Recent studies have shown that 5% of adults and 6-9% of children in the world are affected by some degree of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While this disorder is not necessarily severe, people suffering from ADHD will frequently experience fidgeting, restlessness, and hyperactivity and will have a hard time sitting in one spot for long periods of time. Ultimately, these people will be incredibly intelligent but cannot handle their energetic brains. Typically, doctors will prescribe stimulants (Ritalin, Adderall) to restrain the release of dopamine, but these medications can produce nasty symptoms. For people who do not want an unpleasant experience, marijuana is sometimes the answer. Let’s see why people use weed to suppress the symptoms of problems related to ADHD.
Gateway Drug or Healing Agent?
At this time, doctors are still unsure if marijuana is safe or dangerous for ADHD patients. Aficionados will actively support the drug and claim it is a safer way to control symptoms. However, people on the opposite end of the argument stress that marijuana is simply a gateway to addiction, overall.
Some scientists theorize that ADHD is caused by a lack of dopamine, a chemical responsible for stimulating critical aspects of the brain (particularly areas that control attention and memory). Once marijuana is consumed, its psychoactive agent THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) flows through the bloodstream and through the neural network and stimulates the released of this neurotransmitter. This theory could (in part) be why people think marijuana is an ideal healing agent for ADHD. In 2017, a trial conducted by scientists at Cambridge University directly linked ADHD with the gray matter of the brain (not the neurotransmitter dopamine). Likewise, some researchers have discovered that people suffering from ADHD are at a high risk of developing substance abuse or addiction.
In contrast, however, a contained study tested the effects of ADHD on children and adults, the results were very interesting. According to the report, adults who consumed the drug experienced more positive results than the children.
Risks for ADHD
Overall, self-medication is not the best option (at least in this case). The United States National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) argues that long-term use of marijuana can wreak havoc on the brain and nervous system. This damage might include:
- Poor cognitive processes in children, teens, and young adults
- Higher risk of developing anxiety, depression, mood swings, and psychotic behavior
- Drop in IQ (still disputed by doctors)
- Aggravation of attention and memory problems associated with ADHD
Always remember that marijuana does not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance abuse disorder or addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug addiction and substance abuse troubles today.
