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Concurrent Alcohol and Marijuana Abuse

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Marijuana is the most popular illicit drug to use simultaneously with alcohol. It is a dried, leafy plant that has small, glistening hairs.

Most often smoked, marijuana can also be consumed orally when baked into foods such as brownies or cookies. It has a distinctly sweet odor. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the high from marijuana, or “pot,” as it is commonly known, can last for up to 3 hours.

Marijuana’s effects on brain development can be critical. It has been shown to slow brain development and affect long-term memory. For these reasons, there is still much concern over marijuana’s safety as a recreational drug, despite recent legalization efforts.

Aside from THC, the main psychoactive component, there are many chemicals found in marijuana. The effects of these are unknown. The potency of marijuana has been increasing since the 1970s, so it is easier to experience adverse side effects of the drug.


Signs and Symptoms

There are several visible signs of concurrent alcohol and marijuana abuse. They include:

  • Red, bloodshot eyes.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Slurred speech.
  • Drowsiness.
  • Awkward gate.
  • Inability to concentrate.
  • Distinct smell of either substance.

Combined Effects of Marijuana and Alcohol

The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute (ADAI) describes the mixture of alcohol and marijuana as unpredictable at best. Some users may experience intense paranoia, nausea, and vomiting. The effects of alcohol amplify the effects of marijuana and vice versa.

Depending on the state of mind of the user, effects of marijuana use can include paranoia and high anxiety. In fact, the Harvard Mental Health Letter reports that 20-30% of smokers experience panic attacks. The amount of marijuana consumed changes its effects, though even a small amount can have dramatic effects on individuals prone to panic and anxiety disorders. Though it is nearly impossible to overdose on marijuana, there is even evidence that marijuana can lead to symptoms of long-term psychosis.

Other problems which may stem from concurrent marijuana and alcohol use include:

  • Memory loss.
  • Impaired judgment.
  • Loss of motor skills.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Increased heart rate.
  • Lack of motivation.
  • Panic attacks.

You don’t have to live with the effects of substance abuse and addiction. Call for free at today to learn how to find help.


Treatment for Alcohol and Marijuana Addiction

Both marijuana and alcohol are addictive substances. The NIDA points out that, despite popular belief to the contrary, about 1 in 9 users develops marijuana dependence. This is compared to about 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 12 who are dependent on alcohol, as reported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches new skills for staying clean, and contingency management (CM), which provides positive incentives to quit, have been helpful in recovery for those who are addicted to this combination of substances.

Rehab centers can provide these therapeutic services, as well as:


Statistics on Use

  • 1 in 9 users become dependent on marijuana.
  • Over 158 million people worldwide have tried marijuana.
  • 7.2% of adults aged 18 and older and 3.6% of adolescents aged 12 to 17 are dependent on alcohol.
  • About 15% of youths aged 12 to 20 are binge drinkers.

(Compiled from the NIDA website, Harvard Mental Health Letter, and the ADAI website.)


Teen Drinking and Marijuana Abuse

teens-smoking-weed-at-party-alcohol-on-tablesAccording to the NIDA, teens are unlikely to view marijuana as a problem. It is the most widely used illicit drug in the world. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry recommends speaking about marijuana use with children by the time they are in middle school. It stresses open communication as a means to understand the reasons behind marijuana use.

Peer pressure is an immense and profound motivator for many teens. Given marijuana’s effects on mental development, teen education is crucial.

For more information on how to help a marijuana addict, give us a call for free today at . You can also learn more about teen drug and alcohol misuse.


Resources, Articles, and More Information

For more information, see the following articles:

You can also join the conversation on substance abuse today by visiting our Forum.

How to Find Help for Drug or Alcohol Misuse

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, help is available and recovery is possible. Professional addiction treatment can start anyone battling a substance use disorder on the path to a happier and healthier life. To learn more about rehab programs and treatment options, contact a caring admissions navigator with American Addiction Centers (AAC) for free at .

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