Marijuana Addiction Effects and Symptoms

Marijuana is also commonly known as pot, hashish or weed. It is one of the most abused drugs in many countries around the world. Many people start using it without having accurate information on some of the effects it has on the body. Another problem is that developing an addiction is a subtle process. One often realizes they have an addiction after it is too late.

One of the effects is that it negatively affects the good health of the brain. People who are addicted to the drug find it difficult to do complex tasks as it impairs brain function. One may not be able to perform well in sports, academics, work or even in social situations. These problems can persist for days or even weeks after the last exposure to the drug.

This can lead to a reduced quality of life as it is becomes increasingly difficult to pursue an education when suffering from brain impairment. Long term marijuana users might not be able to hold down a proper job due to the effects of the addiction as well as lack of proper concentration. The condition also makes it hard to comfortably fit in social settings.

A strong addiction to marijuana can bring about mental health problems. Some of the conditions one might develop include psychosis, where a patient loses contact with what is real. One might suffer from delusions and hallucination where one sees or hears something that is not there. Abuse of the drug might also bring about other problems such as depression and anxiety.

As marijuana is commonly inhaled through smoking, it is highly likely for people who use the drug to suffer from health impairment of the lungs. This can come about as bronchitis, coughs, chest colds, chest congestions and breathing problems. The reason is that inhaling the smoke introduces respiratory irritants. The smoke also contains carcinogens which are harmful to the good health of the lungs.

People who are addicted to marijuana tend to smoke more frequently. Users also tend to inhale deeply so as to get the desired high. These tendencies or practices coupled with using the drug for a long time easily affects the quality of lungs and the airways and introduces increased risk for respiratory diseases.

Marijuana addiction effects also include dependency. It is known that the drug is highly addictive and as it is legalized in some countries, some people think that taking it is a safe practice. The danger is that a user gets an urge to take the drug more and more so as to satisfy the desire.

Perhaps the biggest problem with this drug is the potential to be a stepping stone to more advanced drugs. Some research says this is not the case, but it is difficult to imagine that it is not. Many people who have had terrible addictions to much harder drugs have started with marijuana. As mentioned above, some confusion exists because marijuana is actually legal in some countries.

I do not think that alcohol and marijuana are on equal footing - except in the sense that they both can feed an addictive personality. In fact, alcohol has hurt others and will continue to do so because the human psyche is a bit fragile and vulnerable to mental addiction while the body itself and the physical / chemical reactions in the brain are subject to the effects of physical addiction.

Once an addiction occurs, it requires will power on the part of the addict to break the addiction. Some addictions are very strong and the chances of breaking the addiction are going to vary based on the personal power of the individual.

Certainly, support groups and counseling can be helpful. There have also been reports that group rehabs have led participants to try 'harder' drugs later on. This is through the power of stories that people share with each other. It is possible that this happens during group sessions but it seems more likely that a stronger influence is exerted through interactions of the members outside of the group.

Many recovering addicts rely on the concept of the 'higher power' made popular by groups like that employ the 'twelve step' method or something similar. To me, it does not matter how an addict ultimately breaks an addiction, so long as it is broken!

The devastating effects of addiction are found in stories everywhere. And it is very sad when you hear these stories. Addiction often leads to poverty and apathy. This simply reinforces the addiction and lifestyle further. Nothing matters but the 'high' obtained from the drug of choice. If you have every looked into the eyes of someone desperate for their drug, you will understand what insanity and desperation really are.

I still feel sad when I think of one person I met. After seeing him panhandle for several weeks in a row, I never saw him again. I do not know what happened to him, but I suspect the worst!

If you have a chance to read this, I hope that it will inspire you to either lose an addiction or help someone you love to lose one!

Best always,

For overcoming addictions!

*This article is for information only. It is not meant do advise, diagnose or treat any disease, including but not limited to addiction. If you have or think you might have a health problem of any kind, visit your doctor for advice, diagnosis and treatment!