Can Weed Be Harmful
Of course it can, but again, that statement needs to be qualified: Harmful is a relative term, and theres a world of difference between harmful and deadly. It bears mentioning, however, that death isnt the arbiter of whether marijuana can be problematic for some people. And given the short-term effects of weed that many consider to be beneficial, according to the University of Washington , its difficult to see how it can be considered harmful at all: feeling of well-being talkativeness drowsiness loss of inhibitions decreased nausea increased appetite. There are, of course, some minuses loss of coordination bloodshot eyes dryness of the eyes, mouth, and throat anxiety and paranoia but by and large, a cursory glance at the short-term effects make weed seem fairly benign.
But what about long-term effects? Those are still being studied, but the research suggests, at the very least, caution: The biggest risk related to the use of marijuana is the increased risk of psychosis,” Dr. Scott Krakower, assistant unit chief of psychiatry at Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks, New York, told Live Science . The article goes on to point out that another significant risk, for those who use marijuana during their teenage years, is an increased likelihood of an IQ drop. It is safe enough to say that people who smoke marijuana, especially when they are young, are more likely have a reduction in their IQ later in life, according to Krakower.
Treatment For Marijuana Addiction And Outlook
If you or a loved one struggle with marijuana misuse or addiction, there is help available. Individuals with marijuana use disorders, especially adolescents, often also suffer from co-occurring psychiatric health conditions. Additionally, research shows that individuals with a marijuana use disorder may also be addicted to other substances, such as cocaine or alcohol.3
While there is no FDA-approved medication for the treatment of marijuana use disorder, individuals who receive this diagnosis may benefit from treatment that addresses polysubstance use, treats co-occurring mental health disorders, and utilizes behavioral therapies, including:3
The length and specifics of your treatment plan depend on the amount and frequency of cannabis use, co-occurring disorders, polysubstance use, and other factors particular to your story.3
Treatment for marijuana use is available. Find the program that fits your needs and make today the first day of your new life. Call American Addiction Centers .
Smoke Weed Every Day: From Recreational Use To Dependence
Marijuana as a substance isnt physically addictive. However, marijuana can produce whats called psychological dependence. This is when a weed smoker needs weed to complete daily tasks, feel better and has cravings for the drug.
If they dont get the drug then they may experience stress and anxiety. They may also obsess over obtaining the drug.
If any of these symptoms are present, then marijuana use may have turned into an addiction. Explore the following signs that your marijuana use may have become a problem and potentially addiction.
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How To Treat Cud
Most people with CUD donât seek treatment. But you may get better if you try psychotherapy, or talk therapy. That includes cognitive behavioral therapy , motivational enhancement therapy , and contingency management . These can help you change thoughts and behaviors that make it hard to quit. You could also try to set limits such as only using marijuana on certain days of the week, like the weekends. If you have trouble sticking to self imposed limits, it may indicate a problem. Meditation or other stress relieving activities may also help you use less.
What Is Chronic Marijuana Use Exploring Cannabis Abuse And Dependency
Cannabis abuse and dependency can be tricky to define, as they dont come with the telltale signs of other, physical addictions. There is a slight difference between them, with abuse being how the drug is used and the effects it has, and dependency being how hard one finds it to stop using.
However, often the two come hand in hand. There are still many things we can look for when trying to discern whether our cannabis use is a mutualistic love affair or an unhealthy dependence.
One of the first and most obvious signs is this: Do you find yourself smoking even when you dont want to? Do you often wake up in the morning and think that youll have a day off, only to find yourself stoned by the afternoon?
Are you spending money on cannabis when you cant afford it? Is it stopping you from doing other things that youd like to do? Or, do you find it enriches the things you love and doesnt interfere?
Asking questions like this is a good start in understanding your relationship with cannabis.
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Find Marijuana Addiction Treatment At Washburn House Today
If you find yourself answering yes to the question, Am I addicted to weed? contact Washburn House today. Recovering from the addiction often means addressing your pain, negative thoughts, and low mood. If you feel you need marijuana to get through most days and feel depressed, restless, or agitated when you dont smoke, you may be addicted to marijuana. Dont let your pot use affect your life. The following programs at the marijuana addiction treatment center help you break through weed addiction:
Sexual Health & Reproduction Issues
Lastly, it has been suggested that heavy use of marijuana could reduce testosterone levels and sperm count in men, leading to infertility. Also, the high levels of carbon monoxide in the smoke could prove harmful to pregnant women, as it may result in lower birth weight. However, findings from various studies contradict one another in relation to marijuana use and decreased testosterone.
