Marijuana is the most commonly used drug in the United States, and its use can cause a number of health issues affecting both the body and brain. While there are many marijuana use supporters who believe smoking the drug has no negative side effects, research says otherwise. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction to marijuana, contact the treatment team at Solution Based Rehab to find out more about our marijuana rehab program.
Marijuana Use Health Issues
Brain health
Marijuana use is directly connected to brain function, and it can affect the brain’s development, especially in teenagers. Those who use marijuana heavily can have problems with their memory, attention, and how they learn. This can also directly affect relationships and your overall mood.
Heart health
Your heart beats faster when using marijuana, which can increase your risk of a stroke and heart disease. In addition to THC and cannabinoids, smoking marijuana delivers other harmful substances to the body, much like tobacco smoke does. So your cardiovascular system can be affected by smoked marijuana just like it can from tobacco use.
Lung health
Marijuana affects your lungs in different ways, depending on how it is consumed. When smoked, marijuana can cause scarring on your lung tissue and damage to your small blood vessels. It can put you at greater risk for lung health issues like bronchitis.
Mental health
Frequent and high-dose use of marijuana causes feelings of anxiety, paranoia, and disorientation. Temporary psychosis is common, and lasting mental conditions, like schizophrenia, can set in.
Poisoning
Ingestible marijuana products can have added risks, like poisoning. Because edibles take longer to take effect (as opposed to smoking) and the amount of THC in them is hard to measure, people may eat too much, resulting in poisoning. It’s also worth noting that since marijuana has become legal in some states, many children have accidentally eaten edibles because they mistake them for candy and have ended up needing emergency medical care.
Pregnancy
Marijuana use during pregnancy causes many serious problems for both the mother and the baby. For pregnant mothers, they can be more forgetful, confused, and anemic. Babies born to marijuana users are at risk of being underweight at birth, premature, stillborn, or suffer from problems with neurological development.
Marijuana Addiction and Symptoms
When you smoke marijuana, the high comes from THC and other chemicals that go from your bloodstream to your brain, giving you the euphoric effect. Some other noticeable effects of Marijuana use are:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Cottonmouth
- The munchies
- A racing heart
- Trouble concentrating
- Short term memory loss
- Lack of coordination
Studies show that marijuana dependence does exist, and it is possible to become addicted. Those who are using marijuana on a consistent daily basis have a hard time stopping. The social, psychological, and physical effects are real and can affect relationships, cause family rifts, and result in low energy and self-esteem. While some experts question whether marijuana is a “gateway drug,” there is research that shows that people who start smoking marijuana at a young age are more likely to move onto harder drugs, like prescription opioids.
Contact SBT to Learn More About Marijuana Rehab
All of the substance use disorder programs at SBT start with a 24/7 clinically supervised detox program and evaluation by an addiction recovery specialist. After detox comes participation in a residential inpatient or intensive outpatient treatment program. Our residential program gives clients treatment while living onsite in a medically monitored environment of peers. Our intensive outpatient program provides flexibility for those who need to continue living at home while receiving treatment.
In addition to traditional drug treatment programs, we offer a variety of alternative recovery activities to complement your treatment. These can include:
- Rock to Recovery, a music-based recovery program
- Relapse prevention program
- Building on the Rock, a faith-based recovery program
- Sober living groups
Contact us at 833.999.1941 to learn more.