Long Term Effects Of Marijuana

Marijuana Addiction Treatment Centers and Rehab Programs

Benefits of Rehab for Weed Addiction Marijuana addiction—otherwise known as marijuana use disorder—is estimated to occur in 10-30% of individuals who misuse marijuana. 1 Marijuana addiction has the potential to take a serious toll on a person's ...

... longer in control and use it in harmful or hazardous ways. 5 When a person continues to use marijuana despite the negative effects ... Marijuana Use Disorder Treated? Marijuana or cannabis use disorder (the diagnostic terms ... continue reading

Marijuana Facts, History, and Statistics

History of Marijuana Marijuana has roots as far back as 2737 B.C. It has been referenced in ancient Chinese medicine, and its use had spread from China to India, North Africa, and Europe by 500 A.D. Historically reported medicinal uses of marijuana ...

... of cannabis. The legal status of marijuana has an effect on the price per gram. ... term “marijuana” by year (darker blues indicate more searches for the term “marijuana”). 2004 to 2015 saw a major increase in marijuana ... continue reading

4 Long-Term Effects of Smoking Marijuana

4 states—Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington—and Washington D.C. have legalized marijuana. With these changes in policy, a big question on everyone's mind is, what are the long term effects of marijuana use? How does marijuana use affect ...

... safe? Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of research into the long-term effects of marijuana. This makes it difficult to make conclusions about marijuana's long-term impact. However, we can look at research on animals and ... continue reading

Understanding the Effects of Long Term Drug Abuse on the Brain

Drug addiction is a chronic brain disease, and it can cause you to compulsively seek out drugs even though you're aware of the harmful results taking them can cause. Initially, your choice to take drugs is voluntary. So, if someone offers you drugs, ...

... work in different ways. So, for instance, marijuana will mimic the neurotransmitters and trick the brain into ... same feeling as the first time. The brain undergoes long-term changes during drug abuse . If the brain has to ... continue reading

Effects of Hashish Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

What Is Hashish? Hashish comes mainly from the flowers (as well as the leaves and stems) of the cannabis plant. The active ingredient in hash is the same as the active ingredient in marijuana, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, the ...

... is the same as the active ingredient in marijuana, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, the concentration ... An inability to make sound decisions. Long-Term Effects of Abusing Hashish Individuals who chronically use ... continue reading

Effects of Spice Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

Is Spice Harmful? “Spice” (synthetic marijuana) has grown in popularity in recent years. Synthetic marijuana is sold under a variety of names other than “Spice,” including: K2. Skunk. Moon rocks. Potpourri. Substances like Spice and ...

... and because it is often advertised as a “natural” marijuana alternative, many use it under the guise of safety. ... . Panic attacks. Aggression. Long-Term Effects of Spice Use The long-term effects of Spice use are largely ... continue reading

Effects of PCP Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

What Is PCP? PCP is an abbreviation for the powerful dissociative sedative drug phencyclidine. PCP is sold on the street in many forms, including as: White powder. Crystal. Capsules. Tablets. Liquid. PCP tablets can be found in multiple colors. Like ...

... other drugs like tobacco, marijuana, and MDMA. PCP Short-Term Effects The short-term effects of PCP vary depending on ... or as if their body is not their own. Long-Term Effects of PCP Use With excessive use over an extended ... continue reading

Hash Side Effects, Symptoms of Abuse, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Hashish? Hashish is a product extracted from the trichomes (fine hair-like outgrowths) of the cannabis plant, as well as from the flowers and fragments of leaves and stems. Hashish is typically sold in blocks of solid resinous preparations, ...

... . Learn more about the effects of hashish use . Long-Term Effects of Hash Abuse Using hash ... between the ages of 18 years old and 25 years old, marijuana was the most common drug of abuse, according to the NSDUH ... continue reading

The Dangerous (and Deadly) Effects of Spice

Natural ingredients, legal use, lower cost…it must be healthy, right? The deadly misconception above has led to a growing number of fatalities brought on by synthetic or “designer” drugs. Use of synthetic marijuana - sold under names like ...

... part, to its low price, costing buyers much less than marijuana. Claims that Spice is harder to detect on drug screens ... characteristics, Spice can have long-term effects on the brain. Side effects of Spice can include: ... continue reading

New Bone Loss Study Points the Finger at Marijuana

“We have known for a while that the components of cannabis can affect bone cell function, but we had no idea up until now of what this might mean to people who use cannabis on a regular basis.” - Prof. Stuart Ralston , Centre for Genomic and ...

... of unknown” include learning the kind of effects marijuana can have on one vitally important body system ... the injuries can take an abnormally long time to heal or even result in long-term and permanent problems. Who is ... continue reading

Joints vs. Edibles: How Marijuana Affects the Body

The primary psychoactive component of marijuana (cannabis)—what deliver the “high,” in other words—is the substance tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 1 THC's powerful, mind-altering effects derive from its interaction with and activation of the ...

... will often be more gradual in onset but my last much longer. 7,8 Consuming a drink brewed with marijuana, such as a tea, will result in a gradual onset of effects similar to that of solid edibles. 6,7 Biggest Takeaways ... continue reading

When Does Medical Marijuana Use Morph into Full-Blown Addiction?

In more US states, marijuana is becoming legalized and socially accepted as treatment for a range of illnesses. But, like many medicines, it can lead to misuse and dependence. So, how do you know where to draw the line? Relief Turns to Habit Joseph, ...

... pain. The Real Dangers of Weed However, marijuana abuse is not without consequences. Heavy use can impair short-term memory, judgment, thinking and driving, and long-term use has been linked to pulminary issues and ... continue reading

Let’s Clear the Air About Secondhand Marijuana Smoke

Picture this : You're at a friend's house and someone lights up a cigarette. Sitting next to her, you inhale the secondhand smoke for one minute. Over the next half-hour, your blood vessels are affected by the smoke, impaired as they recover from ...

