Marijuana Addiction: Marijuana Drug Facts

Marijuana is not harmless, contrary to common misconception. 

Marijuana use can lead problems with a person’s health, safety, learning, and social lives, and abuse of other harmful drugs.  It is the most commonly used drug, but perhaps the most ignored in terms of the actual damage it does.
 
In the 1960s, marijuana came to represent love and peace, and has never quite lost that image. 

This is far from the truth.

 In California , Mexican drug trafficking organizations use high-powered assault weapons to control the marijuana fields. This is how criminal groups operating from Mexico promote their version of love and peace through torture, executions, and other acts of violence.
 
Mary Rieser, Drug Rehab Director of Atlanta Recovery Center stated: “People also don't realize the health risks involved in smoking marijuana. The amount of tar and monoxide inhaled is five times greater in marijuana than cigarettes. Respiratory problems for people who smoke marijuana on a regular basis can become chronic, issues such as chronic coughing, wheezing, and acute chest illnesses have been known to occur.
 
“Most people don’t know that marijuana can cause increased anxiety, panic attacks, depression and even thoughts of suicide.
 
“A common misconception is that marijuana is not addictive—it is. Regular users behave like any other drug dependent persons.  They will use it compulsively even if it is creating problems with family, work, health or their social life.  Withdrawal symptoms include irritability, anxiety and difficulty sleeping.
 
“We think of marijuana users as young people, something that kids will grow out of.  The earlier children or teenagers 'try' marijuana, the more likely they are to become dependent on other harmful drugs.”
 
For more information on marijuana drug addiction rehabilitation or drug education, call Atlanta Recovery Center at 1-877-574-2215.