Marijuana Abuse and Marijuana Addiction - What Are The Facts?

Recent studies have shown while prescription drug abuse in teens is rising, the most widely abused drug is still - marijuana.

Marijuana seems to be pervasive in all levels of society to such an extent that there seems to be no way to prevent youngsters from trying it, eventually becoming drug addicted to it.

Fortunately, this assumption is false.

“According to a report from the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, marijuana use is lower among kids who believed their parents would disapprove,” comments Mary Rieser, Executive Director for Narconon Drug Rehab in Georgia. “It may be uncomfortable for you to do, but is necessary. Sit with down with your kids and talk to them about marijuana.  They will thank you.”

If your knowledge of marijuana doesn’t extend much past “Just Say No,” he following information might help you, and also be insightful to them:

Ø      Marijuana contains some of the same cancer-causing chemicals found in tobacco.  In fact the amount of tar and monoxide inhaled is five times greater, puff for puff in marijuana, than cigarettes, contributing to respiratory problems for people who smoke it on a regular basis.  Chronic use can be associated with chronic coughing, wheezing and acute chest illnesses

Ø      Scientists at the University of California and scientists in England at the University of Birmingham have discovered that marijuana can cause respiratory problems and even marked deterioration in lung function after a number of years of use.  The study in Birmingham concludes that these findings “may have serious long-term implication for what is currently regarded as a relatively ‘harmless’ recreational habit.”

Ø      Marijuana users are likely to be low academic performers. Marijuana can cause problems with concentration and thinking.  One study found that college students who used marijuana regularly had impaired attention and memory skills 24 hours after using the drug.   Their poor academic performance and later frequent absenteeism from work, puts users low on the list of those “most likely to succeed”.

Ø      Good sport performance is difficult to achieve for someone with poor coordination caused by marijuana use. As this can be a key deterrent and the only point of concern for those young people with ambitions of doing well at school sports, it is a point that should be made known by parents and teachers.

Ø      Marijuana can cause increased anxiety, panic attacks, depression and even thoughts of suicide.

Ø      Users have impairment in sensory and time perception and aren’t safe drivers. 15 % of shock-trauma patients involved in car accidents had been smoking marijuana according to one report.

Ø      Smoking marijuana may increase the likelihood of developing cancer of the head or neck. A study comparing 173 cancer patients and 176 healthy individuals

Ø      Workers who smoke marijuana are more likely than their coworkers to have problems on the job. Several studies associate workers' marijuana smoking with increased absences, tardiness, accidents, workers' compensation claims, and job turnover.

Ø      Four out of every ten persons, age 12 and older, have tried marijuana at least once in their lifetime and one of every ten reported using it within the last month (at the time of survey).    Chances are, your child has tried it.

We think of marijuana users as young people and may erroneously dismiss it as a phase of life, or something that kids will grow out of.  The truth is the earlier kids start using marijuana; the more likely they are to become dependent on other harmful drugs. Tolerance to marijuana can build and the person may turn to more potent drugs to achieve a high.

Talk to your kids.  Set them straight. Don’t let them become drug addicts.

If you know someone who is abusing marijuana, then call Narconon.  We have a 76% success rate and do well with marijuana.

Call Narconon Drug Rehab 1-877-413-3073 for more information on effective drug treatment.

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