... enough to make comparisons. The immediate effects of secondhand marijuana smoke are temporary, but continued and prolonged exposure can turn these short-term problems turn into long-term ones. Damage done by pot smoke ... continue reading

Effects of Alcohol and Drugs on the Male and Female Reproductive Systems

How Do Drugs Affect the Reproductive System? Substance misuse can negatively impact the reproductive health of both sexes in several ways. It may contribute to serious health problems, such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), infertility, and ...

... fertility problems in men. 8 Men who use marijuana and cocaine may experience changes in hormone levels ... Drinking alcohol while pregnant can lead to serious long-term effects on infants. Alcohol use during the early stages ... continue reading

Cocaine Addiction Side Effects, Symptoms, Withdrawal, and Treatment

Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug that comes in the form of a white powder which is commonly snorted, smoked, or injected. 1 Its popularity as a recreational substance is in part due to its perceived positive effects on mood, ...

... of neurological changes that affect their lives. Long-term cocaine use is associated with deficits in ... with other substances such as alcohol, heroin , and marijuana . These combinations can be dangerous and even deadly. ... continue reading

Spice Abuse Signs, Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Spice? “Spice” is a term commonly used to refer to a blend of dried plant material that is laced with a synthetic cannabinoid. It is also regularly referred to as “synthetic marijuana.” Other names include “K2,” “Moon Rocks,” ...

... have suggested that its use is second only to marijuana use among high school seniors. Ease of access and ... talk with them about the risks and potential long-term effects of Spice. Spice Abuse Treatment Types Treatment ... continue reading

Effects of Drugs on the Brain: Impact of Drugs on Neurotransmitters

For many people, addiction can be difficult to understand. Understanding how drugs affect the brain can help shed some light on how a person develops an addiction. This article will discuss how various drugs affect the chemistry of the brain and ...

... , but potentially dangerous in both the short- and long-term. Why Do Drugs Feel Good? Most addictive drugs produce ... the brain. They are found naturally (in marijuana or cannabis), but may also be laboratory-made ... continue reading

Effects of Inhalant Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment

What Are Inhalants? There is a huge number of inhalants available for abuse, and they're fairly easy to obtain. It's unsurprising that teens in particular are susceptible to inhalant abuse, simply because these compounds can be acquired at any ...

... inhalable vapor. This makes them different from nicotine and marijuana, which, in most cases, have to be combusted ... the inhalant has blistered the skin. Harmful Long-Term Effects of Inhalants Like abuse of many drugs, ... continue reading

Health Effects of Drug Misuse and Addiction

Substance misuse and addiction can have serious short- and long-term effects. 1 The physical effects of drugs and alcohol vary according to the type of substance, duration of use, and method of administration. 1 Recovering from addiction can be a ...

... side effect profiles with misuse. 8 Long-Term Health Effects of Drug Misuse Repeated long-term use ... Examples of drugs that are smoked include tobacco, marijuana , methamphetamine, cocaine, and many prescription drugs. ... continue reading

Gabapentin Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, Overdose, & Treatment

What Is Gabapentin Neurontin? Gabapentin Neurontin is an anticonvulsant that comes in a capsule, tablet, and oral solution. It is used to manage certain seizure disorders, as well as the neuropathic pain phenomenon known as post-herpetic neuralgia ...

... effects of gabapentin intoxication have been variously described as: 4 Relaxation/sense of calm. Euphoria. High similar to that of marijuana ... available, including: Detox : After long-term or heavy use of gabapentin, the ... continue reading

Dextromethorphan (DXM) Abuse Symptoms, Side Effects, and Addiction Treatment

What Is Dextromethorphan Used For? What Is DXM? Dextromethorphan (DXM or DM) is a cough suppressant and opioid derivative used in more than 100 over-the-counter medicines. Dextromethorphan is safe for ingestion and not habit-forming when taken as ...

... effects of dextromethorphan use . Dextromethorphan Withdrawal Symptoms Typically, someone who has been using dextromethorphan long-term ... by high school seniors, next to marijuana and Vicodin . Teen Dextromethorphan Abuse ... continue reading

Are You Really Addicted to Marijuana? Is Anyone?

More Americans are becoming aware that drug addiction is a disease and not a character flaw, but many continue to find it difficult to believe that marijuana addiction is real. This could be because they experimented with weed at one point and ...

... can have adverse effects. A longitudinal study in New Zealand found that regular marijuana use starting in ... can last for as long as 30 days and tend to be more severe in adults. 3,8 Marijuana Legalization & Public Opinion ... continue reading

Legal Marijuana: Test Your Knowledge

Marijuana is quickly becoming a regulated commercial industry, with products ranging from candy bars to cannabis drinks. So, what's legal? Will you go to jail if you are caught munching THC brownies in the wrong state? Take the following quiz to ...

... pot is legal, the black market still thrives. Medical marijuana is legal in all states. It's legal to sell candy infused with marijuana. As long as you buy marijuana legally, you can bring it to a state with different ... continue reading

Disguising Danger: 7 Marijuana Edibles Side Effects Shockers

Lots of the people who have tried marijuana have done so in the form of snacks like pot cookies or brownies. Since one of the effects of pot is an increased appetite, it's only natural that the “ganja-preneurs” are marketing more marijuana ...

... and sale of marijuana edibles. A Longer-Lasting High Marijuana edibles produce a much longer-lasting and potent ... be a major side effect in young children. They've Contributed to Tragedies Marijuana edibles have played a ... continue reading

Legalizing Marijuana Decreases Fatal Opiate Overdoses, Study Shows

According to the American Academy of Pain Medicine, more than 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. In an effort to relieve that constant pain, the number of opiate prescriptions has nearly doubled over the last decade. Today, opiates like ...

