Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana is a tobacco-like substance, dull in colors like green, gray or brown, made up of dried leaves, stems, seeds and flowers of the hemp plant. Known by over 200 names, it is an addictive substance commonly referred to as pot, herb, weed, grass, boom and hashish is its stronger form. In whatever form it is taken, it alters the way the mind works as it contains an active chemical called THC, or delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol. Initially used for medication and healing, it became dangerous, dreaded drug in the 1970s as its addictive powers gripped thousands and became a forbidden drug that was smuggled into countries.

Marijuana is terribly addictive and obsessive. It is smoked almost like a cigarette and gets absorbed into the body almost instantaneously. It reaches the brain and united with receptors of nerve cells, affecting that part of the brain, which controls pleasure, thought, concentration, memory and coordination. It then impedes these activities. A person gets addicted to it very easily and it is peddled so much that it is often easier to procure than alcohol. Addicts think about the drug all the time, where and how to get it, how to raise funds for it, forgetting values and principles just to be able to get marijuana, and the fear of not getting it in the future. The biggest problem of its addiction is the body’s physical craving for marijuana, and more and more quantities are required to reach that level of bliss.

Marijuana addiction is far tougher to shake off than alcohol. It is so addictive that the individual is unable to give up when he knows its ill effects and the consequences of its addiction. It gets him caught in the vicious circle of wanting to take it to escape the consequences of its consumption. The stigma attached to it engulfs family members as well.
Marijuana addiction leads to problems with remembering, incoherence, inability to learn and leads to absenteeism, lack of seriousness at work. This could culminate in losing one’s job and earning capability. It would also turn him into a social outcast often disowned by friends, and sometimes even by family. A marijuana addict is even treated as a threat to society and many steer clear o him for fear of getting dragged into this addiction.

This addiction is really like a disease, which needs to be treated over a period of time with medication and counseling. Behavioral therapy adopted by some organizations committed to eradicating marijuana addiction are known to get encouraging results in hundreds of cases. An example of one such organization is the Spencer Recovery Center, which hires professionals only to treat marijuana addicts and have a fantastic success rate due to their committed approach.

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