“A little bit won’t hurt” – this phrase is uttered by teens, young adults, and older adults across the country who believe that a tiny scrap of marijuana won’t hurt them. After all, just a little puff of smoke or an innocent pot brownie isn’t enough to kill the brain cells, right? Simply put, the answer is “wrong.” According to recent reports, short-term marijuana use can still damage the brain, especially for young users. Casual, recreational pot smoking or eating can inflict as much harm on emotion, memory, and motivation centers of the brain as much as habitual, hardcore pot smoking. In fact, MRI tests have confirmed that 18 to 25-year olds who consume this drug will exponentially warp the size and shape of two areas that are critical for higher brain function. Let’s take a closer look at how short-term weed is just as bad as long-term weed.
Now, We Study Short-Term Use
Ultimately, a large chunk of research has showcased the detrimental side effects of habitual and chronic marijuana use, but recent studies seem to be changing this playing field. One work featured in the Journal of Neuroscience serves as the first study to connect casual pot use with these same dangerous side effects. As part of the program, the team of researchers (from Northwestern University and Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School) studied the brains of 18 to 25-year olds. While one group actively used the drug, the others either used a limited amount of had never consumed the drug at all.
Issues with Casual Use
As Dr. Hans Breiter (one of the members of the study) explained, many people think that casual smoking won’t impact the brain in the same manner as long-term, hardcore pot use. However, the scientists did confirm that even the smallest trace of pot can drastically change the brain’s anatomy. As the MRI scans suggest, the more pot consumed by the test subjects, the more changes took place in the amygdala and nucleus accumbens. In other words, the brain undergoes physiological and biochemical changes, regardless of how much marijuana is consumed. In other words, pot is not a good solution.
Seeking Treatment for Marijuana Use Disorder
Despite the initial reactions to marijuana, you have to remember that this plant is still a mind-altering drug, and it can inflict tremendous damage to your brain (as indicated in this research). Even the smallest amount can alter your emotions and alertness. If you are suffering from opioid abuse or addiction of any sort, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process detox and withdrawal and guide you through each step of rehabilitation to help you separate yourself from these substances.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can kick your marijuana use to the curb.