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Loss Of Interest In Activities
Someone who is addicted to marijuana will prioritize their drug use over other aspects of their life. They will likely cut back on activities that previously brought them joy or withdraw from them altogether.
A person with marijuana addiction may struggle to maintain healthy relationships with their friends and family if they withdraw from socializing in order to use the drug.
In addition, marijuana dependence has been linked with a lack of motivation. Someone who is addicted may lack the drive to engage in activities, pursue goals, or keep up with responsibilities, including school and work.
Help Yourself And Help Your Friend
Helping a friend quit smoking weed is not going to be easy. You have to remember that you are not responsible for his or her choices. You can only guide your friend, offering support until he or she makes the right choice.
Your helping hand, constant support, communication, support groups, and activities all work together to show your friend that sobriety is not only possible, but also enjoyable. If, however, you find that your friend relapses and backslides a bit, its important to stay positive and keep moving forward. Help your friend maintain his or her goals, even if they were goals that were already accomplished.
This could easily mean that your friend might climb the ladder of recovery a few times before completely finding his or her lifelong path to sobriety. Stick with your friend no matter how long it takes.
When you achieve recovery together, the reward is monumental. Youll be able to look at your friend and watch him or her live a fulfilling life in sobriety, accomplishing goals and changing the world the way you knew he or she could.
If you have a friend that smokes weed and may be developing an addiction, call 12 Keys Rehab today to learn how we can help. As a team, we can battle addiction and give your friend the support he or she needs to recover and live life in sobriety.
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Follow A Path And Be There Every Step Of The Way
Addiction is a challenge that sticks with people for life. Even when someone wants to stop using a drug, it takes an enormous amount of time to cope with the loss of it much like being stripped to the core of your being and wondering if theres something substantial in there without the drug.
The real heart of addiction, though, is the will and drive of the individual. You cant make someone quit your friend has to make a personal decision that he or she is done with drugs. Your friend must make a firm declaration and resolution that he or she is ready for a change.
When your friend is ready to accept the need for change, you may want to recommend your friend seeks professional treatment for the addiction. Often the root causes of drug use are deep. By addressing underlying issues, your friend will be able to deal with life stressors in a positive way. Rehab can help your friend heal on every level physical, emotionally, spiritually, and psychologically while gaining the tools to continue making the right decisions.
The process doesnt happen overnight, and it can take a great deal of time. Because you care so much about your friend, you should be right there with him or her every step of the way. Guidance, perseverance, support, love, and understanding are your hallmarks the keys to helping your friend continue on the path to lifelong sobriety.
Smoking Marijuana Once In A While Wont Harm Me As A Teen
Research shows that teens who smoke marijuana once a week over a two-year period are almost six times more likely than nonsmokers to drop out of school and over three times less likely to enter college.
Less than half of American teens perceive a great risk in smoking marijuana once a week or twice a week. Yet, regular marijuana use can have serious consequences on adolescents. Research shows that teens who smoke marijuana once a week over a two-year period are almost six times more likely than nonsmokers to drop out of school and over three times less likely to enter college. Even more seriously, marijuana use is strongly associated with stunted emotional development. In particular, females who smoke marijuana show a great vulnerability to heightened risk of anxiety attacks and depression. According to a study published in the British Medical Journal, daily use among adolescent girls is associated with a fivefold increase in the risk of depression and anxiety. Moreover, youth who begin smoking marijuana at an earlier age are more likely to have an impaired ability to experience normal emotional responses. The link between marijuana use and mental health extends beyond anxiety and depression. Marijuana users have a six times higher risk of schizophrenia, are significantly more likely to development other psychotic illnesses.
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Smoking And Drug Interactions
Cigarette smoke also interacts with many common prescription and non-prescription medication. Smoking can either increase or decrease the time it takes the body to break down a drug. If the time is increased, the drug circulates longer in the body and may increase the effects of the dose. If nicotine shortens the time a drug circulates in the body, it may render it less effective. Depending on the medication and how it interacts with nicotine, it may do one or both. Thatâs why itâs always important to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you smoke. They may need to prescribe a different dose of medication for smokers versus non-smokers.
Some of the common drugs smoking affects include blood thinners, SSRI medicines used to treat depression and anxiety, heart medicines, anti-seizure medicines and asthma treatments. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about any potential drug interactions if youâre a smoker and are taking any of these medications.
Smoking addiction is one of the most difficult addictions to quit. Some studies even claim itâs harder to quit smoking than to quit using heroin. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms include agitation, cravings, shaking hands and anxiety. These symptoms are relieved within seconds after smoking a cigarette, which can make it hard to quit.