... , multiple sclerosis, and glaucoma. Despite the diagnosis, medical marijuana is primarily used to relieve chronic or severe pain. It's that pain-relieving effect that decreases the number of fatal opioid overdoses. Major ... continue reading

Wait… Marijuana Can Increase My Risk of Alzheimer's??

Meet Bill. Bill smokes marijuana every day - a lot of it. From blunts and bowls to bongs and wax, there's barely a waking moment Bill isn't high. Meet Bill's Brain As we travel through Bill's cranium, we see the blood flow (in nearly all areas of ...

... more important than ever to gain a thorough understanding of the effects of marijuana. Reduced brain blood flow could be a very harmful effect previously overlooked. Other studies “have associated weakened blood flow in ... continue reading

Can’t Sleep? Try Putting Down the Marijuana (Seriously)

For as long as she could remember, people told Sue that marijuana helped you sleep. So once she started having problems catching zs, she decided to give weed a try. Sue smoked pot every night for nearly three months, but for some reason, the ...

For as long as she could remember, people told Sue that marijuana helped you sleep. So once she started ... like daily marijuana use has the opposite effect: it actually increases insomnia. Tons of marijuana users claim the ... continue reading

Study: Medical Marijuana Cuts Use of Prescription Drugs

A recent study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine revealed that medical marijuana users take fewer other medicines—such as opiates. Researchers monitored the use of prescription medications among participants ...

... worked faster to relieve their pain than other prescription medication and had fewer side effects. Most commonly, marijuana was used as an alternative to opioids , but participants also reported cutting down on other ... continue reading

Guess What’s in Your Marijuana

Cannabis, or marijuana , is a complex plant that has psychoactive and medicinal elements. It contains more than 480 naturally occurring ingredients, including at least 65 unique chemical structures called cannabinoids found in the actual plant. What ...

... of the CBN can have a significant, sedating effect. Cannabigerol Recent studies have reported on the potential ... and flavor of marijuana. Researchers believe that terpenoids may also display therapeutic effects, as well. ... continue reading

Voices From Both Sides of the Medical Marijuana Debate

About eight months ago, I moved to California from Texas - two states that have very different viewpoints when it comes to legalizing medical marijuana . The drug seems to be everywhere here, smoked by people walking across the street or consumed in ...

... ability and short-term memory Insufficient evidence to support medical marijuana as an effective pain ... you fall on, there are potential dangers and side effects when using any pain-relieving drug. Ultimately, it's ... continue reading

You’re Fired: Police Departments Weaning K9’s Off Marijuana

Jobs change with technology, and work tasks evolve with those advancements. New policies and developments often put people out of work. It turns out, people aren't the only ones affected by those changes. Due to new marijuana guidelines , ...

... , too. These well trained canines were trained to detect the scent of marijuana . Now that it's legal to use cannabis in some cases, the K9 unit no longer needs them to focus on this drug. Instead, police departments in ... continue reading

DEA: Heroin ‘Probably’ More Dangerous Than Marijuana

With 23 states and Washington D.C. legalizing medical marijuana and four states legalizing it for recreational use, it's quite possible we'll see a day when marijuana is considered “legal” throughout the U.S. However, the Drug Enforcement ...

... month with The New Yorker , in which he stated that pot is less harmful than alcohol and that marijuana legalization should move forward in Colorado and Washington. Leonhart resigned from her position, in part due to her ... continue reading

Xanax Passes Marijuana as Second-Leading Cause of DUI

When it comes to driving under the influence of substances that aren't alcohol, marijuana is the biggest concern for many Americans. Colorado has spent millions of dollars on a series of “ Drive High, Get a DUI ” commercials, while Washington ...

... longer the main substances plaguing drivers on the state's highways and byways. Believe it or not, Xanax now far surpasses marijuana ... order, as it helps to minimize the effects of withdrawal symptoms. Although the early ... continue reading

Weed the People

Since the We the People petitioning system was launched on Whitehouse.gov in September 2011, more than half a million people have contributed their signatures in support of the legalization or rescheduling of marijuana in the United States. We've ...

... Drug Control Policy, Gil Kerlikowske. In one response he said the legalization of marijuana was a complex issue due to its negative health effects but also acknowledged in a later response that it does have the potential ... continue reading

Study Indicates Pot Really Can Lower Your IQ

This is your brain on pot: A new study has found that regular marijuana use is linked to both lower IQ scores and impaired decision making skills. It's All in Your Mind The findings from the University of California Davis Centre for Neuroscience ...

... stuff into the brain that's not supposed to be there, there are long-term implications for their development.” Looking to the Future Although marijuana use among smokers between the ages of 12 and 17 dropped from 12 ... continue reading

Buzzkill: Mary Jane’s Not as Relaxing as You Think

Mellow. This is the word many people associate with marijuana. Take a few tokes and you'll feel relaxed. As it takes effect, your stress just melts away. Mary Jane is smooth and easygoing. Right? Not so fast… It's a common claim, but a recent ...

... to investigate the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the active ingredient in marijuana —on stress ... effect.” Applying the Data to Modern Marijuana Use Marijuana laws are changing rapidly across the nation and marijuana ... continue reading

Shocking Report: Smoking Weed Can Damage Your DNA

Scientists are finding “convincing evidence” that marijuana can damage DNA and even cause certain forms of cancer. These revelations are more than alarming, considering that Alaska, Oregon, Colorado, Washington and the city of Washington, D.C. ...

