Oak Forest Recovery - Marijuana Resources
Statistics About Marijuana Use
Marijuana can be addictive; 1 in 10 marijuana users become addicted. For people who start using marijuana before age 18, the risk of addiction rises to 1 in 6.
In 2019, 48.2 million people age 12 or older in the U.S. had used marijuana in the past year.
Marijuana is widely used by adolescent and young adults; in 2019, 35.7% of 12 th graders said they had used marijuana in the past year.
5 Fast Facts about Marijuana
Marijuana use can cause functional impairment in cognitive abilities.
Some studies have also linked marijuana use to declines in IQ.
Cannabis temporarily prevents the brain from developing new memories and learning new things.
Smoking marijuana for a long period of time can damage the bronchial passages and the lungs.
Marijuana use can cause irregular heart rate and increase the risk of an acute coronary syndrome, such as a heart attack.
About Marijuana Addiction
Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in the United States. Recent data shows that 30% of marijuana users have some degree of marijuana use disorder, ranging from dependence to addiction. Dependence is when a person experiences withdrawal symptoms after stopping use of the drug. Marijuana use disorder becomes an addiction when someone can’t stop using the drug even when it is negatively affecting their life.
Signs of marijuana use
- Red eyes
- Worsened performance at school or work
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Excessive eating
Signs of Marijuana abuse
- Loss of control
- Inability to stop
- Social impairments
- Cravings
- Tolerance building
- Withdrawal
Signs of marijuana withdrawal
- Feelings of anger, irritability, or aggression
- Extreme nervousness or anxiety
- Sleep disturbances or insomnia
- Feelings of restlessness
- Feelings of depression
Marijuana's Effect on the body
- Coughing and wheezing
- Increased risk for heart rhythm disorders and stroke
- Increased risk of acute coronary syndrome, such as a heart attack
- Increased risk of lung infections
- Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (a rare side effect of chronic use which causes recurring nausea, vomiting, and dehydration)
Marijuana's effect on the brain
Marijuana directly affects the brain. Marijuana has become more potent over the past several
decades, meaning there is now higher levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana, which
causes more severe effects on the brain. Heavy marijuana users can have short-term problems
with attention, memory, and learning.
Marijuana also affects brain development. People whose brains are still developing, such as
teenagers, are more vulnerable to the negative effects of marijuana. When teenagers begin using
marijuana, they could reduce the attention, memory and learning functions of their brain.
Marijuana's effect on mental health
Marijuana use can have a negative effect on mental health. Daily use of marijuana can cause disorientation, unpleasant thoughts, and paranoia. Marijuana users are also at significantly increased risk of certain mental health concerns, including: depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts (in teens), temporary psychosis, and psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia
Treatment for Marijuana Use Disorder and Addiction
Marijuana addiction can be overcome with the right treatment plan. People who enroll in marijuana treatment programs tend to have been daily users for at least ten years, and have tried to quit at least six times.
Detoxification from Marijuana
Withdrawal symptoms such as sleep problems, negative mood, and decreased appetite can make
it difficult to detox from marijuana. But, detoxing slowly can help ease these symptoms. You can
detox from marijuana on your own, but you can also choose to detox in a rehab facility in order
to ensure that you have a support system in place. This can reduce your chances of relapse.
While detoxing from marijuana, you can also follow these guidelines to minimize side effects:
– Drink lots of water
– Take hot baths
– Eat a healthy diet
– Exercise regularly
– Reduce caffeine intake
Therapy for Marijuana Addiction
A marijuana treatment program is designed to help users learn to cope with drug use triggers in
order to avoid relapse. Therapy is the main component of a marijuana addiction treatment
program. Therapy may also be supplemented with group support allowing individuals to meet
others who are also in recovery.
Other components of a marijuana treatment program might include:
– Exercise sessions
– Massage sessions
– Art therapy
– Other alternative therapies
