If you are a teenager, the chances are high that you have (at some point) started asking questions about drugs and alcohol. After all, the media has successfully painted positive and negative images of these potentially addictive substances, but you may have noticed that all countries are locked in a global debate about one drug in particular: marijuana. Recently, our neighbor Canada fully legalized recreational weed, while our long-distance partner Australia has fully permitted medical marijuana to patients suffering from severe illnesses. Have you ever wondered the true significance of this drug and why so many people oppose or support it? Let’s take a closer look at three important questions to ask your parents about marijuana.
Is Marijuana Addictive?
The short answer to this question is “yes.” While not necessarily as dangerous as heroin or crystal meth, marijuana can ultimately lead to addiction in certain people. Researchers indicate that 1 in 9 marijuana users are adults, while 1 in 6 users are teenagers. Additionally, if you smoke the drug on a daily basis, you are increasing your chances of developing an addiction by 25-50%. One of the main reasons people do not believe marijuana is addictive is because withdrawal symptoms are subtle and easy to manage. In fact, people who go through marijuana withdrawal may not be aware they are undergoing this process at all.
Is It Possible to Overdose on Marijuana?
In truth, the chances of overdosing and dying from a marijuana overdose are extremely unlikely. If a person consumes too much of the drug, they may experience sensations of paranoia and helplessness, as if they have lost touch with the real world. Likewise, smoking or eating marijuana can produce irritating side effects like poor judgment and a lack of coordination, making driving next to impossible and extremely dangerous.
Is Marijuana a Beneficial Medication?
Nearly half of U.S. States have approved the use of medical marijuana. However, keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not officially approved this drug as a viable medication because little research has been conducted to prove cannabis’s effectiveness. Typically, the drug is prescribed to patients suffering from debilitating illnesses like AIDS/HIV or undergoing rigorous cancer treatment.
Always remember that drugs do 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.