... researcher Rajinder Singh. Smoking, Inhaling, Increased Quantity Plus, the nature of smoking marijuana is that the inhaled smoke is held longer in the lungs than cigarette smoke, the research team adds. With all things ... continue reading

The Scary Facts About Designer Drugs and Legal Highs

Read Time: 30 minutes Introduction What Are Designer Drugs and Legal Highs? The terms “designer drugs” and “legal highs” are used to refer to substances such as synthetic marijuana and “bath salts” that are engineered in laboratories to ...

... most popular illicit drug among this age group behind marijuana. 16 The number of emergency room visits that ... long-term effects is difficult. Although most side effects subside after 1-2 days, some more serious effects ... continue reading

7 Famous Stoners Who Got Sober

Throughout the years, tons of famous names have been connected with marijuana use. And while a number of celebs continue abusing weed, plenty of them have chosen to leave the drug behind. For some, having children and growing older served as ...

... people who successfully made the transition to sobriety. 1. Brad Pitt In 2012, Brad Pitt opened up about his marijuana use while speaking to The Hollywood Reporter . “I got really sick of myself at the end of the 1990s ... continue reading

30 Famous Athletes Who Have Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism

1. Michael Phelps Eight-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Michael Phelps has not only plunged into the water, but also into drugs. In 2009, he lost his endorsement contract with Kellogg's after a photo emerged of him taking a hit of marijuana . 2. ...

... In 2009, he lost his endorsement contract with Kellogg's after a photo emerged of him taking a hit of marijuana . 2. Dock Ellis Known for keeping the San Diego Padres hitless one 1970 afternoon, pitcher Dock Ellis later ... continue reading

Sentencing by State 2

have led to overcrowded facilities, skyrocketing prison costs, and major social, economic, and political impacts. Currently, nearly half of all inmates in federal prisons are serving sentences for drug offenses. Many are fathers and mothers who miss ...

... an incarcerated parent, the emotional and financial effects are pronounced: These children face serious and ... smuggling, I-40 sees a great deal of high-grade marijuana grown in the West and shipped east, as well as ... continue reading

Police-Related Tweets

Public opinions on the topic of law enforcement and their controversial methods are sure to be as intense as they are wide ranging. To learn more, we gathered tweets about America's peace officers and analyzed them to investigate public sentiment ...

... as any effects it may have on the rates of use in the general public. Whether or not marijuana use constitutes ... looked at the sentiment values associated with law enforcement terms such as “police” and “cop.” Using the ... continue reading

Who's Smoking Weed These Days? You Asked, the CDC Answered

Close your eyes. Picture someone smoking pot. What do they look like? Most importantly, how old are they? Did you drum up an image of a teen experimenting with drugs? A college student? If so, your image needs some updating. The Centers for Disease ...

... their analysis is that teens are no longer the leading age group when it comes to marijuana use. And the Winner Is… As ... future dates to see if new laws have had any effects - either positive or negative - on our nation's ... continue reading

Hitting the Grass Ceiling: 6 Surprising Ways Weed is Sexist

Estrogen, testosterone and THC: What do these three things have in common? Apparently, not much. Studies reveal that THC (the active chemical in marijuana) interacts differently with these three hormones. What's the result? Men and women experience ...

... Jane's sexism: Pain Relief: Multiple studies reveal marijuana's effects on pain differ between the sexes. Recent research found men who smoke marijuana experience a significant reduction in pain sensitivity, but there ... continue reading

Weed: The Vocabulary Killer

Have you ever struggled to recall a word or phrase? You know the perfect term exists for what you are trying to describe, but you can't extract that word from your brain. You might even have a perfect visual, but the verbal communication center in ...

... and smoking up on a daily basis. This study is additional proof of the long-term harm marijuana can cause. Make no mistake; the weed problem isn't solely among teens. In fact, over the past decade, the number of ... continue reading

Drugs on Mars and Venus

Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus is one of the most iconic books of the '90s, having sold more than 50 million copies. Its core theory is that men and women often think and act in dramatically different ways because of fundamental differences ...

... such as sleeping pills ) show the most similar lifetime usage rate at 10.1% for men and 8.7% for women. Marijuana comes next - 49.5% for men and 39.2% for women - and then pain relievers and sedatives. So the non ... continue reading

Weed Gets a “Fancy” New Name: Craft Cannabis

We've become a country consumed with what goes into our food products. While many want organic foods, others want gluten-free meals and non-GMO practices. It looks like this trend has expanded to include drug use. The latest trend in marijuana is ...

... farms to your home.” Shop owners now see that cannabis users are willing to pay extra money for marijuana that has specific tastes or potency. And thanks to some pretty slick branding practices, shop owners are making ... continue reading

Popular Drugs By Demographic

Drug use is a growing problem in America and a concern that affects various demographics. In fact, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2011, about 8.7 percent of Americans 12 years and older—22.5 million ...

... rise among the teenage demographic. The abuse of synthetic marijuana, also known as K2 or spice , and the ... they help them focus, their long-term use can have serious debilitating effects. Baby Boomers Drug Use Despite ... continue reading

Signs and Symptoms of Commonly Abused Drugs

When you suspect that you or a loved one is struggling with a substance abuse problem, it's important to know some of the signs and symptoms of addiction to that drug. You can find a brief overview of the major drugs of abuse below. For a full list ...

... breath. To know more about the short and long-term effects of alcohol use , the major signs of alcohol ... the thumb and forefinger can be a sign of frequently smoking a marijuana joint to the very end. It's never to late to ... continue reading

Study Shows Alcohol Boosts THC Levels in Your Blood

With 4 states legalizing recreational marijuana and several others considering the possibility, driving while high on pot is becoming a much bigger concern for motorists. More Danger Behind the Wheel Plenty of marijuana users routinely get behind ...

