Marijuana Effects

Marijuana effects in the human body often have many negative and adverse consequences; marijuana effects include a weakening of the immune system, loss of memory, verbal skills and judgment. While many believe marijuana to be a "safe" drug, or one that cannot become addictive, studies by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and other research shows that marijuana and long-term marijuana effects can lead to addiction.

Marijuana, often called the "gateway drug" is a popular drug of abuse in both adolescents and adults. These negative marijuana effects can cause developmental damage, both mentally and physically, to the still growing human body and just as cigarettes harm the lungs so can marijuana. As the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) reports, marijuana effects were in part responsible for over 110,000 visits to the hospital emergency room in 2001.

Immediate marijuana effects occur once the substance has entered the body and the drug has infiltrated the brain. NIDA suggests that these marijuana effects can last anywhere from one to three hours. Smoking marijuana is the most popular way to ingest this drug because the marijuana effects of the THC are higher when smoking versus eating or drinking the drug.

The marijuana effects produced by the THC cause the smoker to feel "high". In the long run this intake of THC can impact the brain, causing it to function at a lower level because it is so used to being over stimulated by the drugs.

Smoking marijuana, while often joked about in circles of friends who smoke marijuana, does include severe impairment to a person's ability to create and recall memories and events. Many drug users and friends of drug users see marijuana as a relatively innocent drug, however research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that marijuana has caused considerably dangerous conditions when driving under the influence. High doses of marijuana can cause hallucinations and delusions, at which point the person under the influence is liable to place him/herself in unsafe situations.

Statistically, people engaging in the use of marijuana, graduate from high school at lower levels than those who do not use the drug. Marijuana effects also create problems in the workplace, at home and with friends. While many marijuana users believe they are able to cut back or quit, in the meantime marijuana effects include decay of moral beliefs, a shorter attention span, a decrease in social skills and appropriateness and a decrease in the value placed on family, friends and day-to-day responsibilities.

These marijuana effects may not appear to be extremely harmful in the beginning but marijuana does lead to and is done in conjunction with a battery of other illegal substances as well as alcohol. If you or someone you love is suffering from negative marijuana effects there is hope. At Gulf Coast Recovery we specialize in the treatment of all types of substance use or abuse.

Marijuana effects can break apart families and lead to long-term substance abuse. We are here to help. Gulf Coast offers a variety of programs and encourages the ex-user to participate in a way of life that constantly promotes recovery. Located in sunny Treasure Island, Florida, Gulf Coast has the perfect atmosphere to break down denial and create positive change. Please contact us if you are in need of a referral or you have any questions: 800 886 4986

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