Understanding the long-term side effects of marijuana can help you know whether you need to reach out to an addiction treatment center. Marijuana, just like any other drug, has caused many to struggle with substance abuse. However, marijuana addiction treatment programs can help you heal and maintain recovery for life.
Marijuana is one of the most abused drugs. In 2015, the National Institute for Drug Abuse established that 11 million youths in the U.S. ranging from 18 to 25 used the drug in 2014 alone. Many more adults use marijuana regularly. Since this drug is so widely used, a huge population could be suffering from long-term side effects of the drug.
What Is Marijuana?
Marijuana refers to a mixture of cannabis flowers that comes in green-greyish color. Some commonly used names used in place of marijuana include weed, herb, ganja, and pot. Marijuana can be smoked in a joint, a blunt, or a pipe, and many individuals use water bongs or vapes to inhale it as well.
It can also be taken orally in capsules, edibles, or pills. It is known to cause a feeling of euphoria and relaxation when used. The active compounds in marijuana are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the most abundant compound found in cannabis plants and is responsible for its psychoactive effects.
While marijuana is now legal in many states for recreational use, it’s not legal in others. Depending on where you live, it can be illegal to possess or consume marijuana. It is important to understand your local laws before using the drug. Those who use marijuana should be careful to adhere to local laws so they don’t run into legal trouble.
Why Do People Use Marijuana?
Many people use marijuana to achieve a high. It can help relieve stress and can cause some individuals to feel relief from feelings of anxiety.
In some states, marijuana is even prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders or PTSD. However, not everyone knows that the effects of the drug can last in their bodies long after their last use. This is why it is important to understand the risks associated with marijuana usage.
In fact, marijuana has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Studies have shown that it can be beneficial in the treatment of glaucoma, chronic pain, and even cancer. It has been found that it can help relieve symptoms of various conditions without causing dangerous side effects. However, it is important to note that marijuana should only be used under the direction of a doctor and with his or her knowledge of any potential side effects or risks.
Are There Any Short-Term Side Effects of Marijuana?
Anything that has long-term effects can have short-term effects as well. Marijuana’s short-term effects include the following:
- Temporary memory difficulties
- Hallucinations
- Unreasonable panic
- Sense and identity loss
- Paranoia and anxiety
- Stroke risks
All of the above are possible short-term experiences if you take marijuana. Just because it’s legal in many states doesn’t mean it’s harmless.
Long-Term Side Effects of Marijuana
When you continue using the drug for an extended period, you can experience marijuana’s long-term side effects. These can be related to cognitive, cardiovascular, and respiratory functions of the body. They include effects such as:
- Breathing difficulty due to bronchial blockage
- Heart attack due to cannabinoids
- Impaired judgment and thinking
- Unemployment due to poor reasoning and poor coordination
- Lifetime dependence and cancer since it contains carcinogenic compounds
- A gradual decrease in IQ
Others include addiction to both opioids and marijuana, problematic relationships, and financial challenges.
Treatment for Marijuana Addiction
Even if you’re struggling with an addiction to marijuana, the good news is that this addiction will be treatable. You only need to identify the right rehab center to obtain the treatment. At San Antonio Recovery Center, we offer an addiction rehab program that can help you heal from the long term side effects of marijuana and build the healthy coping skills you need for sustainable recovery.
Apart from our marijuana addiction treatment program, you can also participate in our other treatment programs, which include:
- Rehab center for opiate addiction
- Rehab center for oxycodone addictions
- Anonymous meetings for alcoholics
- Drug addiction center for women
We offer a wide variety of therapies to help our clients heal from any underlying causes of addiction. You can always visit or schedule a call and learn what works best for you.
Don’t give in to the challenges of addiction as you have the chance to exercise control over it. In case you or a loved one needs quality treatment for marijuana addiction, call San Antonio Recovery Center at 866.957.7885, or contact us online to begin your recovery and learn the long term side effects of marijuana.