... while high on pot is becoming a much bigger concern for motorists. More Danger Behind the Wheel Plenty of marijuana users routinely get behind the wheel after smoking. Some of them even believe that they're better, more ... continue reading

What's Your Generation’s Drug of Choice? Let’s Find Out…

Every generation has its trends. From hairstyles, to music, and yes, even drugs. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) has been studying the drug habits of Americans for decades. Their survey results reveal patterns of drug use among ...

... other two generations. Use peaked between the ages of 18-20, with around 50 percent of Boomers using marijuana in the past year. Stimulants: At age 22, Baby Boomers' use of stimulants peaked. Their frequency of stimulant ... continue reading

30 Famous Musicians Who Have Battled Drug Addiction and Alcoholism

1. Ozzy Osbourne Rockstar Ozzy Osbourne has long struggled with addiction. In fact, his heavy alcohol and drug abuse led to him being fired from Black Sabbath in 1978. 2. Kurt Cobain Kurt Cobain got to know his wife Courtney Love while they used ...

... , but has since come clean. His reflections on the ill effects of drug use in his music are touching. 16. Elton ... . 29. John Lennon John Lennon was arrested for marijuana possession alongside his wife, Yoko Ono, and the ... continue reading

Now the Family Dog is Smoking Weed?

Would you ever give pot to your pooch? Most of us likely think this idea is, well, barking mad, but a new bill out of Nevada could soon make medical marijuana for pets a reality. Animals and Weed Democratic Sen. Tick Segerblom is sponsoring the bill ...

... could also explain why no federal or state agency has made provisions for marijuana use for animals. Even Segerblom admitted that pot could have a negative effect on the animals, but said there's no way to know for sure ... continue reading

Drug Abuse and Cardiovascular Health Risks: How Do Drugs Affect the Heart?

What Are the Dangers of Drug Use? Both illicit and prescription drugs present many risks to individuals who misuse them. Drug abuse affects the brain in many ways that may lead to unpredictable, dangerous behaviors, social and emotional problems, ...

... , known commonly as a heart attack). Additionally, long-term abuse of stimulants can cause spasms of the heart ... continues to be done, but marijuana may have various cardiovascular effects, particularly when it is mixed ... continue reading

The Prevalence of Substance Abuse in the Workplace

Substance abuse permeates every aspect of life for those suffering from addiction, and addictive behaviors don't get put on hold during a 9-5 job. Employees engaging in substance abuse during work hours is a more common occurrence than most people ...

... than once a month. A whopping 66% of people admit that they have once used alcohol during work hours. Marijuana was the second most common substance to be used during work hours, with over 22% of respondents saying that ... continue reading

Drugs and Devotion

Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Why do some people seem compelled to experiment and others live their entire lives without ever taking a single puff, snort, sniff, or dose of an illicit substance? Thanks to decades of social studies, we now know ...

... is a protective mechanism against drug use, but this effect may diminish in light of exposure to users.” In ... on a conscious level (e.g., “I won't use marijuana because it might sap my ambition”), but the MTF survey also ... continue reading

Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment

Many substances of abuse can lead to the development of physiological dependence—especially if they are taken in large amounts and for a long period of time. When a person becomes dependent on a substance and then decides to stop using it, they ...

... may experience both physical withdrawal symptoms and mental side effects. The withdrawal process can be better navigated with the ... If you suddenly stop long-term, heavy use, even if it is medical marijuana, it's possible ... continue reading

Drugs A-Z

What Is Acamprosate? Acamprosate is thought to help recovering alcoholics stay sober by balancing inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission. Acamprosate may be combined with behavioral therapy to decrease a person's chances of relapse and ...

... in capsule or pill form. Learn about the long-term effects of ecstasy use . What Is Fentanyl? Fentanyl ... a product of the cannabis plant. Prepared from compressed marijuana buds and cannabis resin, hash is commonly burned ... continue reading

Drug Abuse Statistics

Statisticians analyze numerical information on subjects as varied as medicine, politics and even commercial retail sales - allowing researchers to investigate trends and test new ideas. As the phenomenon of substance abuse stubbornly continues to ...

... is down from a peak of 34.1% in 1997 to 27.2% in 2014, across all substances (except marijuana use, which remained around 20% during the same period). Awareness of harm increased while perceived ease of availability ... continue reading

Do Women Pay a Higher Price for Smoking Weed?

Tetrahydrocannibinol, better known as THC, is the most potent component of marijuana. It's the chemical that causes feelings of euphoria and makes users feel “high.” When someone uses marijuana, THC quickly travels into the bloodstream, through ...

... tolerance than their more heavily dosed male counterparts. The effects of THC are worse when a woman is ovulating. ... spike is responsible for the irregular menstrual cycles marijuana use is known to cause among women. What ... continue reading

The 9 Most Expensive Drugs in America

Each year, Americans spend nearly $100 billion on illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. These figures do not even account for the billions of dollars that are spent on prescription drugs each year—about $374 billion according ...

... of drugs also includes the harmful effects that they have on individual health ... marijuana each year , but this may be changing as marijuana becomes more readily available and legal. The long-term costs of using marijuana ... continue reading

Drug and Alcohol Misuse and Cancer Risk

What Causes Cancer? Despite declines in the death rate over the last 20 years, cancer continues to be one of the most prevalent public health issues in the U.S. According to the National Cancer Institute: 1 About 1,806,590 new cases of cancer would ...

... known to cause cancer. 4 Once ingested, the toxic effects of tobacco smoke can potentially damage every organ system ... a factor in the development of certain cancers. 7 Marijuana use has been found to increase the risk of ... continue reading

The Cost of Drugs in the NFL

Athletes playing in professional sports leagues often seek every available opportunity to gain a competitive edge. With so much pressure placed on winning, performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) such as steroids present a tempting shortcut to elevate ...

