Marijuana Abuse Effects

Marijuana that is purchased on the street begins its life as the leaves and flowers of a hemp plant. Grown all over the world, these leaves and flowers are dried before being divided up and sold. It is the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content in the plant that is intoxicating, activated when you smoke it, cook it in fat to release the chemical, or drink a tea made by steeping the leaves. Potency varies and the effects generally last for two or three hours. Marijuana is often called a “gateway drug” because its use often precludes abuse of street drugs like heroin, stimulants like cocaine or prescription painkillers and benzodiazepines. The effects of chronic use of the drug are often overlooked and, sadly, marijuana abuse and addiction are just as harmful to finances, health and personal relationships as addiction to any other drug.

At Orchid Recovery Center, we are well aware of the devastating effects caused by marijuana addiction, and we are ready to help you or your loved one break that addiction efficiently with attention to emotional, spiritual and physical healing and growth.

Marijuana Abuse Effects: The Brain

Far from harmless, marijuana has both long-term and short-term effects on the brain and its ability to function. No matter how it is ingested, the THC in marijuana passes into the bloodstream and travels throughout the body, attaching to cannabinoid receptors on nerve cells in the brain and body. These receptors are found in parts of the brain that control memory, concentration, thought, sensory and time perception, coordinated movements and pleasure. The abilities to think cohesively and store conceptual information are certainly impaired during the “high” created by using marijuana but over time with continued use, the ability to function on these levels in any context deteriorates whether or not THC is active in the brain.

Marijuana Abuse Effects: Physical Health

Studies show that those who smoke marijuana but don’t smoke cigarettes have more health problems and take more sick days than nonsmokers due to respiratory illness. Risk for lung and chest infections are increased with marijuana use as are car accidents and accidents at work due to the slower reflexes and awareness as well as the mental confusion caused by the drug. In women who are pregnant, marijuana use leads to a low birth weight and small fetus, and there is evidence that a higher rate of certain blood cancers in children are related to the mother’s use of marijuana during pregnancy. The high tar content in marijuana smoke leads to a higher rate of lung cancer among marijuana smokers than even cigarette smokers.

Marijuana Abuse Effects: Addiction

Make no mistake: marijuana is addictive. Infrequent use can lead to abuse, which in turn leads to building up a tolerance to the drug, requiring higher and higher doses to achieve the “high” originally experienced. Soon, dependence and addiction develop and, should you attempt to stop using marijuana, withdrawal symptoms begin, usually in the form of nausea, headaches, excessive sweating, irritability, tremors or shaking, insomnia and a general weakness. At Orchid Recovery Center, we can help you adjust as you go through marijuana detox and guide you through marijuana addiction treatment, focusing on rebuilding your health and spiritual center surrounded by like-minded women who are also growing and healing after addiction.

Treat Marijuana Abuse Effects at Orchid Recovery Center

Through a variety of therapeutic treatments, gentle exercise, and multi-faceted spiritual practices, Orchid Recovery Center provides women with a safe place to recover from the disease of addiction. If you or someone you love is addicted to marijuana, alcohol, prescription drugs, street drugs or club drugs, the clinical team at Orchid Recovery Center is prepared to provide a comprehensive drug addiction treatment solely for women here in beautiful Palm Springs, Florida. Call for more information today.

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