Some common ways people quit smoking include:
Quiz: How Strong Is Your Nicotine Addiction
Nicotine is the chemical in cigarettes that makes you want to keep smoking. Finding out how much you depend on nicotine will help you as you choose quit smoking strategies for your quit plan. Rememberno matter what your score, youll have to work hard to quit for good. Answer the following questions. The results will explain how much you depend on nicotine and provide ideas on how to reduce your cravings.
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If You Smoke Every Day You Might Have A Harder Time Getting Pregnant
Smoking is a big no-no for pregnant women. However, even if you’re not pregnant, there’s the potential to make getting pregnant way more difficult than it could be if you smoke every day.
According to Dr. Cynthia Austin, smoking cigarettes has been associated with multiple fertility issues, including ectopic pregnancies and failure to conceive at six and 12 months, as well as damage to your ovaries and eggs. Even secondhand smoke could present problems when it comes to pregnancy. “Once a woman gets pregnant, secondhand smoke can increase the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight and learning disabilities,” Austin told Cleveland Clinic.
“You really need to stop smoking as soon as possible ideally several months before you would plan to get pregnant,” Austin explained. She continued, saying, “Medical evidence proves that smoking is dangerous at every point along the continuum of pregnancy.” So yes, you should absolutely add smoking to your list of things to avoid when you’re trying to get pregnant.
I Smoke Weed Every Day Does That Mean Im An Addict
I smoke weed every single day.
That’s what I found out after I started keeping a log of my pot use. After 32 days of noting each time I took a puff, I saw that I had consumed my favorite herb every single day for more than a month. I can’t say I was that surprised, but it was more than I’d thought.
For those of us in legal weed states, it’s ridiculously easy to indulge. There are $5 joints for sale in every neighborhood. But how do you know when you’re overindulging? Weed’s mild nature can make it difficult to spot developing problems. It doesn’t cause hangovers it’s pretty easy to lead a functional life through a perpetual haze and, unlike cocaine, alcohol, or coffee, quitting doesn’t usually result in withdrawal symptoms.
Still, experts say that pot addictionor, as psychologists call it, cannabis use disorderdoes exist, and out of control weed use can negatively impact both your wallet and your relationships. Plus, we still don’t know entirely how cannabis affects our cardiovascular and brain health.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, symptoms of cannabis use disorder include spending a “great deal of time” obtaining and using cannabis, as well as having “a strong desire or urge to use cannabis.” In my case, both are true. But I am a weed columnist, and even if I do salivate a little when I pop open a new jar of top shelf pot, is this really a problem?
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So What Are The Signs Someone Is Addicted To Weed
The current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5 lays out 12 criteria for cannabis use disorder all of which can be interpreted as signs someone is addicted to weed. An individuals cannabis use is problematic, and can lead to clinically significant impairment or distress, when two or more of the following signs take place within a 12-month period :
- Weed is used in greater amounts or over a longer period of time than the consumer originally intended
- Someone who uses weed wants to cut down or control their use but is unable to do so
- Someone spends an inordinate amount of time getting weed, using weed or recovering from its use
- The individual experiences strong urges, or cravings, to use
- Using weed interferes with vocational, educational or personal responsibilities
- The individual refuses to stop smoking/consuming weed despite problems at work, school or home that are caused by it
- The person cuts back or gives up entirely other social, recreational or vocational activities because they interfere with smoking weed
- They use weed in situations that are physically dangerous to do so
- They continue to smoke even though theyve been told certain physical or psychological problems are made worse by weed.
- Their tolerance causes them to consume greater amounts to achieve the effects they desire
- They show obvious psychological and in rare cases, physical signs of withdrawal if they stop using weed.
What Happens If You Smoke Weed Every Day
Many marijuana users and legality advocates claim that the drug does not come with a risk of addiction or other harmful effects. The main ingredient in marijuana, which comes from the cannabis plant, is a chemical called THC.
THC is known for its calming and pleasant properties, which is why many individuals with pain or anxiety disorders use the substance. However, are there some risks that THC can bring with it when consumed on a daily basis.
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You Might Have Changes In The Homeostasis In Your Body
“Daily use of cannabis can desensitize the endocannabinoid system and override its natural capacity to maintain homeostasis. In layman’s terms, using medical marijuana too frequently can knock your endocannabinoid system out of whack a bit, which can have an effect on some of your body’s natural processes, like your sleeping habits, mood, appetite, and memory,” says Daniel Whitelocke, M.D., Founder of AR MMJ Cards. “Because the endocannabinoid system was only identified as recently as the 1990s, experts are still working toward fully understanding it.”
