The Dangers of Marijuana Abuse

Is marijuana a dangerous drug? Or is it a harmless diversion? The debate over the effects and risks associated with marijuana abuse rages on and on and with issues raised by medical marijuana, the conversation has never been more heated. With so many people saying that marijuana is not addictive and neither a harm to society nor to the user, what are the arguments against? Why do others say that marijuana is an addictive drug and harmful and that marijuana addiction requires treatment?

The Issue of Marijuana Dependence

Marijuana is not physically addictive in the same way that heroin or prescription drugs are physically addictive. Most people do not experience withdrawal symptoms of the level experienced by those going through an OxyContin detox or heroin detox, for example. However, those who smoke marijuana regularly and suddenly stop may get headaches or go through psychological withdrawal symptoms: cravings, irritability, mood swings, to name a few.

These psychological addiction symptoms make marijuana a formidable foe to chronic users who try to quit. Feeling compelled to smoke or having a maladaptive relationship with the drug by using it to quell strong emotions, relax, or fight stress can make it almost impossible to quit – and that inability to quit smoking with treatment is a sure sign that treatment is necessary.

Negative Consequences of Chronic Marijuana Abuse

Another sign of marijuana addiction is when chronic abuse adds up to a slew of negative consequences for the user. Many of the dangers of marijuana abuse and addiction lie here: financial destruction, respiratory issues, weight gain/ obesity, problems functioning at work and at school, neglected children…. Depending upon the specific circumstances in your life, marijuana abuse will have different negative consequences. In general, when chronic abuse of any drug is a major factor in your life, it’s difficult to move forward, to truly enjoy and participate in your life, or to have meaningful relationships with others. Achieving goals or doing much more than just hanging out is a special problem of marijuana addiction – the inertia creates a stagnancy that’s difficult to break out of.

Is Marijuana Abuse or Addiction a Problem for You?

Do you experience negative consequences as a result of your marijuana abuse? Do you feel physically ill or uncomfortable when you try to stop smoking or ingesting marijuana? Do you experience health problems related to marijuana abuse? Have you tried to stop smoking but been unable to do so for any length of time? Then marijuana abuse and addiction is an issue for you, one that is treatable.

If you would like more information about your marijuana addiction treatment options, contact us at The Orchid today.