Marijuana is a substance that has many street names, such as weed, pot, herb, grass, and Mary Jane. The drug is actually comprised of flowers from the Cannabis sativa plant. Users typically take the dried flowers and smoke them. However, it’s also possible to brew the leaves into tea or eat them as edibles. Despite popular belief, marijuana drug addiction is possible.
Marijuana is a psychoactive drug with its main ingredient being THC. THC has mind-altering properties that cause the user to feel senses of relaxation and euphoria. Because of its effects, the marijuana drug is extremely sought after and common in the United States. Luckily, help is available all over including this award-winning Texas marijuana addiction rehab center in San Antonio.
Effects of Marijuana Abuse
Marijuana has many mind-altering effects. For some people, the effects are pleasant and relaxing. However, for others, marijuana’s effects can cause extreme stress and anxiety. The potential short-term effects of marijuana include:
- Euphoria
- Increased heart rate
- Short-term memory loss
- Hallucinations
- Panic
- Loss of coordination
Marijuana also has a number of long-term side effects. For example, since most users smoke marijuana, there’s a risk of throat and lung cancer. Other long-term side effects include:
- Memory issues
- Impaired cognitive development
These effects are especially dangerous to adolescents who begin using marijuana at a young age. When an adolescent begins abusing any form of the marijuana drug, they risk permanently impairing their cognitive functions and increasing their chances of other substance addiction in the future.
Is Marijuana Drug Addiction Real?
Marijuana drug addiction is very real. Many people doubt its existence, but they are missing a few key facts. Firstly, marijuana is twice as potent as it was two decades ago. Increased potency means people are experiencing stronger highs with the same dosage. These same people also build up tolerances to marijuana, requiring them to smoke more. Second, marijuana addiction is heavily psychological.
Many people self-medicate with marijuana to treat issues such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression. For many, the effects of marijuana distract them from the effects of their underlying disorders. In order for them to end their marijuana addiction, they have to confront the underlying addiction that’s feeding it.
Marijuana is also a gateway drug that can lead to other addictions, especially if adolescents are the ones using the substance. When youth use marijuana, they are more open to developing addictions to cigarettes and alcohol later on.
Treating Marijuana Addiction
Despite popular beliefs, marijuana drug addiction is just as real and dangerous as any other drug addiction. Substance addiction always requires a lifelong process of recovery. After recovering from addiction, you’ll always be at risk for relapse.
The only way to treat a marijuana addiction is by enrolling in a professional Texas addiction rehab programs. These facilities have the staff and experience to help you through your addiction and help you address any underlying problems that feed into your addiction. Understanding and addressing where your addiction roots itself is key to overcoming an addiction.
