Understanding the Negative Consequences of Marijuana Abuse
Marijuana continues to be a hot topic of conversation across the country. Some states have legalized its use, while others are still holding back. Many people argue that it’s harmless, and the benefits of using it far outweigh any risks or potential side effects. There’s some truth to that statement. Marijuana has been found to have some healing medicinal properties. But, it’s important to remember that it’s still a drug.
As a result, it can still be abused. In fact, because marijuana is often viewed as harmless, it’s easier to abuse it without realizing –at least, at first. But it’s essential to understand the negative consequences of marijuana abuse. It can impact your life and the lives of your loved ones.
Let’s look at the signs of abuse and what can come from it.
What are the Signs of Marijuana Abuse?
To better understand what marijuana abuse looks like, it’s essential to understand the common symptoms. Casual use may not impact you at all, except for feelings of euphoria or a sort of “lightness." But using the drug too often can lead to negative and even harmful problems like:
Increased heart rate
Impaired judgment
High blood pressure
Fatigue
Personality changes
Anxiety
Marijuana abuse affects both the mind and body, and prolonged abuse can cause more long-term damage and health issues. If you or someone you regularly know experiences these symptoms because of marijuana use, it’s usually a sign that there’s a problem.
What are the Long-Term Effects?
Even if the short-term signs of abuse don’t bother you, understanding how marijuana abuse can impact you in the long run, should make a difference in your decisions. Most importantly, marijuana abuse can decrease your life satisfaction. In addition, it often causes problems with relationships and careers and can change your behaviors and personality so that you may not even recognize yourself.
It puts you more at risk of respiratory infections and diseases and can negatively impact your cardiovascular health. In addition, if you already have heart issues, prolonged abuse can increase your chances of experience a heart attack.
Someone who abuses marijuana will also typically have trouble focusing or learning new things. Your judgment can become regularly impaired, making nearly everything you do a risk to yourself and others. Even getting behind the wheel of a car makes you a threat. Unfortunately, if an accident does happen while you’re under the influence, you could face significant legal problems.
What to do About Marijuana Abuse
As you can see, marijuana isn’t always the “harmless” drug it’s made out to be. People who abuse this substance can face depression, anxiety, and a variety of negative physical consequences.
If you or someone you know is already experiencing those things, seeking out help is the best thing you can do.
There are different types of abuse treatment depending on your needs and wants. It’s about finding what works best for you. In some cases, detoxification is necessary. That can be a scary and challenging thing to go through since withdrawal symptoms are often intense.
For others, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or group therapy are viable solutions. Talking to someone about your abuse will make it easier to get to the root of the problem. You’ll learn more about your triggers, how to get through them, and how to manage your symptoms until you’re free from the grip of this drug.
There is nothing to be ashamed of if you’re struggling with drug abuse. You’re not alone, and you don’t need to succumb to the effects of it forever. Feel free to contact me to set up an appointment as soon as possible.