Don’t let the recent decriminalization and legalization in some states fool you; weed is still very much an addictive drug. Even casual recreational use can lead to addiction. If you are looking for a marijuana addiction treatment program, don’t hesitate to contact Promises Behavioral Health today at 844.875.5609 and talk to someone about your options. We’re here to help.
What Is Weed?
Weed is a mixture of gray-green dried flowers from the Indian hemp plant known as Cannabis sativa, which is why it is often called cannabis. Marijuana is usually ingested in a hand-rolled cigarette known as a joint that is then smoked. Sometimes a water pipe called a bong is used to smoke weed.
In other cases, a person might eat foods such as candies, brownies, or cookies that contain marijuana. These edibles are commonly consumed for medicinal reasons. Weed can also be brewed as tea and used in a vaporizer.
Marijuana contains more than 500 chemicals. The primary chemical in weed that delivers the euphoric effects people desire is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. This psychoactive or mind-altering substance is more commonly known simply as THC. More than 100 other compounds that are chemically related to THC are also contained within the marijuana plant.
Is Weed A Drug?
The simple answer to the question is a resounding yes. This is because the presence of THC creates an altered state of mind for those who ingest it.
Some argue that weed cannot be a drug because it is a natural substance. They will even go so far as to say that marijuana is harmless because it is natural. It’s important to remember that many “natural” plants can also be harmful, such as poisonous hemlock.
The Effects Of Weed
Some examples of the effects on a person when they ingest weed can help you see that it is a drug. These include feelings of relaxation, euphoria, increased appetite, laughter, heightened sensory perception, and a distorted sense of time.
However, some people experience adverse effects that can immediately harm them. Panic, paranoia, distrust, and fear can occur when a person is inexperienced, when too much of the drug is ingested, or when the drug is high in potency.
Weed And Impairment
Your reaction time, judgment, and motor coordination are all directly impaired by the consumption of marijuana. Not surprisingly, the level of THC in your blood is related to the level of impairment. Driving is one crucial area where the effects of weed become evident.
Of those drivers involved in auto accidents, including those that were fatal, marijuana was found most frequently in their bloodstream. Several analyses of studies found that marijuana use increases the risk of being involved in a car crash.
Marijuana Is Addictive
Marijuana is an addictive substance. Known as marijuana use disorder, this type of addiction has been shown to occur in about 30 percent of those who use weed. Some warning signs and symptoms of marijuana addiction are:
- Lack of interest or motivation
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Dry mouth and bloodshot eyes
- Impairment of coordination, judgment, and memory
- Anxiety and/or paranoia
- Sleepiness
- Slowed reaction time
Recreational marijuana use can lead to dependence and addiction. It is important to intervene when weed addiction has taken over a person’s life.
Break Addiction at Promises Behavioral Health
We partner with you to help you create the life you’ve always wanted, free of addiction. With our range of programs, such as art therapy, 12-step support groups, cognitive processing therapy, and acupuncture therapy, we can tailor a treatment plan to meet your individual needs. Learn how we can help by contacting us today at 844.875.5609.