Marijuana Information & Statistics
What is marijuana?
Marijuana refers to the leaves, flowers, and extracts of the plant Cannabis sativa and several closely related species commonly known as hemp.
Marijuana is the most commonly used and abused illicit drug in society. It is also the subject of much debate over the legality and the impact of use in individuals. Many states have moved to make marijuana legal for medical reasons, while others are considering making it entirely legal in the future. What is being left out of the conversation is America’s marijuana addiction problems.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports the following:
- Long-term abuse of marijuana can develop into a compulsive behavior or addiction.
- About 9% of those who commonly use or abuse marijuana becomes addicted.
- This number increases among youth to 17% and daily teen abusers have a 20-25% chance of becoming addicted.
- Recent studies have said that daily use of the drug has quadrupled in the United States in the past decade. (NIDA Infofacts on marijuana)
The chief component of marijuana is the chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). When it is smoked, the THC transfers from the lungs to the bloodstream and is distributed through the body.
When THC is introduced into the brain it attaches itself to the neurotransmitters of the brain bringing on sense of euphoria. Heart rate and blood flow also increase with marijuana use. The blood vessels of the eyes expand causing the eyes to have a red appearance.
Side effects of pot smoking are commonly dry mouth, hunger and thirst (commonly known as the “munchies”), and confusion.
Slang terms for marijuana include:
- Pot
- Herb
- Weed
- Grass
- Refer
- Mary Jane
- Hashish
- Hash
Signs & Symptoms of Marijuana Abuse
Symptoms that someone is using marijuana may include:
- Increased appetite
- Drowsiness
- Bloodshot eyes
- Impaired memory
- Slowed reflexes and impaired motor skills
- Cognitive impairments
- Altered sense of time
Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms
- Irritability
- Decrease in Appetite
- Increased Anxiety
- Sleeplessness
- Intensified Craving
Facts on Marijuana
- Marijuana, derivative product of the Cannabis Sativa plant is the most widely abused substance classified as an illicit drug. The most common form of use is by smoking the dried and blended parts of the Cannabis plant.
- Marijuana can also be blended into foods or brewed as a tea. Smoking pot allows for a quick effect by being absorbed through the soft tissue of the lungs.
- Nowadays there are even derivatives known as “synthetic” marijuana that is causing additional problems with addiction, psychosis and withdrawal.
- Long term THC effects the brain, damaging the Hippocampus region. This region of the brain is responsible for the functions of learning and memory. Other areas of the brain are affected by marijuana use including reasoning functions, motor functions and reaction functions.
- While many of these studies have shown clear alterations to the brain, reports have stated that these results are not consistent to provide proper data. Intoxication of pot or weed can cause several distortions to perception and impair coordination, learning and memory. These effects can last for days and weeks as long as THC remains in the brain system.
Developing an Addiction
Advocates for marijuana question the addictiveness of the drug. Still, individuals each and every day are checking into a drug rehab center to address their problems with marijuana. In 2009, an estimate of 740,800 people admitted into addiction treatment with pot as a primary substance of abuse.
Marijuana addiction is formed when a person can no longer control the impulse of use. Like all drug addiction, it takes control of the individual’s life structure, compromising all other aspects of living. When the substance is not in the system, withdrawal can be experienced and can be difficult to deal with.
Marijuana is also considered a gateway drug to far more addictive substances. People can have a harmless beginning with random use that can eventually spiral out of control. The 2009 report stated that 83% of those that admitted with marijuana as the primary substance also struggle with other drugs or alcohol.
Effects of Marijuana Abuse
Long-term use of Marijuana can have adverse effects on:
- The Brain
Chronic abuse of marijuana can create changes to the brain. Studies have shown an increased risk to developing mental health disorders like anxiety, depression and schizophrenia. - The Heart
Use of marijuana increases the heart rate anywhere from 20-100%. One study estimates that marijuana users have a nearly 5% greater risk of hearth attack. This is attributed to increased heart rates and the effects of marijuana on heart rhythms. - The Lungs
Marijuana smokers can develop many of the same chronic problems that affect tobacco smokers. This can involve chronic coughing, higher risks of infections, more frequent illnesses in the lungs and phlegm.
Marijuana Recovery with a Caring Program
Like any addiction case, recovery from marijuana addiction takes considerable time and effort. Initial drug treatment is also strongly recommended from an appropriate rehab program. At Cirque, we provide that appropriate program by offering an array of therapy approaches. Outpatient drug rehab programs may offer a few types of programs. We feel that a multi-systemic approach to marijuana addiction treatment is what provides the best overall results in a rehab program. This consists of individual, group and family clinical treatments combined with the 12-step modality for recovery.
The focus of treatment is on the individual, with therapy and programs that address their personal struggles with addiction. This is coupled with a long-term plan of action to continue care when treatment is completed. We encourage you to call today for an assessment at 1-800-582-0709.