... such million-dollar penalties hurt teams in terms of the players' impacted salaries and negative ... the highest for illegal drugs at $941,176 and Tanard Jackson for marijuana at $1,460,282. While these fines may seem like a ... continue reading

12 of the Most Addictive Drugs

Addiction affects millions of lives in the U.S. It is a chronic disease that frequently includes cycles of relapse and remission, and it is progressive without treatment or participation in recovery work. It is characterized by being unable to ...

... many effects, such as feeling high, mood changes, altered senses, change in perception of time, and trouble thinking. In high doses, it may cause delusions, hallucinations, and psychosis. Long-term use of marijuana can ... continue reading

Who Manufacturers All these Crazy Semi-Legal Designer Drugs?

Designer drugs have been subject of much media attention of late, as the Internet has made obtaining them easier than in the past. In many cases, it's simpler to order designer drugs online than to try to obtain street drugs. Designer drugs can be ...

... , from short-term behavioral side effects of long-term mental health side effects. K2 is a hallucinogenic that is sometimes called synthetic pot. Its effects are very different from those of marijuana. Vanilla sky is ... continue reading

A Decade of American Drug Use

In the nation's ongoing drug crisis, grim statistics abound. Each day, approximately 115 Americans die of opioid overdoses. Methamphetamine use is on the rise, reviving a scourge public health officials once thought to be improving. Simultaneously, ...

... drugs at rates well above any other age group. Marijuana, cocaine, and ecstasy were particularly popular within this ... , evidence-based treatment can offer a path to long-term sobriety. If you'd like to learn more about ... continue reading

Addiction Self-Assessment Quizzes for Drugs and Alcohol

Use the following self-assessment quizzes to better understand common signs, symptoms, and behavioral changes related to substance misuse and addiction. The questions used in the following self-assessments are based on the diagnostic criteria ...

... a dissociative anesthetic that may have hallucinogenic effects. While this assessment does not replace a ... evaluate whether you may have an unhealthy dependence on marijuana, a widely used recreational drug also known as ... continue reading

30 Famous Celebrities Who Have Done Drugs and Battled Addiction and Alcoholism

1. Drew Barrymore Former child star Drew Barrymore's drug abuse in her teenage years found her controversial fame, including two trips to rehab that motivated her to get back on track with her career. 2. Mary-Kate Olsen “Full House” actress ...

... died from a combined drug intoxication . 18. Charlie Sheen At age 16, actor Charlie Sheen was arrested for marijuana possession on his mom's birthday. 19. Tatum O'Neal As a result of dealing with her mentally unstable ... continue reading

Drug Use and the Pancreas: What Medications Affect the Pancreas?

The pancreas plays a major role in the body's digestive system. From blood sugar regulation to digestion, the pancreas is constantly hard at work. However, the pancreas can become inflamed and, over time, accumulate scarring and damage as a result ...

... alcohol abuse . Alcohol can cause serious and potentially long-term harm to your pancreas. It is common for ... cause pancreatitis, it is even more rare for marijuana to cause pancreatitis (Grant & Gandhi, 2004). There ... continue reading

PCP Facts, History, and Statistics

What Is PCP Used For? “Angel Dust,” “Animal Trank,” and “Rocket Fuel”—these are only some of the street names used to reference the drug PCP (Phencyclidine) , an infamous hallucinogenic (more specifically a dissociative drug ) often ...

... marijuana. The drug was found in 24% of street marijuana samples. History of PCP The abbreviated term ... help right away. This powerful drug can have devastating effects. Please call American Addiction Centers (AAC) free at ... continue reading

15 Warning Signs That Your Kid May Be Using Drugs

Kids are a source of worry for every parent. You look after them for years, and you hope that they end up turning our alright. While there are hundreds of books and articles on how to raise your kids, few really work that well, and it's all down to ...

... of the drug itself is a dead giveaway. While marijuana is fairly distinctive, how do you tell whether a pill ... if he or she takes drugs, as the side effects of some drugs partially suppress the immune system. Inhaled ... continue reading

Drug and Alcohol Rehab for Women

Finding the right drug rehab center is an important part of treatment and recovery from addiction. Many women have found that pursuing a women's rehab center has helped address their unique needs. Others may benefit from certain services at rehab ...

... people might think are harmless, such as nicotine or marijuana . In a 2018 national survey of women and ... facility, and can last from 30 days to 60 days. More long-term rehab stays may last for up to 6 to 12 months. 6 ... continue reading

America’s Drug Awareness

For the first time in a decade , the CDC reported that death rates in the United States have increased. While news outlets trumpet the increased violence rampant in many areas of the country, the public is largely unaware of a silent contributor - ...

... is currently legal in some form in 25 states as well as Washington, D.C. Between 2007 and 2013, marijuana use among people age 12 and older increased, rising from 14.5 million users (5.8 percent of Americans) to ... continue reading

Substance Use at Live Music Events

If you're gearing up for a music festival, there are some things you probably want to ensure you have with you. Most veterans will recommend not leaving the house without comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a bottle of water. Unfortunately, something ...

... experience. No drug was more connected with various music genres than marijuana, however. While there are negative short- and long-term side effects associated with cannabis - such as affected brain development in young ... continue reading

Drug Use | Myths

There are many myths associated with drug use and abuse. Debunking these myths is the first step in understanding how drug use affects society and how we can tackle the problems associated with it head-on. Below are just a few of the myths that need ...

... not addictive . This is a very popular myth, and it is completely unfounded. Marijuana is addictive both physically and psychologically. Marijuana affects the nervous system and creates a calm, relaxed state of mind that ... continue reading

Is There a Cure for Addiction?

