (examples are problems with thinking, remembering or reasoning);
* Short-term impairment of perception and judgment (which affects, for example, the ability to operate machines);
* Risk of respiratory ailments (example, chronic bronchitis);
* Accelerated heartbeat (which places those with serious heart and circulatory problems at great risk);
* Hormonal disorders (a decline in the production of hormones of the reproductive system);
* Possible impairment of the immune system.
It is believed that smoking marijuana presents an equal, if not greater, risk of cancer as smoking cigarettes because of its carcinogen contents. Also because of this, damage to the lungs is almost certain. In a pregnant woman, damage to the fetus is possible.
Several short-term reactions associated with addiction to marijuana include mood swings, drowsiness, confusion, and hunger. Withdrawal symptoms include nausea and insomnia.
The psychological effects of marijuana addiction may linger for days. For those with anxiety or psychiatric disorder, addiction to marijuana may turn feelings of distress into fear, delusion, or paranoia.
Having a good grasp of the dreadful side effects of marijuana addiction can help in treatment efforts, which include a great deal of education, counseling, and support. Drug-free programs, such as those run by Narcotics
Anonymous, rely on group therapy methods. Here, marijuana addicts are encouraged to adopt new methods of problem-solving; they are likewise made to realize the importance of accepting self-responsibility.