Four states have legalized recreational marijuana while 26 states and other territories have legalized it for medical purposes. However, with increasing number of states legalizing the drug, it is expected that cases of marijuana addiction will increase.
If you are a parent or you know someone who is using cannabis, you must act now. Here are the physical and behavioral changes of marijuana abuse that you must watch out:
Behavioral changes of marijuana addiction:
- Distracted thinking and problem solving
- Learning and memory lapses
- Weak coordination
- Distorted perceptions
Physical changes of marijuana addiction:
- dry mouth
- constant cough with mucus
- fast heartbeat
- red, blurry, bloodshot eyes
- munchies or the feeling of getting hungry always
- poor coordination
- memory lapses
- fear, paranoia and anxiety
- loss of control
- delayed reaction
Physical addiction can be traced to the action of marijuana’s main psychoactive substance known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or “THC.” In the last 15 years, the concentration of THC in pots has more than doubled.
THC passes from the lungs to the bloodstream and eventually to the brain. The chemical targets the cannabinoid receptors in the brain that react by producing various cellular effects bringing a feeling of being high. Cannabinoid receptors are connected to the areas of the brain responsible for memory, concentration, thoughts, pleasure, coordinated movement and sensory and time perception.
Marijuana addiction has a huge impact on the mood, learning, memory and social behavior of the users. It can also take a toll on their relationship with family, job and friends. People who depend on pot smoking everyday will eventually have decreased intellectual function over time.
People who smoke marijuana for a long time become addicted to it and will soon display undesirable behavior such as compulsive drug seeking as it becomes their habit. For long time users, marijuana or Mary Jane as it is called becomes a “gateway drug” for them to try stronger substances such as heroin, cocaine or methamphetamines.
Marijuana addiction may become a habit that is hard to quit. Usually people experience withdrawal symptoms such as drug craving, anxiety, poor appetite, sleeplessness and irritability. Withdrawal from the drug is challenging that some people prefer to go back to smoking a joint than to experience the symptoms.
Help is always available for people who are ready to quit their addiction. There are marijuana addiction treatment programs, therapies and rehabs that can assist people to recover. The urge to fight addiction could always be there. But once the users have decided to quit, the support of the family and other programs play a huge role.