Drug addiction, also known as a substance use disorder (SUD), is a national crisis in the United States. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): 1,2,3 Approximately 53 million people aged 12 and older (nearly 1 in 5 Americans) used ...

... 12 and older used an illicit substance other than marijuana). Almost 17 million people aged 12 and older ... obtain and use a drug(s), regardless of the negative effects on themselves and others. 4-6 Over time, it causes ... continue reading

From Bath Salts to Flakka: Searching for Designer Drugs

The new and unfamiliar often elicits fear of the unknown. But when the new and unfamiliar is a drug - and when this drug is attributed to episodes of extreme paranoia, acts of superhuman strength, and reports of “zombie-cannibalism” - it can ...

... release of viral videos such as “ Effects of Bath Salts ,” but interest ... terms of drug seizures. Florida's long coastline and many airports have historically made it a popular entryway for cocaine, heroin, and marijuana ... continue reading

Ways of Helping Someone With Drug or Alcohol Addiction

Seeking Drug Addiction Help If you have a loved one who is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it can be difficult to watch them. You may be wondering how to help them with their substance abuse issues. They might be ready to quit and ...

... or act angry. Enable the person. What Are the Effects of Addiction on Family And Friends? Alcohol and drug ... 1 adult who has a substance use disorder. 10 The long-term impact of alcohol and drug abuse on family members can ... continue reading

The “Hitting Rock Bottom” Myth

Misinformation and myths surrounding addiction are incredibly problematic in the world of substance misuse, addiction, and recovery. Misinformation and myths can result in missed opportunities for treatment, worsening conditions, and significant ...

... either through the exacerbation of short-term problems or the creation of new, long-term problems like: 2,3 Damage to ... addictions to substances like: Alcohol. Nicotine. Marijuana. A drug and alcohol addiction treatment ... continue reading

Social Drug Use is Like Kryptonite to Healthy Relationships

Heather always feels awkward at parties. She's quiet and shy. She never knows what to say and finds it hard to interact with people in these intimidating settings. To help her “loosen up,” she tries smoking pot before going to a party. Once ...

... social situations less threatening. Marijuana: The active ingredient in marijuana, THC (delta-9- ... time you're tipsy enough to engage, you're no longer in a state to develop meaningful relationships. When you're ... continue reading

Get the Facts on Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is a major issue in the United States. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 40.3 million people aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder (SUD) in 2020—with 28.3 million struggling with an ...

... of an overdose in 2019. 4 Short- and Long-Term Effects Drugs work by stimulating various parts of the human ... increase the dosage of the drug to experience the same effect as they did before—this is known as tolerance. 5 ... continue reading

Teenagers and Drugs: 11 Real Reasons Why Teenagers Experiment

There is a common misconception that teenagers who experiment with drugs and alcohol are inherently “bad kids.” Many parents assume that teenagers experiment because they are rebellious and want to lash out. That may be the reason a small ...

... can lead them to seek out an artificial method of coping with stress. They then turn to drugs such as marijuana in order to relax. 7. Low Self-Esteem In teenagers, especially between the ages of fourteen and sixteen, low ... continue reading

An Ultimate Guide to Understanding the Dangers of Spice

“It's not bad for you, dude. It's all natural. It's just plant materials, so it can't hurt you,” a friend whispered in Dave's ear. Unfortunately for Dave, he believed his friend and they spent the next hour smoking Spice. The seizure Dave ...

... that are sprayed onto the plants. The resulting substance is very potent and has effects that are up to ten times stronger than natural marijuana . Spice, also known as K2 and hundreds of other street names, can cause ... continue reading

5 Genius Minds Who Dabbled in Drugs

For hundreds and thousands of years, human beings have experimented with drugs. Some people used illicit substances to celebrate the gods; some used drugs to “communicate” with the other side. As time went on, people began using drugs for a ...

... of extraterrestrial life, Sagan was also a chronic user of and advocate for marijuana . Sagan was openly critical of the laws against marijuana and believed everyone should have access to the herbal plant. He firmly ... continue reading

20 Genius Minds and the Drugs They Were Addicted To

Intelligence doesn't preclude people taking drugs any more than fame does. When those who are under stress need to relax, some turn to drugs or drink as an escape from reality. Others do it because they believe it enhances their creativity or allows ...

... Cities, and David Copperfield would retire at the end of a long day writing to puff on a hookah filled with poppy latex. ... Xanax , Valium , NyQuil, beer, tobacco, and marijuana to get him through the day. His family ... continue reading

Has Kombucha Gotten a Bad Rap?

Often touted as a miracle elixir, Kombucha offers a plethora of health benefits. For those who don't know, Kombucha is a fermented beverage made from tea, sugar, bacteria, and yeast. It's available in most health food stores in a variety of flavored ...

... and journeys. What I mean is that my eyes were opened: I saw people in recovery using non-psychoactive marijuana for anxiety , I learned about other treatment modalities such as Refuge Recovery, and I saw a huge range ... continue reading

Anxiety and Substance Abuse: Treating Mental Health Issues and Addiction

It can be difficult to manage an anxiety disorder or a substance use disorder, and it can be even more difficult to manage both disorders when they co-occur together. When a mental health disorder—such as an anxiety disorder—and a substance use ...

... symptoms, and experience worse outcomes. 10,11 Both marijuana and stimulants cause the heart rate to speed up, ... and Valium (diazepam)—can be used in the short term to manage anxiety symptoms, but these have strong ... continue reading

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Substance Abuse

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition characterized by intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings that may develop after someone has experienced or witnessed a life-threatening event, serious injury, or sexual assault. 1 ...

