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Importantly, people who start using the drug before the age of 18 are up to seven times more likely to develop a marijuana use disorder than adults. Today, marijuana is classified by the federal government as a Schedule I substance, which means the drug presents a high risk for abuse and is deemed to have no medicinal uses. However, several states have legalized marijuana for adult recreational use, and 23 states as well as the District of Columbia allow use of medical marijuana to treat certain medical conditions. Some people who use marijuana will develop marijuana use disorder, meaning that they are unable to stop using marijuana even though it’s causing health and social problems in their lives. According to the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 17.4 million individuals smoked within the past month.
One startling statistic relates to the long term effects of marijuana when use begins in adolescence and how itlowers the IQ up to eight points. Since the portion of the brain that controls decision-making and impulse https://ecosoberhouse.com/ control isn’t fully developed until the early 20s, brain development may be affected as well. Physical effects include breathing problems, increased heart rate, and developmental problems in unborn children.
Substance Abuse and Addiction Home
At this point, you are likely unable to control your drug use habits. Last year, the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that marijuana use disorder in young adults aged 12 to 17 went up 25% in states where recreational marijuana use is legal. Marijuana use in adults 26 and older was 26% higher in these same states as opposed to states where it’s illegal. There’s an idea that marijuana isn’t addictive because it’s “natural,” since it’s a plant. There are also various potential harmful, long-term consequences for prolonged use.
If you are inCleveland,Cincinnati, Columbus or anywhere in Ohio, and you think you may have issues with marijuana addiction, it’s smart to learn about marijuana addiction symptoms. But, one of the most significant social signs of marijuana addiction is the way the drug affects their judgment and perception. Basically, marijuana addiction has a major impact on a person’s physical health and puts their life in danger in more ways than one. Long-term marijuana smoking leads to a rapid decline in lung function. It can also make weed addicts vulnerable to developing chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , and recurrent lung infections.
It May Impair Your Brain
Complications and impacts of marijuana addiction on your health are numerous. These complications become more severe marijuana addiction when addiction is left unmanaged. The most common health effects of marijuana addiction are listed below.
- For frequent users, increased potency can boost the odds of cannabis abuse and addiction.
- In 2006, the Wisconsin Initiative to Promote Healthy Lifestyles implemented a program that helps primary care physicians identify and address marijuana use problems in patients.
- These include sleep aid zolpidem , anti-anxiety medication buspirone , and anti-epileptic medication gabapentin .
- Marijuana smoke contains up to 70% more carcinogens than tobacco smoke.
Addiction treatment takes a comprehensive approach to help you get over your addiction. For years, songs and films have portrayed marijuana usage and have showcased what it’s like to be high on the drug. However, there’s still little discussion of the signs and symptoms of marijuana addiction. For over 20 years, Wellness Resource Center has provided personalized treatment to adult men and women who are struggling with addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.