... under. 9 Sometimes, people turn to substances like alcohol , marijuana , and other drugs to help relieve this stress or to ... life-threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual's functioning and mental, ... continue reading

Is Your Friend High? Here’s How to Tell…

Your friend seems a little “off.” Is he simply having a bad day? Did he not sleep well? Is he sick? Or is he high? To the untrained observer, it can be hard to tell. But it's important to discern. Depending on the circumstances, it could affect ...

... : Does your friend's clothes or hair smell smoky, skunky, or sweet? If so, it's a solid indicator of marijuana use . If you get a whiff of alcohol on their breath, they've likely been drinking. Powerful perfumes or air ... continue reading

History Channel Explores “America's War on Drugs”

No one gets a closer view of America's war on drugs than the officers and drug traffickers who stand on opposite sides of the battle line. What really goes on behind the scenes in each camp? What kind of power struggles wage? Who's really behind the ...

... acid and the psychedelic counterculture, and the negative effect of NAFTA on the drug scene in America. ... into the War on Drugs, a move to legalize marijuana gains momentum, mega-corporations have become richer and more ... continue reading

Drug and Alcohol Rehab for Veterans

Veterans frequently face a range of challenges as they readjust to civilian life after separation from the military. Substance use, mental health disorders, service-related injuries, and chronic pain are common among veterans. 1 Veterans are at ...

... is alcohol, followed by opioids and other prescription medications, marijuana , and cocaine . 1,3 Why Do Veterans Abuse ... about the trauma. Severe and possibly long-lasting distress when exposed to triggers reminiscent of ... continue reading

The 20 Countries With the Harshest Drug Laws in the World

United States drug laws are often considered harsh, but the penalties for carrying or trafficking drugs in other countries, particularly those in Central America, South America, and Southeast Asia, can be much more severe. Here are 20 countries in ...

... are caught with marijuana , you can get up to 20 years in jail. Other drugs carry jail terms of up to 12 ... get caught with drugs in Columbia, you will spend a long time in a very unpleasant prison. Police make several ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Bath Salts Abuse

Bath Salts: A Dangerous Synthetic Drug Even though few people mention “bath salts” when they discuss addictive drugs, this new drug has grown astronomically in popularity over the past several years. “Bath salts” are far from the salts you ...

... be incredibly dangerous, with the full extent of negative effects still unknown. When you consider that many bath salts ... resulting in trips to the emergency room was marijuana (15%). Teen Drinking And Bath Salt Abuse ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Ambien Abuse

Ambien is the brand name for the sedative-hypnotic (i.e. sleep aid) drug, zolpidem. It is a central nervous system depressant, meaning that it slows down brain activity. Ambien is available in both immediate and extended release formulations. Drugs ...

... with the detrimental short-term effects of Ambien abuse , there are several long-term problems that may arise. ... Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that after marijuana and alcohol, prescription drugs are the most common ... continue reading

Are Benzos Overprescribed?

We are an anxious nation. A whopping 40 million American adults are affected by anxiety disorders; that's 18% of the adult population! With such astronomical numbers, it shouldn't be surprising to learn anxiety disorders are the most commonly ...

... time, as the brain has been “kindled.” Because of this effect, it is crucial to keep reducing dosage even if tapering is a ... Caffeine Vitamins D & B Magnesium Medical marijuana Chamomille Kava Kava MSG How to Find Help ... continue reading

Drugs at School: Are Zero-Tolerance Policies Really Working?

Adopted over 20 years ago, zero-tolerance drug policies still dominate the conduct codes of most American public schools. In fact, the U.S. Department of Education reports an estimated 88 percent of schools enforce these policies. Zero-Tolerance as ...

... school were 1.6 times more likely to use marijuana than those peers attending schools without such policies. ... brings a Tylenol pill to school. The Dropout Effect Raises Red Flags This level of educational derailment ... continue reading

Concurrent Alcohol and Ultram Abuse

The Problem of Alcohol and Ultram Abuse When used together, Ultram and alcohol can amplify one another's effects, leading to increased risk of serious side effects. The prescription drug Ultram (generic name: tramadol) is a pain reliever with ...

... a pain reliever with opiate-like effects . It is used to treat moderate-to-severe long-term pain and was originally said to ... including alcohol, marijuana, and ecstasy. Ultram has multiple different effects on the central ... continue reading

How to Help Someone With Alcohol Addiction

In the United States, alcohol use is highly prevalent. According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, around 138 million people, or 50% of those people aged 12 and older, reported prior month use of alcohol. 1 You may be concerned ...

... length of time is critical to long-term recovery, with longer stays in treatment associated with better ... effects : Alcohol Bath Salts Cocaine Crack Crystal Meth DMT Ecstasy Hashish Heroin Inhalant LSD Ketamine Marijuana ... continue reading

Alcohol Misuse and Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

What Is Alcohol Misuse? According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), alcohol is the most commonly used and misused substance in the United States. 1 Those who misuse alcohol are not necessarily addicted or ...

... s effects may include: 2,5,16 Nausea. Vomiting. Headaches. Slurred speech. Impaired judgment. Anxiety . Insomnia. Trouble concentrating. Memory loss. Problems breathing. The risk of significant personal harm or long-term ... continue reading

Teenage Addiction Guide for Parents

The possibility that your teen may be struggling with addiction or a substance use disorder (SUD) can feel confusing and devastating. You may be overwhelmed with questions, such as: How can I be sure what's going on before talking to my child? How ...

... illicit drug use is dangerous. It has long-term consequences on a growing teenager's brain and ... % of 12th graders reported use in the past 30 days. 13 Marijuana —In 2019, 37% of high schoolers reported lifetime use and 22 ... continue reading

Long Term Effects of Marijuana

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